By George Zita / MSF RiderCoach
Most motorcyclists know the exhilaration of riding: the feel of the open road, fresh air, and the experience of seeing the countryside as you roll along. All these things can make your motorcycle ride extremely pleasant and relaxing… as it should be.
But too much relaxation might be a bad thing. If you become transfixed by the hum of the engine and the scenery, your attention may not be at the proper level to deal with external factors that could compromise your safety.
If you feel you are not paying attention or are getting too comfortable on your ride, force yourself to take a quick break. Find a place to safely pull over as soon as possible. Take time to walk around, hydrate, and refresh yourself with a snack or another break activity that will allow you to re-focus.
You’ll feel much better and have the energy and focus to manage the riding factors that might affect your safety when you get back on the road again.