Mentor rides.

[Jantar]

One month ago it was decided to dismantle the KB Mentor programme, and re-invent it so that any mentoring arranged through KB could be carried out effectively and safely. We are making progress on this and hope to report back shortly. In the meantime its great to hear that many experienced riders are still giving their time to assist newer riders in gaining practical skills.

We are concerned, though, that some of the exercises we are hearing about are way beyond those we would expect to be given to newer riders. Some may be putting riders at risk by trying to teach various reactions to situations, where better time could be spent assisting new riders to avoid those situations in the first place.
Former astronaut Frank Borman once said, "A superior pilot uses his superior judgment to avoid situations which require the use of his superior skill." The same adage applies to motorcycle riders.

So while there are no current KB mentors, and hence no current mentor rides, please do continue to assist and advise newer riders, but help should be aimed at riding awareness, rather than advanced skills.

[Katman]

I'm pleased to hear that KB are looking to address the questionable advise that gets dished out by some on here. I shudder every time I read a newbie asking for riding advise and seeing someone with little more experience replying "Come out with me - I'll show you the best lines".

[discotex]

Glad to hear you're making progress Jantar.

In my opinion there is a place for all levels of riding advice and training and I'd hate to see the new mentor program take advanced training away.

I for one want to hook up with other bikers that will teach me skills above my current ability. I'm confident on the open road but I know I could be quicker and safer with good advice.

Likewise I really appreciate doing the more basic skills like emergency braking and slow speed handling.

I really hope the new mentor program can cater to that as well.


Re the second half of your post...

I'm confused. On one hand you're saying there are no KB mentor rides but on the other you are saying:

We are concerned, though, that some of the exercises we are hearing about are way beyond those we would expect to be given to newer riders.

As with other rides advertised on KB I don't think people who weren't on the ride should be making judgement calls like that. We aren't privvy to the skill level of those involved and what they've already been trained on.

What is good and what isn't good advice or exercises is purely subjective, relative to the people involved and if being done offline and without KB endorsement doesn't really concern KB (as in the site not it's members) right?

Or have I misundersood you and those comments are just a personal opinion rather than spoken on behalf of the mod team?

[McDuck]

I guess it just becomes what is relavent. I have not been on a mentor training thing but i would guess it would start with 'what do you want to learn'? Well if the person wants to learn advanced stuff then this warning needs to be said...

[Jantar]

As with other rides advertised on KB I don't think people who weren't on the ride should be making judgement calls like that. We aren't privvy to the skill level of those involved and what they've already been trained on...

Quite correct, and that is one reason why I haven't mentioned which rides or which exercises. Suffice it to say that riders on L or R licences were being given exercises that a very experinced rider (and a mentor) couldn't do safely.

[The Lone Rider]

I'm happy to do one on one practise time with people, even if just moral support

I'm sure some of the newer riders who have come out with us would agree they learnt from just attending.

[Toaster]

I'm pleased to hear that KB are looking to address the questionable advise that gets dished out by some on here. I shudder every time I read a newbie asking for riding advise and seeing someone with little more experience replying "Come out with me - I'll show you the best lines".

Well said..... and we aren't talking about white powder on the glass table either! (snnnnnnnnnnnnifff!!)

[Mikkel]

Quite correct, and that is one reason why I haven't mentioned which rides or which exercises. Suffice it to say that riders on L or R licences were being given exercises that a very experinced rider (and a mentor) couldn't do safely.

Considering that everybody who's been riding for X days are at the same skill level?

Further - if safe was what was wanted, why go for a motorcycle and not a humvee?

Edit: Ethanol goes in spelling goes out the window...

[Bonez]

Have the "ex-mentors" that have offended the gods at KB been approached about said behaivior at all?

And in real life has the "shown the good lines" approach actually been done or is this an overreaction?

Curious that's all. As the rides we have locally generally there are riders that look after the noobs quite well. Keeping an eye on them and offering sound advice. This goes both ways. Sometimes the noobs can offer advice those of us who have been riding for years.

[Pancakes]

Wasn't me, I don't know shit and ride even worse.

[White trash]

Sweet as. Any noobs wanna learn how to get their knee down? There's a great roud about just down the road...........

Edit: Hang on a minute, so the way your post reads Jantar, as there's no official KB mentor system in place, it was just some rider giving advice to some other rider. You've decided that forum rules aren't enough, "we're" (whoever that is, probably whoever's concerned) going to dictate to people what goes on out on the roads too. Smart move. Gonna be real popular with anti-mod brigade.

I wish you luck in your crusade and can't wait 'till the long arm of moderation exends to the race track telling me what I can and can't do.

Edit 2: Knowing a bit more of the facts, it seems I went off a little half cocked. Sorry 'bout that. (I still think your wording sucks)
A mentoring program via a website is going to be frought with some pretty big dangers and differences of opinions. I'd be VERY selective in who I'd choose as a mentor and I think the people that put themselves forward will want to take it on the chin and not personaly should they be declined.

[Jantar]

Edit: Hang on a minute, so the way your post reads Jantar, as there's no official KB mentor system in place, it was just some rider giving advice to some other rider. You've decided that forum rules aren't enough, "we're" (whoever that is, probably whoever's concerned) going to dictate to people what goes on out on the roads too. Smart move. Gonna be real popular with anti-mod brigade.

I wish you luck in your crusade and can't wait 'till the long arm of moderation exends to the race track telling me what I can and can't do.

No-one is telling what you can and cant do. I am just pointing out that the KB mentor programme is being revised and that there are no current KB mentors. However, training is still going on, and that is good, but it shouldn't be called KB mentoring.

[Jorja]

Any idea when the new system will be in place?

Seems like you got rid of something that maybe wasn't perfect, there is no date for when the new system will be in place so now you have no say in what is being taught and by whom.

Maybe the mentor programme (which was better than none) could have stayed in place untill you have finished doing what ever it is you need to do to revise it.