Nicked (from elsewhere) - Words of biker wisdom
| Keep your bike in good repair:
Motorcycle boots are NOT comfortable for
walking. Sometimes the best communication happens when you're on separate bikes. Well-trained reflexes are quicker than luck. Learn to do counterintuitive things that may someday save your butt. The twisties- not the superslabs- separate the bikers from the squids. A friend is someone who'll get out of bed at 2am to drive his pickup to the middle of nowhere to get you when you're broken down. Never be ashamed to unlearn an old habit. A good long ride can clear your mind, restore your faith, and use up a lot of gasoline. If you ride like there's no tomorrow-there won't be. There are drunk bikers. There are old bikers. There are NO old, drunk bikers. Thin leather looks good in the bar, but it won't save you from "road rash" if you go down. The best modifications cannot be seen from the outside. Riding faster than everyone else only guarantees you'll ride alone. Never ask a biker for directions if you're in a hurry to get there. A good rider has balance, judgment, and good timing. You'll know she loves you if she offers to let you ride her bike. Don't do it and she'll love you even more. |
Group Riding Guide
The most important thing on Chapter rideouts is safety.
Our group riding guide sets out how Lindum Colonia rideouts are organised. There is a printer friendly version as well.
Group ride-outs are a social event to be enjoyed in the company of others with similar interests. To ensure that the ride is as safe as possible, and that we all arrive at our destination together, we must follow a set of riding guidelines. These include staggered riding, second man drop off and the buddy system.
It's not difficult and if you are new to the Chapter or group riding, you'll have got the hang of it by the end of your first ride with us.
Promoting riding skills
In biking you never stop learning. There are many ways you can develop your skills. Riding the bike is one of them but has its limits. True you get around and don't fall off, but you don't get better very quickly and soon you plateau. The benefit of independent tuition is enormous. It can give you a step change in your riding skill. Fortunately there are quite a few ways you can get this for little more than the price of a few T shirts.
IAM Skills for Life programme
The Institute of Advanced Motorists have their Skills For Life programme. For only £139 you get an initial assessment, a series of observed training runs, a final assessment AND the IAM advanced motorcycle test. This gives you at least 20-25 hours of guidance and a copy of the IAM book, "How to be a better rider" is also thrown in. A stupendous value package. IAM have biking organisations in both Lincolnshire and Nottingham. More
RoSPA Advanced Riders scheme
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents offer their RoSPA Advanced Riders scheme. Cheaper than IAM Skills for Life, the basic cost is £69. The RoSPA test will grade you gold, silver or bronze. RoSPA do not seem to offer this scheme everywhere but they do offer it in Lincolnshire. You have to re-take the test every three years to keep the qualification. Find out more at RoSPA Advanced Riders website.
Observed rides
Both IAM and RoSPA schemes involve going on observed rides. With both schemes you make a contribution to your observers petrol and there is no limit to the number of rides you get. You get to take your test when they think you are ready.
Lincolnshire Bike Safe
For a quick fix, Bike Safe gives a day's assessment and coaching for £35 (also excellent value) A number of Chapter members have done this and found it really helpful. Visit Lincolnshire Bikesafe to find out more.
Early booking is essential as places are soon all taken.