Practise Habits
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
From: Amelia, Virginia
Practise Habits
How often do you hit a parking lot and practise slow speed manuevering such as u-turns, figure 8's, quick stops, etc.? Also, what exercises do you work on when/if you practise?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
I just ride it every day until it drops below freezing or they salt the road. Been doin' it 35+ years, I figure that's enough practice.
I will say this, when people ask me to teach them to ride, we spend a lot of time in parking lots, doing u-turns and slow speed maneuvers. Practice until you are very comfortable, then practice a bit more. After that, it's just a matter of keeping the skills sharp.
I will say this, when people ask me to teach them to ride, we spend a lot of time in parking lots, doing u-turns and slow speed maneuvers. Practice until you are very comfortable, then practice a bit more. After that, it's just a matter of keeping the skills sharp.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 3
From: Long Island, NY
Great thread, a little late in the season for some, but deffinitely a wise suggestion!!
Yeah when ever you can, it is always a good idea to practice the slow manouvering. I tend to do it on my street where I live. Not a lot of traffic (residential only) plus to also makes sure that I get comfortable doing these manouvers while being aware of traffic.
As others have said i do parking lots and gas stations when waiting as well.
Yeah when ever you can, it is always a good idea to practice the slow manouvering. I tend to do it on my street where I live. Not a lot of traffic (residential only) plus to also makes sure that I get comfortable doing these manouvers while being aware of traffic.
As others have said i do parking lots and gas stations when waiting as well.
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Club Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 112,202
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From: On a hill among the hills, PA
I figure if I can make it around the oak tree in my limestone driveway 3 times in both directions without fallin off the rigid, I am good to go! Don't see doin a figure eight, tree is in the way anyhow! Hehe!
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: NJ
Only in the spring, if I didn't get to ride much in winter. I usually do about 10 to 12K miles a year, so I'm always having to do slow maneuvers, tight turns, etc. in parking lots in my normal course of riding (I use the bike for everyday transportation whenever I can). If your normal riding is limited to highways and back road twisties you probably should make ot a point to practice. How often you practice depends on your skill and comfort level.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 811
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From: Staten Island, NY
Before every pleasure ride, my first stop is in Gateway National Recreation area here in Staten Island. There are a few big parking lots where I do a few turns and go through the mental checklist for maneuvers and emergencies, then I am off!!!