In a previous post (50 Ways to Save Your Life), Brian added number 51 - practice practice practice. I am here to second that motion.
I started riding at 15 and quit at 35. I rode everything from 50cc Honda's (tricked out, of course) to a big-bore '56 Sportster. So, how come I am nervous all the time, now? Lack of practice.
Low-speed handling of my TBA had me as tense as the rubber band launcher on an aircraft carrier. (Those aren't rubber bands, you say?) I bought Ride Like A Pro IV, and it is proving to be worth every one of the 3,495 pennies I spent on it. It's pretty hokey, but the lessons are very useful.
Most improtantly, and the thing I have the most trouble with, is keeping your head and eyes up, and focusing on where you want the bike to be, not where it is. That, I'm finding, takes practice.
It sounds easy, but it isn't. I keep catching a glimpse of the curb and head for it; or the parked car whose fender I come periously close to bending; or the pedestrian who runs away, screaming. But every once in a while, it works. I look up and at where I want to be, and I move my gaze ahead to the next place I want to be, and before you know it, I've done a u-turn. It feels like first prize.
Get the video, or not, but learn the technique. Practice, practice, practice.
