"Two BaldBikers" - Rider Training Courses

[rustys # 853]

OK...Can I have some feedback on the Saturdays and Sundays Rider Training Courses please.

Saturday was a perfect day for it.

Ross Gratton from "Two Bald Bikers" made everyone feel at ease with themselves, and did not put anyone at all under pressure to attempt any of the practical skills, which was great.

 l had never seen a practical demonstration of a motorcyclists blind spots done before, this actually surprised us all, as its huge, so HEAD CHECKS must be engrained into your brain every time you get on a bike.

The demonstration of using front and rear brake also was a bit of a surprise, as not one of us guessed where the bike would stop using the rear brake, we would all be dead if we hit anything as all off us would have.

l would highly recommend Two Bald Bikers for anyone wanting to upgrade there bike skills, as these guys have some good people skills with no pressure at all, they now run the "Ride Forever" Courses for learner licences and upgrades, check out the Ride Forever Website.

My thoughts were that the braking skills were cut short, as with more time and practise, riders would really get to now just how much distance that you can  stop a bike,  using the right technique and brake pressure in an emergency situation.

That's my two bobs worth, whats you thoughts?

[alan #8537]

Yip, great 2 days, i feel i got more out of there approach than other tutors, i still have heaps to work on. Monday i rode 200km felt smooth and safe, lots of head checks, relaxed arms. Yes i do need to spend a lot of time on emergency braking. i will be spending more time with these guys. Thanks Rusty, for you time and organizing. cheers. Alan

[rustys # 853]

Feedback.....MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, very poor response from members, so I wont bother to ask or organise again, shame, we obviously don't need to.

[pauln#6782]

First time I've seen this and we need to discuss further next meeting.
I agree about the blind spot demo, makes you think about the value of head checks - and we don't all do them currently. They will save either your life or save serious injury.
There were lots of good tips and both instructors manner with us punters was excellent.
I agree the Saturday was too short.
Sunday should have been better than it was. We were promised as much individual feedback as possible. With 3 instructors and 9 participants this should have been easy. However, it wasn't forthcoming. Stuart was right behind me from Manakau to Shannon and I parked beside him at Shannon. He said nothing about my riding until I asked and he just repeated what he'd said to John. did he get us mixed up?
That said, any training is beneficial for everybody.

[cher #8538]

I decided not to put a report in, as I just went to help on Saturday with the BBQ.
But I will put my 2 cents in.
What I saw was really enlightening with the blind spot, it certainly gave great insight.
The guys leading, were certainly very encouraging, and were easy to listen to.
I thought personally, that the braking practice, could have been a lot longer, and was slightly shocked, as to how short the course was.
Cheryl

[Steve#7014 & Karen #7015]

Discussed it a bit personally so didn't post before.
I think its good to mix up the trainers and get alternative perspective.
We got emphasis on
"going only where you know"
"Don't surprise yourself" ie being in the right gear,right throttle and road position and turn your head"
"Don't surprise others" ie indicate on roundabouts.
I too got a wake up with blind spots.
While trying to do head turns I havn't been nidicating when lanes merge.
One on one was limited to Anetia telling me I was doing good with those head turns. Needed more 1 on 1.
I like the analogy of going where your chin points better than look where you want to be.
I feel I know about position on road when cornering but practised it fully for the day and maybe others were not as familiar with it.
I was glad I went on the course.