Rider Skills and Training - The More You Know, The More You Grow (AKA Improving Your Chances of Not Becoming a Statistic)
Those Riders who have developed a level of concentration and focus that helps them to be proactive rather than reactive to possible dangers around them compared to the average rider are among the best riders on the road. These Riders are continually “on the hunt” by scanning around for signs of any possible dangers (“Rider Radar”). They don't wait for something to develop. Everything should go as according to plan, however, if something unplanned does occur, these Riders are ready to make the necessary adjustments to ensure not only their safety, but the safety of those around them. This is DRA -Defensive Rider Awareness.
Many of these defensive Riders have more than likely taken a recognized Motorcycle Training Program (MTP) that have guided them on the aspects of essential skill and safety development., and it is not unusual for these Riders to continually take courses to challenge them and take them outside their “comfort zone”. One such course is the Safety Services Nova Scotia Safe Rider program for new riders or the "Gearing Up" program as offered across the country by highly recommended providers such as the Ottawa Safety Council. As well, many have taken the Refresher Program in order to re-enter motorcycling after a period of time away, or having ridden very few kilometres, to acquire or re-acquire the proper skills necessary to operate their motorcycle / scooter safely. In addition, they do not stop there! They realize that the more skills and training you are able to access and acquire, the better rider you can become, the more enjoyable the ride, and the less likely they will become a statistic.
Additional training should not be looked at as a boring and unnecessary evil. Instead, look at the experience as a personal skill development opportunity offered by dedicated and trained professionals whom, like yourself, have a passion for motorcycling and a wealth of knowledge to share. We are all life-long learners, and even when you think you have reached the top, there are still ways to improve. Even Wayne Gretzky, “The Great One”, practiced everyday so that he could improve and retain the skills he already had.
There is a major difference between thinking that you know and what you actually know. Remember, as the saying goes, we can also learn from the mistakes of others as we will not live long enough to make them all ourselves!
Additional training should not be looked at as a boring and unnecessary evil. Instead, look at the experience as a personal skill development opportunity offered by dedicated and trained professionals whom, like yourself, have a passion for motorcycling and a wealth of knowledge to share. We are all life-long learners, and even when you think you have reached the top, there are still ways to improve. Even Wayne Gretzky, “The Great One”, practiced everyday so that he could improve and retain the skills he already had.
There is a major difference between thinking that you know and what you actually know. Remember, as the saying goes, we can also learn from the mistakes of others as we will not live long enough to make them all ourselves!