The previous blog was about how our brain tricks us into believing a false truth, filling in the blanks because the other option seems unlikely, that is how motorcyclists end up entangled with vehicles all too often. Knowing this helps us arm ourselves when we are riding and also to start trouble shooting ways to avoid these unnecessary accidents. A fight between a car and a motorcycle is an unfair fight and the fact that so many drivers are distracted make it even more dangerous for us when we ride on the street. I’ve heard many a motorcyclist say that they ride to just get away, just relax…while I ride to get away from people, stress, kids, whatever the day has managed to drag and and dump in my lap, I never ride to relax. That implies you are riding without thought which I interpret to not being aware of your surroundings, mindless. Riding that way will get your ticket punched pretty quickly.
As many of you know I advocate advanced training, whether it be on the track or on the street, the more you fill your toolbox with skills the more confident you can be to handle any situation as it arises. However, nothing beats predicting and preparing so you never have to react in a panic or high stress situation. I just finished reading Sport Riding Techniques by Nick Ienatsch, if you haven’t read it, do. Every book and author has morsels of information that you can connect with and at times change the way you look at things and your ride…reading one book or one author is like getting a whole box of chocolates with every one the same, it’s great until someone gives you an assorted box, then all of a sudden it changes everything! Nick discusses reading traffic patterns because if you commute enough you will see them and can use these patterns to your advantage. He also discusses “driver identification“, which I consider profiling. It merely means being aware of who is behind the wheel of a given car, what sort of car it is, how it’s being driven. Identifying the types that say bully you, ignore you, don’t see you, want to work with you, types that don’t give you space. Who can you trust, tailgate, intimidate or not, is clueless, etc.? Asking these questions can help you determine if you want to be around them or get as far away from them as you can. However, if it ever comes to a question of trust? Trust no one and ride like you are invisible.
As a street rider, I check my mirrors often and so should you. I’d say I check every 5 seconds or so, even down the freeway, I like to know who is coming up behind me (check for the occasional trooper) and who is around me since it is vital to my survival. I ride relaxed, but not to relax and be mindless, there are too many variables to think about, but these skills will become second nature and pretty soon you’ll see how much more enjoyable your rides can be. This rule is also a helpful reminder for you to glance to make sure your turn signals are canceled, they are responsible for more accidents than you can imagine. Always be clear with your intentions, confusion can lead to an unfavorable turnout. Not using them at all to solve the problem? Don’t! Signals help draw attention to your bike, which you want! For example, if you want to change lanes, but don’t want to use your signal, the car in front or the next lane over wants to do just the same, who wins? Signals help notify others of your intended actions. Just be more aware of canceling them after lane changes and turns, that is where checking your mirrors and a quick glance down to check your turn signals is perfect.
Within every b
lind spot is a “Death Spot”, a place where you are in harm’s way if that vehicle changes lanes or decides to share it with you. Try to avoid these spots no matter what. As soon as your front tire is parallel with a vehicle’s rear bumper you are entering the death spot and will remain in it until you are past that vehicle. A Porsche’s death spot will be far less than a Ford F150, but either one can take you out. As riders we are always forced into blind spots in heavy traffic, do whatever you can to get noticed, whether its slowing to fall into the car’s mirrors or accelerating to the vehicle in front of you to be visible to the car in the next lane, always trying to get clear of the death spot. Remember motorcycles have this incredible ability of speed to get us out of sketchy situations, use this when you need it, especially when your instincts are telling you to get the hell out of there. “Riding well in traffic is a constant adjustment of speed an lane position, requiring the same total concentration needed while lapping a racetrack.” There are so many lessons you can take from the racetrack to the street. Total focus and concentration, a well maintained machine, practice and get better, ride sober (no racer would ever ride impaired) and the principle of no brake lights (road racing bikes do not have lights, so do some cars, they learn to judge speed and deceleration without relying on lights as should you.
The season is quickly approaching and nicer weather will be more consistent, brush up on your skills and should you require some private lessons, I’m here to help. Fill out my questionnaire form and email it to me, we can setup a time to meet and figure out a plan to make you a confident and empowered rider in no time.
Vixens Ride!
