Like many kids of the 70’s I started out by riding a mini trail around the back yard and local construction sites. Skill development was trial and error. At 16 I purchased an XR 175, put a plate on it and started riding pavement. At the time getting the motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license involved a multiple-choice test inside and successfully riding a cone course in the parking lot.
My first introduction into the cerebral side of motorcycling was when my girlfriend’s older brother explained counter steering to me and then had me ride his CB 400 and try it myself. When I moved to Rhode Island took the MSF Beginners Rider course which aside from being a ton of fun opened my eyes. That sums up how I learn; I find people whose skills I respect, and I watch, listen and learn from them through practical demonstrations or simply following them around as often as possible coupled with formal training in a group. I find this to me much more effective than a book, video or lecture and I have been seeking out better riders ever since. Having said this, I have found some brilliant articles from a select few who I am happy to share upon request.
In addition to always taking the opportunity to ride with better riders I also jump at the chance for formal coaching in a controlled environment such as the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina. I have also trained with multiple time world enduro champion, Shane Watts and I have been trained on being a Rider Coach for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. I practice my skills at non-sportbike trackdays and I do some low-speed balance drills on every ride.
The training I offer is geared toward the rider who is proficient on pavement and would like to get comfortable on dirt roads, to the rider who has taken multiple courses at the BMW Performance Center and would like to apply the skills acquired to more challenging terrain such as the Back Road Discovery Routes. I offer personal training to the big bike rider with the attention and tailored experience you can only get from one-on-one coaching.