KB Mentor programme

[Maverick]

What about different levels of mentors or specialisations? that way people know what the mentor they are contacting is suitable to teach or advise?
For instance one mentor might be deemed good to teach basic riding to a learner rider, but might not be deemed to have enough experiance to teach the finer points of high speed riding or racing? Or as mentioned maybe a mentor in a mechanical/technical sense but not riding?

my 2c

[DingoZ]

Personally, when I want some mentoring again (which will be soon), I will approach someone that I have ridden with, seen the way they ride and trust that they know what they are talking about to give me a few hours of advice and some ideas of things to practice. I think anyone who asks for mentoring should be ready and willing to take a hard swallow, shut-up, listen and take on board what they are being told, otherwise, why bother, another good reason to pick someone you already know a bit and trust them and their riding.

(Jim, you know you're going to get me hassling you soon eh?)

Have got to agree, with this. Have found all the advice, the hints, tips, and feedback that has been provided by the people I have met from KB and from the Wednesday Night Rides, and the weekend rides etc that I have been on so far, have all been invaluable. I listen to all advice, and if it doesn't work for me then no harm no foul.

And if someone offers me advice or tells me maybe I should do something different, I'm not one to take offence, rather take it on board, cause the advice is meant to be helpful not hurtful....

And would not knock back the offer if someone was to "Mentor" me....

[Blackbird]

What about different levels of mentors or specialisations? that way people know what the mentor they are contacting is suitable to teach or advise?
For instance one mentor might be deemed good to teach basic riding to a learner rider, but might not be deemed to have enough experiance to teach the finer points of high speed riding or racing? Or as mentioned maybe a mentor in a mechanical/technical sense but not riding?

my 2c

That is part of our proposal! More details in due course. A few things to work through first.

[huck farley]

I have no training tickets, I do have 40 years of riding & fixit skills and a have a very wise head on my shoulders. But it is not enough. So I therefore retract any offers through Kiwi biker to mentor anyone. I will help the local riders. Cheers "Huck"

[Blackbird]

I have no training tickets, I do have 40 years of riding & fixit skills and a have a very wise head on my shoulders. But it is not enough. So I therefore retract any offers through Kiwi biker to mentor anyone. I will help the local riders. Cheers "Huck"

Bristly, aren't you? I'm talking about possible different levels of mentoring according to skill and experience, not a formal piece of paper. I have over 40 years of biking experience too. You were a bit quick off the mark there!

Geoff

[xwhatsit]

I personally think that offering to do anything except pick up a broken bike is pointless. Most (there are exceptions) "motorcyclists" are pretty entrenched about how 733t their own skills are.

Well yes, it seems to be that way with more experienced riders, but beginners like myself and the hordes of GN250 `fresh this season' riders are pretty keen for some instruction. Was just reading a thread by Jaymzw where he was struggling with braking; Madbikeboy took him out and showed him the way.

On Monday did a short run to Kaiaua and back, there was a guy called Shingo on a VTR250 who had been riding for two weeks. Also TOTO who, despite riding for a few years, is still really enthusiastic about lapping up as much knowledge as he can.

I wouldn't write the chances of this off completely, especially for the rank noob set.

[huck farley]

I personally think that offering to do anything except pick up a broken bike is pointless. Most (there are exceptions) "motorcyclists" are pretty entrenched about how 733t their own skills are.

Volunteering for a beating is a pretty odd thing to do. Leave it to the paid professionals. At least they get cash to go with the bruising.

Call me "bristly" but I think Jim2 is onto it. Makes sense to let the pros go about the job they are trained to do. As it has been mentioned none trained unqualified tutors may offer the wrong advice. Enough said. That is why I retracted my offer. No other reason!! cheers.

[Mom]

Call me "bristly" but I think Jim2 is onto it. Makes sense to let the pros go about the job they are trained to do. As it has been mentioned none trained unqualified tutors may offer the wrong advice. Enough said. That is why I retracted my offer. No other reason!! cheers.

I think that should have read "firstly" but I digress...

I am more than willing and very happy to "mentor" a new rider. I dont actually know jack shit about riding I might add, having only held a bike license for over 30 years now. Am not sure that I would want to be an "Official KB mentor" I am just here and am happy to assist anyone that wants to learn something I know, that they dont....

Tis the biker way after all......

[Big Dog]

I think that should have read "firstly" but I digress...

I am more than willing and very happy to "mentor" a new rider. I dont actually know jack shit about riding I might add, having only held a bike license for over 30 years now. Am not sure that I would want to be an "Official KB mentor" I am just here and am happy to assist anyone that wants to learn something I know, that they dont....

Tis the biker way after all......

+1. I never set out to be a mentor but I am unwilling to let Wednesday nights die as long as there are people who are wanting to learn. If they want professional advice they can get that too.

Despite several people suggesting I get my endorsement I refuse to because I want any advice I give to remain free.

[boomer]

There will be criteria set as to what the standards are to becoming an official KB mentor...

The programme is being done by 3 men I would trust with my life, and their judgement on what is required based on the research they are doing is what KB will go for on an official capacity.

However instead of pulling it to bit before its even started why dont people just sit back and let them get is completed.

Do you get a badge with the position of 'offiicial kb mentor' ? Like Joey Deacon?

[boomer]

I have over 40 years of biking experience too

Sorry mate, but by itself that means SQUAT. I have 40 years at this life business...therefore should I be a qualified gynecologist.

[Blackbird]

Sorry mate, but by itself that means SQUAT. I have 40 years at this life business...therefore should I be a qualified gynecologist.

Errr....that was exactly my point to our friend. Looks like you still have plenty to learn

[Doogle]

A quick question with no intent to ruffle feathers. Isn't protecting KB from libel the reason the KB trackdays are run as "Frosty's" trackdays?
Shouldn't the same degree of seperation apply to the mentor program ?

[ManDownUnder]

I'm happy to help with mentoring and claim to have experience but no expertise in any one thing.

I'm a road rider - NOT a track rider. Braking and lines/cornering are probably what I can help with best but my time is very limited.

Also - in general discussion, Mrs KD hit a very important point on the head. It helps tremendously to have a mentor that rides in a style you actually like/respect/relate to. There's a lot of people out there faster than me, better braking cornering etc but in my mind they're taking more risks than I'm comfortable with.

Whilst I could learn from them, I'm not sure I'd take instruction from them very well. To be inspired into learning is the way to go if you're lucky enough to find someone that fits the bill.

Last. The status of mentor. I'll pull no punches here. It's not an ego thing. If you're in it for the ego your head is in the wrong place. If you're in it for the title - you head is in the wrong place. If you're in it to be better than your mates... you have a shitload of growing up to do - and your head is not only in the wrong place - it's most of the way up your arse.

It's more like a social resposibility - a civic duty. Something that should be done, needs to be done, and only those with the skills should be doing it. It needs to be open frank and honest... and totally open to peer review and criticism.

2c poorer - over and under

[Ixion]

A quick question with no intent to ruffle feathers. Isn't protecting KB from libel the reason the KB trackdays are run as "Frosty's" trackdays?
Shouldn't the same degree of seperation apply to the mentor program ?

They're really SB trackdays now. Mr Frosty got arseholed out of KB.

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