Kelly’s Korner: Four Tips for Identifying a Motorcycle Riding Mentor
Last Updated: December 1st, 2020
There’s an axiom that applies to many areas of life: If someone has what you want, do what they do. Same goes for riding. Especially when we’re new to the motorcycling lifestyle, it’s hard to know how to start building the experience that will turn us into the riders (and, arguably, the people) we want to be. Here are four tips for connecting with a mentor:
- Go somewhere where people passionate about riding tend to gather. One of the best examples I can think of is TEAM Arizona’s Bike Night, held every second Wednesday of the month at Sidewinder’s in Gilbert. It’s been a long time since I’ve had the chance to attend but each time I go, it’s been a blast. I guarantee you’ll meet someone from whom you can learn, sometimes for years, often just for an evening’s worth of tips to store in your riding toolbox.
Identify the depth and breadth of riding experience you want in a mentor. This may mean cajoling more than one person to mentor you. (Of course, I don’t know many riders who have to be overly pressured when it comes to helping another motorcyclist.) What I mean is, if you want to learn the techniques unique to one of the many forms of riding – street, dirt, track/racing, commuting, touring – you may need to enlist the help of at least a couple of people. While there are riders well versed in two or three forms, few are masters at all of them. Find out how this person/these people reached the level they have and then, you guessed it, do what they do. Go for long rides. Practice high-speed swerves as if a driver is crossing into your path of travel. Take courses that advance skills such as cornering and throttle control.- Seek riders who walk the walk. In other words, does he or she always wear gear, even in the scorching Arizona summers? If so, find out how this person stays safe while also trying to stay cool. (CamelBaks and fillable vests, anyone?) Next, does this person continue his or her riding education, no matter the number of years on two wheels? People who value ongoing training are people who remain open to growth and new ideas, not just on the road but in life. The master never considers himself a master. Finally, does this person set a good example by waiting to drink until side stands are down? I don’t care who you are or how long you’ve been riding, alcohol and motorcycles do not mix well. The latest CDC stats show that 29 percent of motorcyclists in fatal crashes in 2012 had blood alcohol levels of .08 percent or greater – that’s generally around four drinks in one hour. The agency also says that almost half of drunk or buzzed riders killed each year are 40 or older – a big motorcycle demographic here in Arizona. Find someone who models responsible and sane behavior when it comes to drinking and riding.
- Build a community of riders around you who are willing to consider your personal welfare as they take you under their wing. It’s important to ride with someone who understands your riding capabilities now, not what they will be next year. In other words, a good mentor is not going to put you in a high-risk situation you can’t handle. Someone pushing you to take the 89A’s tight, blind corners at 60 mph is not someone considering your capacity (or appetite for high-dollar tickets). A true mentor will prod you just enough to help you improve your riding, not endanger your life. A true mentor will set aside ego and allow you to ride your own ride while giving you feedback on what you can do to keep getting better. And, a true mentor will help you stay safe while not taking yourself too seriously. After all, what fun is riding if we’re over thinking it?
Now get going! Implement the tips and tricks your mentor teaches you. There’s no experience like experience. Before you know it, another rider will be asking you to serve as a mentor. Pay it forward, folks.
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