SHARI IVES DECEMBER 8, 2021 INSTRUCTION LEAVE A COMMENT
By George Zita / MSF RiderQoach
Whenever we learn something new, we soon forget how to complete that new skill if we do not practice. After course completion, we always recommend students practice frequently using a good mix of activities that polish and build on the basics of their learnings.
Find an empty parking not on a day when there is plenty of open space and minimal vehicular traffic. You can easily practice starting, stopping, low speed maneuvers and parking activities in this environment.
Depending upon the amount of space you have, it might also be possible to simulate movement in stop-and-go traffic. These are great everyday Situations to practice.
- Other practice recommendations include: Mix up the activities you need to reinforce. If you focus on just one thing, you might become bored. Real life riding involves varying activities and interactions while you are on the motorcycle. Make your test course conditions like those you might experience while you are out on the road. (See next bullet)
- Practice starting, stopping, cornering, swerving, and moving in “stopand go” traffic operations frequently. These simulate real riding occurrences and help develop “muscle memory” for managing both the controls and the bike in these types of riding situations. The more you can respond (instead of “react”) in a real traffic situation with smooth operation of the bike and controls, the more likely the possibility that you will remain safe.
- You can use two standard size parking spaces to simulate U-turns in a 20—24-foot Buy some inexpensive tennis balls and cut them in half to create cones which can be placed for turns, weaves and stopping points in the lot.
- Once you have the basics internalized, you might want to think about building a local riding“route” in your neighborhood, where you can practice your skills in a low speed, everyday traffic environment.
- The most important thing is to progress your skillsto a level where your comfort around controlling and managing the motorcycle correctly are “automatic.” Remember to exercise extra care in residential neighborhoods—in case cars, children, and animals suddenly appear in your path.