tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post4911482758368683216..comments2024-03-28T20:30:35.448+13:00Comments on Confessions of an Ageing Motorcyclist: Advanced rider training - reflections so farGeoff Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-10291492945951434502011-06-24T11:18:18.029+12:002011-06-24T11:18:18.029+12:00Thanks for the nice words and excellent tip Dan!
I...Thanks for the nice words and excellent tip Dan!<br />I don't think it was an undertone, haha, more like a pretty public admission! I think the more riding tests I do, the more confident and relaxed I'm getting.<br /><br />I've been thinking a bit more about the obsession with "not failing" and think I might have identified a trigger in my adult life. I've always been ok academically but since graduating, hadn't sat a formal academic exam until just over 15 years ago. I was far too casual in my preparation and failed by 3 marks. I can't begin to tell you how much that hurt because it was entirely my fault. I was determined that something like that would never happen again. Studied like crazy, re-sat it 6 months later and got the 2nd highest mark in NZ. Even that hasn't wiped the memory of the first attempt. Thinking back, I'd lay good money that event has had an on-going contribution. We all have a cross to bear of some kind, sigh....<br /><br />Thanks again for your comments!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-12325195939373769312011-06-24T09:43:36.230+12:002011-06-24T09:43:36.230+12:00It's so satisfying to find out what we're ...It's so satisfying to find out what we're truly capable of, isn't it?<br /><br />Like a couple of others who commented, concentrating on one or two things at a time is a critical key.<br /><br />Here's another subtle thing to think about.<br /><br />I catch an undertone of "I'm afraid to fail". Or, "God, I hope I don't screw this up". That's meant in a good way, I might add. I know where you're coming from and respect it.<br /><br />The trick is to think of "riding successfully" rather than "not failing". <br /><br />Like I say, it's very subtle. However, once you get into that more positive mindset it makes a world of difference.<br /><br />Congratulations on everything so far!irondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-63476543117872503642011-06-22T17:23:36.774+12:002011-06-22T17:23:36.774+12:00Keith,
Yep, I was stupid trying to take on too muc...Keith,<br />Yep, I was stupid trying to take on too much at once, but that's typical of me :-(. Let's hope I can take the next steps at a more relaxed pace!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-20003574348745639892011-06-22T14:20:58.549+12:002011-06-22T14:20:58.549+12:00I, too, centered in on looking for opportunities t...I, too, centered in on looking for opportunities to practice a couple of skills on a given ride. And, it's "Gotta' get it in the bones!" Practice until it becomes "habitual". Very good choice of words.<br /><br />Thanks for the share. As, always your enthusiasm comes through and is infectious. Great post.<br />~kKeith - Circle Bluehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-7653445684894169482011-06-21T19:12:50.014+12:002011-06-21T19:12:50.014+12:00Hi Kari!
Yup - gotta stop taking the whole process...Hi Kari!<br />Yup - gotta stop taking the whole process quite so seriously. I'm a bit more relaxed now than when first starting out as confidence grows. I've slowed the process up a touch now that winter is here which will help a little. Feel free to growl at me if stress shows through on future posts!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-981938536400868652011-06-21T18:14:00.707+12:002011-06-21T18:14:00.707+12:00System overload eh? I hear that. It's always e...System overload eh? I hear that. It's always easier to break things up into smaller chunks. Hard to do sometimes when you just want to hurry up and absorb all this great new stuff. I can relate to that.Bluekathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13485258388887249275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-27734817241146915332011-06-19T08:48:31.854+12:002011-06-19T08:48:31.854+12:00Hi Lori!
You've summed it up beautifully!
I d...Hi Lori!<br />You've summed it up beautifully!<br /><br />I don't know whether you had your tongue planted firmly in your cheek about having friends to ride with but it's actually crossed my mind more than once! Not that they won't ride with me but will they think I'm watching them as you point out. Fortunately, they're both good riders and great mates so I don't think it will be an issue at all. Because we live a decent distance away from each other, it's always a great reunion when we catch up!<br /><br />Hi Mike!<br />Pleased you've experienced some of the same things. Most people who have only driven on 4 wheels seem to thing there's nothing left to learn when they've passed their test whereas on 2 wheels, most people (eventually) realise you never stop learning.<br /><br />Glad you liked the photo. Taken at about 1000 metres altitude in The Tongariro National Park. It was soooo cold up there!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-5098783363443911102011-06-19T07:33:27.489+12:002011-06-19T07:33:27.489+12:00Geoff,
Nice post. I identify on some things you br...Geoff,<br />Nice post. I identify on some things you bring up. For example, the correct gear for the occasion. I've been experimenting with this lately. In the past I've been reluctant to get the rpm too high. In a car it's okay but the small displacement motorcycle motors seem to really scream. It wasn't until I tried keeping it in a lower gear and then I realized I was missing the fun and control available at the higher power band of rpm.<br /><br />Another point you make is riding well in bursts. I seem to suffer from this and would like to keep it all together more often. I think you're right, concentration is the key as well as relaxing. Thank you Geoff! BTW, that last shot is a keeper! The first one of you is not bad either. :-)Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-85662747191067575112011-06-19T00:17:06.805+12:002011-06-19T00:17:06.805+12:00Hi Geoff, I believe I understand your experiences...Hi Geoff, I believe I understand your experiences with a "more spirited ride, but enjoying it more because of the training". I think it boils down to, you are gaining more skills and muscle memory and approach to the road and riding. Therefore, you aren't "flailing" through twisties like before when you were absolutely having to think about proper execution. Execution and enjoyment are completely different between learning and skilled. (Notice I said skilled and not experienced.) At least, that is how it has been for me. I remember when 45 mph was too fast on country roads for me to look around and enjoy the scenery because I was so focused on execution. Oilburner would ask me if I was enjoying the ride and I would have to tell him no...because I was focused on learning how to ride! LOL.<br /><br />And are you going to have any friends to ride with one you complete IAM? Or are they all going to be too mindful that you will be critiquing them on the road? ;)<br /><br />-LoriBeemerGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-27782615655341884712011-06-18T17:56:35.173+12:002011-06-18T17:56:35.173+12:00Hi Sonja!
