Riding skills

[GoldOxide_imp]

A few random thoughts on this subject:-

I think one of the most important aspects of our riding is being totally honest with oneself regarding our abilities. To be fair, I'm reading a lot that suggests many here are doing just that.

On a connected note, during training I was taught to continually assess my riding. Evaluate what went well and what I could have done better.

I get particularly dismayed with myself should I not see a situation (hazard) soon enough when I had the opportunity. Such occasions are fortunately not too frequent but are very powerful reminders to myself that I must do better if I am to actively manage my own on road safety sufficiently.

Having undertaken advance driver/rider training here in the UK both in car and on bike, with the Institute of Advanced Motorists and RoSPA, two safety focussed organisations, I find I have developed a riding style that is smooth and safe whilst still making progress. However, it seems to me, these courses have had an unexpected consequence. Despite what I said earlier regarding lapses of observation, I am reasonably proficient in hazard perception, decision making, planning, positioning, travelling at legal speeds etc etc. But....... because of these risk minimising factors, I never seem to need to brake hard or abruptly change course to avoid a sticky situation. I have surely become deskilled in these essential elements of machine control! Not so when I was a kid blasting around the local highways and byways. Then it was all part of the thrill of motorcycle ownership. But now, do I have the ability to safely carry out an emergency braking manoeuvre? Or deftly change course in an instant? I very much doubt it! My thanks to Gecko for his post which reminds me I still need to practice the contingencies for when it all goes bad. It is probably a good time for me to get some suitable professional instruction/training to get me sharp again.

Can never have too much rider training.

Interesting point Corynorhinus. I often allow the engine do much of the braking. Arguably not optimal safety, particularly at night. "Slow look press & roll" and "trail braking" seem to get a lot of coverage in the riding domain, and are important approach discussions. But yes, if the rider is competent, continuously aware, and engaged in their surrounding, emergency braking is quite seldom, perhaps rare. Will the "muscle memory" kick in effectively when needed?

Indeed, I suppose practice training can help keep that ability better honed.