Spring training

DataDan

DataDan

Mama says he's bona fide
The Season Begins

Great weather is expected this weekend after a few wet weeks. If you haven't ridden for a while--and especially if you haven't ridden aggressively for a while--consider some of the suggestions in the first post in this thread. And if you need a more graphic reminder of the danger of early spring riding, take a look at some of the RIP threads from March 2008:

Have a fun and safe weekend of riding. :ride
 
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DataDan

DataDan

Mama says he's bona fide
VaderSS said:
I'm doing the one on April 18th in San Mateo and will be doing the Level 2 one May 3rd.
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:thumbup

Your assignment, VaderSS, should you decide to accept it, is to take notes and post a thread about your experience in Training. I'm sure other BARFers will be interested in reading about it. Just as a matter of my own interest, I'd like to hear details about the drills, how they are conducted, and what you feel you gain from them.

For those who aren't familiar with Lee Parks and his training, his school is the basis of his book, Total Control. Lots of good stuff in the book (along with some stuff I'm not so sure about), and I'm curious about how his methods translate from paper to pavement.
 
VaderSS

VaderSS

Skill Seeker
DataDan said:
:thumbup

Your assignment, VaderSS, should you decide to accept it, is to take notes and post a thread about your experience in Training. I'm sure other BARFers will be interested in reading about it. Just as a matter of my own interest, I'd like to hear details about the drills, how they are conducted, and what you feel you gain from them.

For those who aren't familiar with Lee Parks and his training, his school is the basis of his book, Total Control. Lots of good stuff in the book (along with some stuff I'm not so sure about), and I'm curious about how his methods translate from paper to pavement.
Click to expand...

Assignment accepted. Was already planning on it. Should have plenty of pics as well.

I've already learned a bunch from the book.
 
N

Norbs

Well-known member
I like this... Could save some people a shitty summer sitting home and recovering from an accident to say the least...
 
beginner

beginner

Well-known member
Spring tuneup, 3rd season.

Watched some vidoes of last year's PLP to be reminded of what I could do before the 3 month layoff.

The first day back, in the parking lot, I'm avoiding traction limits. I can't feel the lean of the bike as well, similar to last year. Fgure 8s create a slight queasy feeling. Steering on trails is adequate but less confident. Braking is uncoordinated, deficient, partly be because I'm not feeling lean and traction as well.

Second day steering is improved, braking technique still poor. On the trails I recover from deflections that would have taken me down last year. 3 hours of moving time is one hour too many.

On day 3 I did some one hand steering in figure 8s. It felt easier than at the end of last year. Slow ride balance might be as good as last year. Throttle and shifting are improved as though there was no layoff. I'm playing with rear traction in the dirt in ways that weren't comfortable last year. I went to town and got some taller boots with thicker soles.

Day 4 First fall of the season, on mud. The bike laid down hard on my left foot. The workboot style sole supported the weight of the bike. Fast payback on those boots.
 
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CaptCrash

CaptCrash

Dazed and Confused
DataDan said:
[*]Take a class.
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The MSF just announced their Expanded CORE curriculum. You can find something to fit your experience levels and needs. Nothing beats having a trained observer looking at you and helping you with technique! Take advantage of ANY training you can get! There's more cone sessions, Sheriff's courses, personal coaching and that sort of thing going on in the Bay Area than anywhere I'm aware of!

DataDan said:
[*]Practice fundamentals.
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Remember what skills you need. IF you're practicing for the street--Cornering, braking and swerving are crucial skills. Find a parking lot and get some saddle time. If you're willing to admit you've got rusty during the winter--then DO something about it! Remember to practice with a goal in mind! If you're weak on the brakes, work on braking! If you're getting ready to dive back into traffic? Work on peripheral vision, situational awareness and reaction times.

DataDan said:
[*]Do a "skills ride".
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Great idea! Plan a route that keeps you out of the teeth of things; you probably don't want your first ride to be a Monday commute. ANY sport starts the season with scrimmages and pre-season games; plan to have one and don't be afraid to have a couple, ramping up the challenge as you go.

DataDan said:
[*]Know yourself.
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:thumbup Yup. This is tough. Being able to dispassionately look at yourself, your skill set and your attitude requires discipline. If you WERE an instructor and YOU were asking for advice...what would you say to you? The first, best part of becoming a better rider is recognizing where YOU need to improve. A realistic view of your skills pays because it allows you to make yourself strong in areas where you're weak. That said, a second set of eyes can be priceless (see Take a Class) so be willing to take input from others. If you think you know it all? You can't learn any more.
 
DataDan

DataDan

Mama says he's bona fide
Bump for 2011.

We're looking at great weather this week. So if you havent been riding much the past few months, or if you have a new motorcycle and you're looking forward to getting it out for some serious riding, review the OP in this thread and think about taking it easy as you reorient from cage mode to motorcycle mode.
 
M

MtnBueller

Active member
on getting back on our favorite roads...

I've been driving our favorite bay area roads for the last 9 days putting wire up all over the mountains. Bear in mind that road conditions are VERY different on the highways from the biways. Huge potholes and remnants of fallen trees and hillslides litter the best corners, because that's where shit happens, not on the straightaways.

:)
 
DataDan

DataDan

Mama says he's bona fide
Bump for spring 2012.

As good riding weather returns, how can you brush up your skills and refocus your eyes and brain into motorcyclist mode?
 
flying_hun

flying_hun

Adverse Selection
DataDan said:
Bump for spring 2012.

As good riding weather returns, how can you brush up your skills and refocus your eyes and brain into motorcyclist mode?
Click to expand...

Yesterday I made a point of riding Calaveras Road in the East Bay. Narrow lanes, short sightlines, sketchy surface, and occasionally quite inept fellow road users are the hallmarks of this road. Riding it makes me sharpen up my line selection, turn-in points and speeds, steering inputs, and puts a premium on being able to change lines quickly in response to surface conditions and other users. It's a good exercise in sharpening up, and since I only ride it a few times each year I am not lulled into complacency by the familiar.

A few months back I took the Alameda County Sheriff's Civilian Moto course too. I always try to do at least one training class each year because while it is necessary to work on one's skills independently, getting some observation and training from a skilled instructor is priceless.
 
aszrael1266

aszrael1266

Resident Squid
This thread hit home for me. I went out to berryessa yesterday. My first time back there in over a year. To top it off the road conditions were iffy and I was on the new to me bike I just bought. First time taking it out on twisty roads.
 
DataDan

DataDan

Mama says he's bona fide
With a weekend of good weather ahead, this is a good time to remind yourself of the good practices that can keep you safe on the road.
 
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