Develop your riding skills
Fall is a great time to work on your riding skills. Summer can be too hot, winter is too cold, but Spring and Fall are just right to develop your skills on a parking lot. Sharpen those skills before you put them away for the Winter and they will be sharper when you get them back out next Spring.
Where to Rekindle Your Riding Skills? Opt for Well-Marked Locations
Finding the right environment to practice is crucial. Empty, well-paved parking lots are prime locations. Schools, colleges, and shopping centers often have suitable spaces, but always remember to seek permission if you're using privately-owned grounds. Keep an eye out for potential hazards like oil spills, curbs, and potholes, and choose a location commonly used for motorcycle safety courses when possible.
How to Gauge Your Riding Progress
Parking spaces or lines in your chosen location can serve as useful metrics for measuring your improvement. You can also use water bottles as makeshift lane markers; just ensure you clean up afterward. The idea is to leave the space better than you found it.
Critical Motorcycle Skills: A Three-Fold Focus
Whether you're a novice or a seasoned biker, focusing on three core skills can make a world of difference in your safety on the road: braking, turning, and obstacle avoidance. Let's break down these categories.
1. The Art of Braking
Braking might sound straightforward, but it's a nuanced skill that requires attention. Here are some exercises to refine your braking techniques:
- Normal stopping in a straight line
- Rapid stopping in a straight line
- Regular halting while turning
- Quick cessation during a curve
2. The Mechanics of Turning
The next item on your practice list should be turns. A mastery of turning is vital for navigating through traffic and roadways safely. To hone this skill, perform the following:
- Basic 90-degree turns
- Sharp turns without pausing
- Tight turns from a stationary position
3. Navigating Obstacles and Evasive Maneuvers
Unforeseen road hazards are inevitable. Therefore, learning how to dodge them is vital. Work on these specific techniques:
- Zigzagging or weaving
- Swerving to sidestep obstacles
Structured Training Programs: MSF Courses
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers a range of rider education courses that are a must for any serious motorcyclist. If you haven't enrolled in an MSF basic course yet, it's high time you considered it. These courses offer invaluable riding techniques and strategies that can save lives.
For riders looking to polish their existing skills, the MSF also offers advanced rider courses, an excellent option to deepen your understanding and refine your techniques.
Become a Member of MCrider and get the Field Guide
Get instant access to the Field Guide and start working on all of the skills mentioned above and then some. The Field Guide is designed to used by any rider, at any skill level, on any open parking lot.
Become a Member today and start working with the MCrider Field Guide.
Ride Safe, Keep Learning, and I'll See you on the Road!
