safety first

We’ll let you know, but the long way round Motorcycling pundits (who are these mysterious people?) often tell us that most people who purchase ADV bikes never actually do any adventure riding. In his book, Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, Chris Scott asks the question, “What exactly is adventure motorcycling?” and then goes on to say that for the purposes […]

Why understanding driver behaviour, traffic patterns and other cues keep us safe When someone talks about motorcycle riding skills, many picture operating skills: clutch-throttle control, shifting gears, emergency braking, swerving, leaning, and taking corners. But the longer I ride the more I believe it has less to do with having the skills to get yourself […]

It’s nothing! You will NEVER hear it because nobody ever says it. The UK acronym is SMIDSY, meaning SORRY MATE, I DIDN’T SEE YOU. Something you might hear after a bloke cuts you off or, heaven forbid, hits you. It is not and has never been: SMIDHY. Drivers never say: Sorry mate, I didn’t hear […]

Lessons I’ve Learned From the Road I don’t know if you are like me. I think things through. Consider eventualities. And arrogantly and erroneously, think I know. But I don’t. Thinking about stuff doesn’t teach you anything. Experience does. But, there may be an exception—learning from others’ mistakes. If so, I might be an excellent teacher because I don’t make a mistake […]

Why Riding Like You’re Invisible Isn’t Enough “Ride like you’re invisible.” We’ve all heard it. It sounds like great advice. The problem is that it has become a cliché. And as happens with all clichés, it has become trite. Visibility is an essential building block of our survival. Absolutely. Riding with hi-vis gear helps. Adding […]

Why You Should Hope It Rains On Your Course Weekend  Most new riders think rain will ruin their motorcycle licensing course weekend. Wet pavement sounds like the last thing you want when you’re trying to learn something new on two wheels.   “Is it too late to cancel?”   Hold on! From a training standpoint, you’ve just won the lottery. I know. It happened to me, and my thoughts were the same as […]

How self-awareness takes you to the next level Clear, slightly cool, dry pavement, not much traffic; it was a perfect morning for riding. The road in front of me wound uphill into a tight right-hand turn. There was no shoulder, and on the inside edge the pavement ended and the ground dropped away into a […]

Spa Day for My Motorcycle a.k.a. My Bike OK, so I don’t really call my motorcycle Bessie. I’ve never been the type to name my motorcycles. But naming your bike is pretty common. Hayabusa owners regularly say things like, “I’m jumpin’ on the Busa and goin’ for a spin.” And BMW owners are known to […]