How many really do?

[erbgottie]

I practice everyday i ride............here in VA Beach where the military rules and people come from all over the country to live, yes, they bring there CA or TX or MN or FL or ND etc etc driving habits so it's def a battlefield of training every ride. Plus, I've noticed since I've been running/working out more my stamina/performance on the bike is better as well.

[storysunfolding]

Do you guys think you can gain "practice" from regular riding? To me that's like training with a rifle under fire- probably not the best time.

[matthew5656]

Do you guys think you can gain "practice" from regular riding? To me that's like training with a rifle under fire- probably not the best time.

I think there is a balance involved when it comes to improvement and skill progression. I think it's a great idea to practice swerve technique and emergency stops in controlled conditions, however a parking lot full of practice cones is different from riding street, when the cones can become a car or pedestrian. It's always diligent to practice within controlled conditions before the truly hazardous situations may occur, but to me a lot of my riding technique/close calls were learned from riding on public roads in the center of the storm.

It's like if you wanted to become a police officer, sure you receive all the proper training, self defense technique in martial arts, pretend scenarios and emergency drills, but no cop will have an idea about what it's really like until they confront a real situation, and hopefully de escalate the situation without someone getting hurt. Just like an officer will do everything they can to prevent an injury or fatality, a motorcycle rider can do everything they can to reduce the same risk by wearing proper gear 100% of the time, staying focused and never refrain from grounding their education.

[erbgottie]

I agree, there is a balance and difference between pretending and reality. As a *newbie*, yes the pretending is vital because you've rarely or never been in those situations before so to have a glimpse of the situation before it could actually happen helps, at least have somewhat of an idea of what to do. I've only been riding 7 years and yes I still do the emergency situation drills when on a empty road sometimes but having a lot of miles under my belt (like most others here do too) i see more and learn more from the street then in a empty parking lot.

opinionated by erbgottie

[storysunfolding]

I shouldn't post from my iphone since I leave out too much thought process.

I don't doubt riding on the road gives you experience, and to continue your Police analogy that's why they have field training officers to put the rooks in real life situations. However, while experience is a good thing, I don't see it as a replacement for actual practice time. Motor skills are perishable and practice allows to build and refine those skills. Using those skills isn't practice since your focus isn't on improving the technique and ingraining it into your muscle memory.

I do agree with you on one aspect. Practice shouldn't be limited to a parking lot. Picking man hole covers to swerve around at speed, or "picking" targets that come out from under the car in front of you to swerve around are great ways to find the idiosyncrasies of your bike at speed. Furthermore, there are few parking lots where you can practice a quick stop from 80 mph.

I'm about to hang up my instructor hat when I finish my degree. However, my perspective from teaching motorcycle instruction comes from people in my advanced classes that are "experts" and "practice" every day on the street. The issue that I'm seeing is that these people don't have the skills I'd expect from those coming out of a basic course, let alone those attending advanced training. That's even assuming that they need some time to acclimate to our courses which is another excuse I've never bought.

So in reiterating my question- do you think regular street riding replaces concerted practice of your motorcycle skillsets?

[erbgottie]

No, it doesn't by any means, it's all about how much time you can spend on practicing. I'm active NAVY, married with a baby on the way and hardly home for 3 weeks straight.........don't get a lot of time to "practice" really, but I'll never stop riding. But I would truthfully say that it doesn't replace off the street practice.

[storysunfolding]

Luckily practice doesn't have to be off the street. The navy still requires at least the BRC and MSRC right? Are they doing the track days and AMOS courses like the Marines?

[erbgottie]

yes, I've done both of them and I've also been through the MSF back when I was in NC. Not sure about the track days I'll have to research to find out what's good on that aspect.

[steavemark16]

We are riding daily 3 hours. and we are 6 friends who goes to ride everyday. it is good to practice at all.

[Wordherder]

I do. Every spring, I read David Haugh's "Proficient Motorcycling" and find a deserted parking lot to go thru the MSF test. I fail miserably the first time, especially the dreaded "box." I keep working on it, and after a month or two of once-a-week-practices, I get pretty good. Wish me luck on my first Expert Riders Course, in mid-May!


Not-stupid "Beat the Box" video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGCgbEID83U

Wheelie optional