TEAM Arizona Riding Tip: The Learning Never Stops
Last Updated: November 29th, 2020
For a majority of riders, completing a Basic RiderCourse is all the training they’ll obtain, if they receive rider training at all. What those riders misunderstand is that the Basic RiderCourse merely offers the minimum level of skill development for manipulating a motorcycle. To operate a motorcycle with precision and control, additional training is required. In as little as two years, even with daily riding, our skills can diminish greatly. For this reason, the learning never stops.
In the category of “Practice What You Preach”, TEAM Arizona owner Ron Arieli recently put himself in the role of a student once again. He acquired one-on-one time with Total Control Instructor Tealdo Teal and then went to California to spend an extended weekend with former USGP racing champion Lee Parks. With hundreds of thousands of miles under his belt, tens of thousands of students trained, and almost forty years of riding experience, one might figure he’d be done with rider training. Not so.
Let’s explore three reasons why Ron decided to jump into the student role.
First, Ron recently acquired a new motorcycle. While all of the techniques we use for rider training apply to all motorcycles (the laws of physics don’t change folks!), no two motorcycles are alike. When a rider first gets a new-to-them motorcycle, practicing on that motorcycle is imperative to get used to the motorcycle’s throttle response, braking power, chassis geometry, tires, and much much more.
Second, Ron knows that our skills on a motorcycle are perishable. No matter how many times he practiced cornering
or quick stops or hazard avoidance techniques in the past, he knows that he can’t go for extended periods of time without training before degradation of his skills will set in. Consistent, regular practice is the key to keeping our skills sharp and ready for when we need them.
Third, Ron knows that a professionally trained observer can help him maximize his riding experience. RiderCoaches have been trained to identify improper riding habits and to quickly provide input for riders to improve their riding. Receiving reliable, accurate rider feedback is the key to help riders advance their skills, gain more confidence, and increase riding comfort.
Ultimately the responsibility for maintaining and advancing our skills is up to us. We never know when a vehicle may turn left in front of us or when we may need to swerve around a road hazard, but we do control how and when we practice these life-saving skills. Has it been longer than two years since you received rider training? Is it time for you to continue your learning on your road to ride for life?
If so, we’re sure we have a course for you!
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