Congratulations to David Tindale (Brush) who passed his IAM Test on Tuesday 9th July.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Learning from our mistakes.
One of the characteristics that makes us advanced riders should be the willingness and attitude to always challenge our riding and learn from our mistakes.
The down-side of the this method of learning is that the learning experience inevitably involves an error or misjudgement to trigger the learning point.
Overcooking an bend, missing a Give Way, not seeing an approaching vehicle can all be classed as learning experiences, although most riders would just think of these as "moments" and part of the inherent excitement that comes with riding a motorcycle.
An advanced rider should not accept these moments as part of the ride, he/she should be thinking back, analysing what lead up to the moment and working out what element of the system was missed or lacking to cause the moment.
A significant issue can be that the consequences of one of these moments can leave the rider unable to analyse what went wrong - wrapped around a tree or imbedded in the side of a car makes it difficult to then undertake a rational "lessons learnt" analysis!
I had a learning experience on Saturday.
I rode to Dumfries and Galloway for the day, a total ride of about 9 hours with stops. Beautiful hot weather and not too much traffic.
During the last couple of hours I was beginning to feel the effects of the day - headache coming on due to heat and new lid, trousers were getting very uncomfortable (a side note here; if you buy kevlar lined jeans, don't get the type with the mesh kevlar as eventually it becomes like sitting on a cheese grater as the mesh bites into your lower regions - especially in the heat!) but I was on roads I know well and I was enjoying the day and didn't want to stop.
All of these points came from looking back and analysing what was going on in my head at the time.
As a result of all this going on in my head, and being distracted by some trials riding going on alongside the road, I misjudged a corner and "overcooked" it. No issues, didn't run over the centre line but it made me uncomfortable because I felt that I'd made such a school boy error.
So what went wrong?
When the thoughts started buzzing around my head that it was hot, the helmet was feeling a bit tight and the trousers were getting uncomfortable - I should have stopped, taken 5 minutes out and set off again refreshed. This would have cleared my head of these thoughts and left brain power for the observation and ride planning.
Although I thought I was OK riding like this, it was obviously playing on my mind enough to have a detrimental effect on my ability to plan my ride correctly.
I've ridden many miles in weather much hotter than we've been experiencing lately, and learnt a long time ago that concentration deteriorates alarmingly quickly once you're too hot and the ability to make the correct decisions is soon lost.
Hydration and appropriate riding gear are the keys to enjoying a safe ride in hot weather.
So lesson learnt, or re-learnt?
Don't continue riding when your tired or in discomfort - stop, take 5, enjoy the view and carry on refreshed.
If you're riding in a group, don't be afraid to pull over for a break, you'll probably find others are also in need of it, but won't admit it!
Above all, remember to keep the mind switched on, both during the ride and also when you've parked up - think back over the ride, is there anything that could have gone better? If so, why?
Analysing what we do - either through the process of Observed rides or by critical thinking about what we do ourselves ensures that we progress and improve as riders, we're never too old or too good not to continue learning.
I would suggest that each and everyone of us can learn something and improve our riding somehow by analysing each and every ride we do - it may only be a small thing, but please never stop learning and improving!
The down-side of the this method of learning is that the learning experience inevitably involves an error or misjudgement to trigger the learning point.
Overcooking an bend, missing a Give Way, not seeing an approaching vehicle can all be classed as learning experiences, although most riders would just think of these as "moments" and part of the inherent excitement that comes with riding a motorcycle.
An advanced rider should not accept these moments as part of the ride, he/she should be thinking back, analysing what lead up to the moment and working out what element of the system was missed or lacking to cause the moment.
A significant issue can be that the consequences of one of these moments can leave the rider unable to analyse what went wrong - wrapped around a tree or imbedded in the side of a car makes it difficult to then undertake a rational "lessons learnt" analysis!
I had a learning experience on Saturday.
I rode to Dumfries and Galloway for the day, a total ride of about 9 hours with stops. Beautiful hot weather and not too much traffic.
During the last couple of hours I was beginning to feel the effects of the day - headache coming on due to heat and new lid, trousers were getting very uncomfortable (a side note here; if you buy kevlar lined jeans, don't get the type with the mesh kevlar as eventually it becomes like sitting on a cheese grater as the mesh bites into your lower regions - especially in the heat!) but I was on roads I know well and I was enjoying the day and didn't want to stop.
All of these points came from looking back and analysing what was going on in my head at the time.
As a result of all this going on in my head, and being distracted by some trials riding going on alongside the road, I misjudged a corner and "overcooked" it. No issues, didn't run over the centre line but it made me uncomfortable because I felt that I'd made such a school boy error.
So what went wrong?
When the thoughts started buzzing around my head that it was hot, the helmet was feeling a bit tight and the trousers were getting uncomfortable - I should have stopped, taken 5 minutes out and set off again refreshed. This would have cleared my head of these thoughts and left brain power for the observation and ride planning.
Although I thought I was OK riding like this, it was obviously playing on my mind enough to have a detrimental effect on my ability to plan my ride correctly.
I've ridden many miles in weather much hotter than we've been experiencing lately, and learnt a long time ago that concentration deteriorates alarmingly quickly once you're too hot and the ability to make the correct decisions is soon lost.
Hydration and appropriate riding gear are the keys to enjoying a safe ride in hot weather.
So lesson learnt, or re-learnt?
