04-08-2015, 09:22 AM
1. - ride like everyone else on the road is out to kill you. If you're wrong, you have lost nothing. If you're right, then at least you have a fighting chance.
2. - (from Motorcycle Roadcraft - UK police riders' handbook) practice honest self appraisal of your skills. I came back to riding after a 15 year break, and found out that I had lost those skills and abilities which I had taken for granted. Ho hum, on went the mental 'L' plates, pride was swallowed, and now every ride incorporates a trip to an empty car park to practice slow speed manoeuvers, weaving between markers, 'U' turns, figure 8s etc. (needn't be boring - search moto gymkhana on YouTube)
3. - adjust speed and position on the road so that you can pull up in the space that you can see ahead of you.
4. - try 'talking' yourself through a ride sometimes, e.g " ...blind crest coming up..can see the road goes off to the left from the telegraph poles,... Position to centre line (UK) of road to maximise visibility if traffic allows... Hold to outside of curve until the vanishing point starts to recede, then cut in....road clear ahead...junction coming up...car waiting...adjust position to give me a bit more time to dodge if he pulls out...eye contact/watch his wheels...." That sort of thing.
5. - you have chosen a pastime which is inherently dangerous, but is fun and exciting. Do the math. Is the risk worth the return? Wow - I now seem to have acquired a wonderful wife and children. - do the math again... Jeez the wife and kids are driving me insane, I'm about to throttle someone/smack my boss in the mouth.. Re-do the math!
2. - (from Motorcycle Roadcraft - UK police riders' handbook) practice honest self appraisal of your skills. I came back to riding after a 15 year break, and found out that I had lost those skills and abilities which I had taken for granted. Ho hum, on went the mental 'L' plates, pride was swallowed, and now every ride incorporates a trip to an empty car park to practice slow speed manoeuvers, weaving between markers, 'U' turns, figure 8s etc. (needn't be boring - search moto gymkhana on YouTube)
3. - adjust speed and position on the road so that you can pull up in the space that you can see ahead of you.
4. - try 'talking' yourself through a ride sometimes, e.g " ...blind crest coming up..can see the road goes off to the left from the telegraph poles,... Position to centre line (UK) of road to maximise visibility if traffic allows... Hold to outside of curve until the vanishing point starts to recede, then cut in....road clear ahead...junction coming up...car waiting...adjust position to give me a bit more time to dodge if he pulls out...eye contact/watch his wheels...." That sort of thing.
5. - you have chosen a pastime which is inherently dangerous, but is fun and exciting. Do the math. Is the risk worth the return? Wow - I now seem to have acquired a wonderful wife and children. - do the math again... Jeez the wife and kids are driving me insane, I'm about to throttle someone/smack my boss in the mouth.. Re-do the math!