06-02-2016, 07:58 AM
(05-27-2016, 02:24 AM)Rebel73_imp Wrote: I just don't see how learning the fundamentals can in any way be detrimental. That makes no sense. Who's more likely to survive out on the streets? Someone who knows what counter-steering is and how it works or someone who doesn't? Someone who knows the basics of braking, lane positioning, and safety gear? Both feet on pegs as soon as the bike starts moving. Apply both brakes when coming to a stop. Feather the rear brake to stabilize bike in slow speed maneuvers. Etc etc.
The beginner rider courses are intended to teach the fundamentals so that new riders practice CORRECTLY and avoid developing bad habits from the get-go. No one but an idiot would believe that several hours in a parking lot will make one a proficient rider. Anyone who believes that probably shouldn't be on a bike to begin with. That kind of false confidence can prove deadly.
I gotta say I agree with this. I've seen some scary new riders, but what I tend to see more of (at least when I go on big group rides) is people who have been riding for 2 or 3 years and still lack solid technical skills or knowledge of where the hazards are and how to stay safe in traffic.
Lots of these guys ride a ton in terms of miles, but they don't actually engage in "deliberate practice," most of which seems to stem from the fact that they never learned any of the basic techniques of riding -- I. E., they don't know what things they do wrong and should consciously be working on in order to improve their riding.