Rider Training...do you need it?

[Grumpy]

A little while ago, a group I'm involved in decided to organise an advanced rider training day through the guys at Ride Right, Ride Safe out west Auckland.
I thought I'd go along to help make up the numbers, after all I'd been riding for 26 years, what the hell could they teach me that I didn't already know, right?....Wrong!!
It was a bit of a humbling experience to find out just how deeply ingrained alot of our bad habits are. I learnt to ride the hard way, bought a bike, turned the key and then off I went. No formal training at all.
What surprised me was the number of the more experienced riders who refused the opportunity. No way did they need any training.They almost took it as an insult that someone even mentioned it.
Is it misguided pride or just plain stupidity that won't allow us to admit when we could still use some advice, no matter how long we've been riding?
How long have others been riding here and have / would you attend a rider training day?

[bgd]

About 3 years.

Have done one day safety training with the met (www.bikesafe.co.uk), one day advanced with my original instructor and currently doing the IAM advanced training (http://www.psi.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/IAM/).

Haven't been riding long enough to develop the ego and am old enough to realise that I need all the help I can get.

[Satan]

Fucked if I need it.....I created the bloody things

[wkid_one]

Obviously I could do with training -

[Grumpy]

Fucked if I need it.....I created the bloody things

In that case, my Mum's been wanting a word with you for a while now

[wkid_one]

PMPL - well done!

[Yamahamaman]

How long have others been riding here and have / would you attend a rider training day?

I'll take some training after the tin-top manipulators out there understand that rear view mirrors are not used as a decorative ornament or for applying makeup.

I suspect hell will freeze over first.

[Coldkiwi]

yeah, i need some. Until the day (ho ho) I can whip everyone on the road, round the track and do Rossi-style knack knack wheelstands as I humiliate them by lapping them again.... I will still need training! besides, i think its good fun if you go with an attitude to learn.

[vifferman]

Well, I've been riding on and off (i.e, sometimes on the bike, and sometimes off the bike, sitting on my butt on the road) since ....oohh... about 1974 or thereabouts. So of course I know all there is to know about riding - NOT!!

Yeah, I'd attend a rider training day, if it was aimed at a level appropriate to my current skills and experience.

[Motoracer]

I have a vague idea of where I need/want to be. I am only in the early stages of the journey in getting there. Any training would only accelerate the whole learning process and let me reach closer to my goal faster.

[rodgerd]

Possibly, it depends what's involved. If it's aimed at learner level, not so much. If it's a refresher/correcting bad habits, definitely. Nice controlled environment to practise slow riding, emergency braking and swerves and such is always welcome, especially with some tutors to suggest improvements.

[phase]

My riding time < 6 months. I can go in a straight line and maybe a few corners without falling off, but more than that is a bit of an ask.

Who is the course aimed at?

[FROSTY:Me]

Holey cow --Ive been riding bikes since I was in nappies. Have I got more to learn---hell yea.
Would i go to a rider training course--in a flash
You guys compare to the best of the best out there racing. They still practice they still improve their skill levels alll the time.
After a couple of weeks off the bike I can feel the rust forming.
after months riding with baby bikie I have to relearn how to corner properly.
(if you've seen BB's antics on my bike youll understand)

[Dr Bob]

I really only commute, but I realise that I have got more to learn.
Who runs a course on;

-judging the distance between rear vision mirrors
-anticipating the actions of cage jockeys
-getting to the front at a set of lights
-determining the appropriate time to use the auxillary central motorcycle lane
-and how to enter the office with dignity after a downpour

[White trash]

Nup! No more learning required.

I've mastered the art of getting into ambos both on foot and being stretchered. I've done a couple of training sessions at Dunedin, wellington, Lower Hutt, Tokoroa, Oamaru and Waikato hospital.

I am also a master of negotiating the corridors of various Physio departments both on crutches and in wheelchairs.

Other than correct rescue hellicopter procedure, I've got it covered. But thanks anyway.