May is motorcycle awareness month so today let’s get back to some more amazing advice from advanced riders sharing their knowledge and experience with new riders. As others have said, experience is the best teacher, having a good basis of knowledge to draw from and a great introduction to motorcycling from and MSF course, every new rider will perform better.
Melissa Holbrook Pierson is not only an experienced rider but a blogger and author of one of my very favorite motorcycle books highlighting the not just the ride but the machine, The Perfect Vehicle.
Her advice is also simple but quite profound.
Ride by yourself. Ride with others. Ride with men, and definitely ride with women–it’s a wholly different feeling, and you’ll know what I mean when you experience this kick-ass wonderfulness with your sisters. Do all these different types of rides, because they feed different parts of yourself. But on all of them, ride your own ride, EVERY time. Do it your way no matter what anyone else is doing. Because that’s how you’ll stay safe to ride another day.
Tyler Risk suffered a terrible motorcycle accident three years ago and not only survived to share the tale, but has redefined her riding on a very different machine. She is riding three wheels now, and though she misses the lean, is enjoying travel none the less. Her beautiful Can Am has been dubbed “Clifford” after the big red dog and she will ride it just about anywhere!
Tyler’s advice:
Definitely take the MSF to find out if riding is for you before investing thousands of dollars in a bike and gear. Do what is best for you and listen to your inner voice – buy whatever bike you feel most comfortable on not what someone else tells you that you should ride. Include the best gear you can into your bike budget. ATGATT!! Most importantly, always, ALWAYS be true to yourself when riding. Go with your own pace and don’t get pressured into “keeping up” or doing something you’re not comfortable with. Listen to that little voice and go with what you feel is right for you.
Pam Fisher is a long term rider and MSF rider coach. She has done extensive touring and enjoys motorcycle touring with her husband, Chaz.
Pam’s advice:
Take a professionally taught new riders’ course such as the MSF’s Basic Riders Course, Riders Edge (Harley Davidson sponsored), or state run course. Do NOT let a friend or significant other teach you how to ride. Unless they are a professional MC instructor (in basic techniques) they can only teach you what they know. Which will include any and all incorrect and potentially dangerous techniques or habits. Learning from a significant other includes a spectrum of emotional stress that can make riding (or the thought of riding), a nightmare rather than a joy.
Learning to ride safely is best done from the very basics of what/where the controls are, to using the friction zone, followed by starting out and stopping smoothly, then adding shifting, etc. etc. Very few individuals have the patience to allow a new rider to get comfortable with each bit before adding the next.
Veteran/experienced riders tend to discount the learning-a-new-skill-fear most women have. This is also combined with the often subtle fear of machines/loud noises. As a result they get terse and frustrated with the student. This causes the new student to make more mistakes which results in the student feeling inept… and often giving up on riding entirely. So, hang in there and if it’s your passion, don’t give up!
Antonina Boonacker a European was raised on motorbikes and scooters from her childhood, but had been riding large format bikes only a few years. She has done extensive distance touring in Europe and the USA and has vast experience on the road.
Her advice comes from her heart.
I am 66 yrs old, and I have been riding now 7 years on a big bike. Many years ago I was on a vespa in crazy traffic.
I mostly ride long distances traveling and discovering new places. I ride in hot or cold weather avoiding snow or below freezing temps.
What are the most important aspect of riding I always have in mind?
Never ride when your body is not feeling well. Get to know your body and listen to your gut feeling. When in doubt don’t ride.
Here a story and lesson I will remember.I have a friend, and experienced rider, who fainted while riding due to some stomach problems. She and her husband (he does not ride) they had planned that weekend to go to the cabin. Her stomach flue from the day before was getting better. She said OK lets go, I will be fine. While riding she suddenly felt dizzy and passed out on her bike. Result was, crashed and was in a ditch for hours alone until they found her, (husband had taken another route with the car) Several months of hospital with broken neck, ribs and you can imagine the scenario. She was lucky not to die!! A new lesson I learned from here.
Never ride with any alcohol in your system. It is soooo tempting, just a half beer or so. I want to have full reflexes in perfect condition. I do not risk it ever, not for the cops but for me.
When tired and you feel you are not as focused any more, stop for a little while, stretch your legs drink and/or eat and then continue. 10 or 15 min can work miracles.
Always prepare for the worst weather, hot or cold. Hypothermia or heatstroke can happen without noticing that you are in the danger zone. So…think ahead and stop even if you want to push a little more don’t do it and adjust to the conditions.
Passing cars or trucks, WHEN IN DOUBT DON’T PASS!!
Never get upset with cars or pedestrians. The adrenaline of getting upset is not good and a waste of energy. They just are stupid and con not help it. That is what I tell myself. If you are upset, your reactions on the bike will change probably for the worse.
Develop a sense of reading what people are going to do, when driving close to you. I always analyze their faces expression and what they are doing in the car. Eating, talking, texting….etc or just bored and not paying attention. Pedestrians, where are they looking, dogs what is their goal…..that helps me to foresee their actions.
I always ride little faster then the regular traffic. It keeps me alert and on long rides something to think, like watching out for the cops. Do not think I am a speeder, not at all. I have come to notice, that the more miles I put on my bike the more relaxed and less need I have to speed. I know I will reach my destination just fine. having said that I am not a slow poke either. I like a variation, some twisties with good conditions I might just have fun and challenge myself. If I am in the mood to see the scenery I will go on a comfortable ride.
I do not ride in the dark, unless really necessary. I do ride but rarely in the evening in my city even though there is lighting and I am familiar with the roads and traffic.
When I ride alone I am very aware of my surroundings. If I have to stay at a motel, I do not try to call attention to the fact that I am alone. I have my mental antenna working, to let me know if something is NOT OK. I am not afraid, just aware of the situation. With time one develops and instincts for what is right and what not and still I can enjoy talking with people and have a good time.
Take good care of your bike. Tire pressure and oil level is very important and listen to unusual sounds. Also go over and give a glimpse if something is different.
Of course Full Riding Gear all the time. Be relaxed and confident that you have the skills necessary to ride. It is your mind which has the control over the bike and many more aspects in your life. As a last thing I try to always get better, learning from good riders and take a riding class or a track day when possible.
I do hope that you are enjoying this wonderful series of posts. I know that every time I read this, I learn something new! Tomorrow will the final post in this series. See you then!!