Friday, March 13, 2015

Rider Skills Practice

Spring is just around the corner and many of you may be anxious to get out on your bike, if you haven't already....

So, is your bike ready?




You've tested the levers and controls, checked that the headlight, the brake light, signals and horn are all functioning properly. You made sure to replace and top up the fluids. You adjusted and oiled the chain, checked the tires and set the pressure. All systems go!


Now, are you ready?

Edmonton Journal photo
Duh, of course! You just spent most of the winter online shopping for new gear, waiting for the snow to melt to try out the new duds.

motorcycle-usa.com

Okay, but are YOU ready?

How are your skills? Remember, it's been a cold, dark winter. Many of us haven't ridden for several months and those of us who've managed to sneak in a ride or two, our rides have been short and probably less than stellar. I know my rides have been tense, as I shrug and hunker down to keep the cold air out.

Spring is the perfect time to sign up for a Rider Skills Practice (RSP) course. These courses are great for dusting out the cobwebs of your mind, polishing up on those skills and restoring that muscle memory we've neglected all winter.

I sign up and take a rider clinic every year, whether it's a RSP class or an ART course (cornering and braking clinic) to hone my skills as a professional motorcyclist and instructor.

Rider Skill Practice




Rider Skill Practice



















I highly recommend every motorcyclist to do the same, if not every year, at the very least every other year. 


Advance Rider Training








Advance Rider Training













In the classroom of our Basic Rider and Intermediate Rider Training courses, we ask students for their expectations of the course, and most reply with a less than enthusiastic "to get my endorsement". It is my job to surpass that expectation and have the students finish the course with so much more than "just their endorsement", but a life long skill set or foundation to build upon.



 A foundation to build upon.

BASIC Rider Training 

So practice the skills you've learned today, then come back next year and take the Rider Skills Practice. You have your endorsement so there isn't the pressure of taking a test or failing.... whew!

This is about you and building on that foundation, but in a safe environment and the familiarity of your own bike, with the benefit of professional coaching to make you a better, safer, more proficient rider.

So before going out and tearing up the streets this Spring, sign up now for a motorcycle safety course.


And special thanks to Princess Scooterpie for inquiring about the RSP and inspiring this post.



17 comments:

  1. Good stuff! Interesting to see the videos - Thanks for posting.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Nikos, I was looking for my RSP video and watched those instead.

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  2. Well, I could say that riding all year round prevents the "rusting up" of one's skills but that would be innacurate....training, especially refresher training...is key and for those folks who must "hunker down" during Winter, its crucial to review/regain/refresh one's riding skills at the start of the season.

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    Replies
    1. There have been a few crashes and fatalities already this season, riders don't consider refresher courses a priority.

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  3. What happened? Did you leave the Tiger out in the rain too long!!?
    Good post on the refresher course. Been off the bike more or less since 2012, and won't be riding much this year either. When I do venture out it's wonderful to ride, but many of little things (and big things, like cornering) just aren't up to par. And sadly somethings get forgotten after a while.

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    Replies
    1. Ha, fortunately the Tiger is mostly plastic so rust is minimal.

      It's important that you recognize that your skills are not up to par, many do not.

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  4. I did the RSP in Bend last year and the ART at Canby. They only offer RSP once per summer over here, I think due to the lack of interest/registrations......sad but many riders really don't believe they have anything to learn......OK really sad.

    Don

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd love to hear your thoughts on both the RSP and ART sometime over lunch (Next Level Burger).

      I agree that it is lack of interest and riders don't appreciate additional training. A coworker asked me about the RSP and after my spiel he inquired about receiving a plaque or getting something for taking the course!?! I assured him that he would receive professional training and acquire improved riding skills... he still wanted a plaque.

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    2. Would be great to get together, here or over there. My girlfriend has a daughter in Corvallis, so I'm sure we'll be your way a few times this summer. Anytime you guys come this way let us know! I really liked the Team Oregon courses and I have some comments on ART, not negative but observations.

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  5. Great advice Brad and thanks for your part in carrying it out!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Coop, I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but since this blog is public I hope that someone out there stumbles upon it and considers a refresher course.
      Besides, advice is always worth what you pay for it. ;)

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  6. Training is everything. I wish car drivers would update skills.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, don't get me started on the lack of driver training other than it is the best reason to get rider training.

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    2. I teach truck drivers safety, and I learned things from Team Oregon that I now use. I know it made me a better car driver.

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  7. You are most welcome! Love that you wrote about the RSP, your passion shows and the vids are awesome! We are just starting our season of courses. We always have more to learn and there is always potential for growth.

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  8. Very cool. I really enjoyed both videos. I can see why you're proud to be a part of Team Oregon. Now I need to look and see if there's a Virginia branch.

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