Don't continue riding when your tired or in discomfort - stop, take 5, enjoy the view and carry on refreshed.
If you're riding in a group, don't be afraid to pull over for a break, you'll probably find others are also in need of it, but won't admit it!
Above all, remember to keep the mind switched on, both during the ride and also when you've parked up - think back over the ride, is there anything that could have gone better? If so, why?
Analysing what we do - either through the process of Observed rides or by critical thinking about what we do ourselves ensures that we progress and improve as riders, we're never too old or too good not to continue learning.
I would suggest that each and everyone of us can learn something and improve our riding somehow by analysing each and every ride we do - it may only be a small thing, but please never stop learning and improving!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Does my bum look big...............
This appeared on the Durham Police Bikes Twitter feed, and it couldn't go without some further publicity!
For those of you on Twitter, have a look at Durpol_Bikes for some education and entertainment!
BikeWise does BikeSafe
The BikeWise Training scheme in County Durham has changed this year to run the BikeSafe format of training.
BikeWise say:
"Since its inception in 1995, the BikeWise approach to reducing the risks that motorcyclists are exposed to has hinged upon Durham Police Motorcyclists engaging with riders on our roads.
Our success over the years resulted in BikeWise as a casualty reduction strategy being awarded the Highways Magazine Excellence Award, as Road safety Scheme of the year in 2008. This was followed up in 2009 when BikeWise was awarded the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award.
Since it started in 2008 until the end of 2012 BikeWise Training was delivered to approximately 500 riders by ex -Durham motorcycle officers Bob Brown and Mick Alder.
Many of these riders went on to gain IAM and RoADAR qualifications.
From 2013 officers from Durham Constabulary Motorcycle Section will be providing BikeSafe skills workshops on a number of days throughout the year.
BikeSafe is a national police led motorcycle project that is run by most forces throughout the UK. The main aim is to reduce motorcycle related road casualties and by improving skills, knowledge and hazard awareness it will hopefully make riding safer and more enjoyable.
The BikeSafe workshop explores the main issues facing today’s bikers. It also explores the principles of advanced riding through the on-road element. The BikeSafe observer will give assessment and feedback which will highlight areas where the rider needs to develop. BikeSafe is about starting on the right path to development as it "Bridges the Gap".
Riders will benefit by continuing to train throughout their riding years, and not just stop once they have passed their bike test. During your workshop you will either be provided with the information to make contact with providers of advanced motorcycle training, or get the opportunity to speak to somebody in person at the event from Durham Advanced Motorcyclists.
We are pleased to report that the first Durham Bikesafe workshop took place at BikeWise HQ on Saturday 15th June 2013. Ten riders took part in the event and initial feedback has been very positive."
DAM attended the first of these training days and spoke directly to the attendees to encourage them to progress from the BikeSafe experience on to the IAM Skill for Life Programme with DAM.
BikeWise say:
"Since its inception in 1995, the BikeWise approach to reducing the risks that motorcyclists are exposed to has hinged upon Durham Police Motorcyclists engaging with riders on our roads.
Our success over the years resulted in BikeWise as a casualty reduction strategy being awarded the Highways Magazine Excellence Award, as Road safety Scheme of the year in 2008. This was followed up in 2009 when BikeWise was awarded the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award.
Since it started in 2008 until the end of 2012 BikeWise Training was delivered to approximately 500 riders by ex -Durham motorcycle officers Bob Brown and Mick Alder.
Many of these riders went on to gain IAM and RoADAR qualifications.
From 2013 officers from Durham Constabulary Motorcycle Section will be providing BikeSafe skills workshops on a number of days throughout the year.
BikeSafe is a national police led motorcycle project that is run by most forces throughout the UK. The main aim is to reduce motorcycle related road casualties and by improving skills, knowledge and hazard awareness it will hopefully make riding safer and more enjoyable.
The BikeSafe workshop explores the main issues facing today’s bikers. It also explores the principles of advanced riding through the on-road element. The BikeSafe observer will give assessment and feedback which will highlight areas where the rider needs to develop. BikeSafe is about starting on the right path to development as it "Bridges the Gap".
Riders will benefit by continuing to train throughout their riding years, and not just stop once they have passed their bike test. During your workshop you will either be provided with the information to make contact with providers of advanced motorcycle training, or get the opportunity to speak to somebody in person at the event from Durham Advanced Motorcyclists.
We are pleased to report that the first Durham Bikesafe workshop took place at BikeWise HQ on Saturday 15th June 2013. Ten riders took part in the event and initial feedback has been very positive."
DAM attended the first of these training days and spoke directly to the attendees to encourage them to progress from the BikeSafe experience on to the IAM Skill for Life Programme with DAM.
The response has been excellent, and DAM will continue to attend the events and promote our approach to safer riding.
Get the word out - BikeWise 2013
Click on the link below to get the 2013 BikeWise Show posters.
Get them up at work and spread the word!
DAM will be at the show, recruiting hard as usual, come along and have a chat!
Catching up with the recent test passes.
Apologies, I've been too busy with two wheels (both internal combustion powered and human powered) to post the latest batch of test passes.
Congratulations to the newest DAM and IAM members, and thanks as ever to the Observer Team.
Alan Ross
8th June
Bernie Valks
29th June
Observed by Len Potts
Mark Wilkinson
27th June
Observed by Richard Clement
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)