I will admit that at one stage, I wonder...Hi Sonja!<br />I will admit that at one stage, I wondered whether it was taking away my enjoyment of riding and in truth, it did for a short while but now I've got over the hump of putting too much pressure on myself, it's all good and I'm really enjoying it; especially the heightened awareness. (or an instinct for cager stupidity as you succinctly put it). <br /><br />BTW, the next post is going to be specially for you :-)Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-63067595718766889372011-06-18T17:22:35.289+12:002011-06-18T17:22:35.289+12:00Interesting read. I guess with so much input you g...Interesting read. I guess with so much input you go in overload, and develop the desire to make every move the perfect move instead of letting it flow. I am sure I would (and I am not an engineer). <br />The increased awareness seems somewhat scary, and Bob is right when he says that scooter riding does its share of taking you to the next level of understanding one's own vulnerability. I hope that besides proper training and exercising in empty parking lots I am about to grow an eighth sense for the cager's stupidity.<br /><br />Let it ride, Geoff!SonjaMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12389245948579828531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-3976683784530939242011-06-18T08:01:45.282+12:002011-06-18T08:01:45.282+12:00Nikos:
Completely agree with you. If other road u...Nikos:<br />Completely agree with you. If other road users knew each other's intentions, there would be no need for advanced training :-). Hope that the Calais run was both safe and enjoyable, and that you have plenty of duty-free in your panniers!<br /><br />Roger:<br />Knew you'd understand! I think the first stages were tough simply coming to grips with it all but once once it becomes natural, it's great.<br /><br />Dylan:<br />Thanks for understanding! The trick is not being too obsessive about it but sometimes, I think that engineers can be their own worst enemy with obsessions. Jennie sometimes jokes (partly, I think)that I border on high-functioning autism!<br /><br />Bob:<br />How right you are - I was like that on a scooter in Rarotonga. Even worse on a bicycle without mirrors! Unfortunately though, scooter behaviour in towns sometimes leaves a bit to be desired too, certainly in NZ.Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-6328673505271124532011-06-18T05:02:40.443+12:002011-06-18T05:02:40.443+12:00Geoff:
Your comments about what is happening behi...<b>Geoff:</b><br /><br />Your comments about what is happening behind makes me believe that the best thing you can do is to ride a small displacement scooter . These riders are painfully aware of their limited speed and constantly scan their rears for upcoming traffic. I would say they are looking into their mirrors more often than looking ahead. I think "most" are more aware of their situation than riders of more powerful bikes where riders only look ahead. <br /><br />bob<br /><a href="http://www.wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Riding the Wet Coast</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05258612401956399482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-18536901843701797942011-06-17T23:38:47.995+12:002011-06-17T23:38:47.995+12:00Good read Geoff. After a check ride IAM style your...Good read Geoff. After a check ride IAM style your Observer will give you a MAX of 3 things to work on up till next CR for exactly the same reason as to your findings.....overload. Interesting about your pressure of not failing, I feel exactly the same something I will beat myself up with until I finish that particular project......successfully. Stand back and realise thats why your boss picked you in the first place....he was the clever one!Dylanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10767788297417482616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-62878482145690525332011-06-17T21:16:15.122+12:002011-06-17T21:16:15.122+12:00GReat post Geoff, I can so relate.....funny that. ...GReat post Geoff, I can so relate.....funny that. Your comment aboout one or two things at a time to work on hits the nail on the head.<br /><br />I to am loving the experince.Rogerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-45726245339722758542011-06-17T21:03:43.929+12:002011-06-17T21:03:43.929+12:00Geoff
The other aspect of positioning is what it t...Geoff<br />The other aspect of positioning is what it tells other road users of your intentions. Its too bad that the average road user does not appreciate this..for instance, as observed from my push bike 2 days ago in sunny Knutsford: a white van moving over to the right means an impending sharp left turn!<br />Keep up all the good work and think of me riding through the rain to Calais in 3 hours time!, NNikoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03119901226987582553noreply@blogger.com