The second day of riding academy was a triple bonus. It was a Friday, so weekend. Second, I had the whole next week off. Third, I was looking forward to the class. I know we wouldn't be driving yet, but it was still exciting to look forward to. Overall, the session was 6pm to 10pm and it pretty much started and ended on time.
Here is my overview of day 1:
We continued going through the manual in groups. There were a few more videos and slides. Overall, much the same as day 1. Day 1 was the basic controls of a motorcycle, where is the clutch, what the throttle does, etc. On day 2, we started talking about going through curves and some street driving scenarios.
Some of what I learned:
Open up the view on the road. If you stop before turning on a road, but have a fence, tree, or something else to the side, then pull forward so that you can open up the view and see more of the road before turning onto it.
A lane divides into three sections. Also, go where you can best be seen and what is safest. Generally, that is in the left lane. But coming over a hill, the middle lane makes you more visible.
Always be looking for an escape route. If something happens, always have an escape plan. Like, pay attention if you have grass off to the right or left that you could jam into if you needed. Or if someone cuts you off, are you able to quickly switch to another lane. Now when I drive the car, I'm scanning the road for obstacles and escape routes.
Whenever you come to a stop on the road, stay in first gear. That way if someone is coming up on you, you can quickly make a get away.
I like what the handbook says about accidents - there's rarely just one single cause. They describe a few scenarios of a crash incident and then list all the things involved.
Also, overall, when riding a motorcycle pretend your invisible. Even if a driver looks you straight in the eyes, it doesn't mean they have registered that you are there. People in cars, aren't expecting to see motorcycles. Drive cautious and defensive. I know they said that back in drivers ed when I was a teenager, but it sinks in on a motorcycle, because a car has nice metal siding and air bags. A motorcycle has two wheel and open air.
Overall, good info. Only thing is I am still not comfortable with the basics of the controls. Right now, I'm not worried about lane visibility, as much as I'm worried about driving a few feet. I wouldn't have minded some way to practice the basics of the controls more. And then put the road info after the driving practice.
Interesting stories:
Some of the guys talked about a "Dragon" motorcycle route in Tennessee. It is a winding difficult path to take on a motorcycle. Adventurous try to prove themselves by taking it fast. Apparently, so many people get hurt that gruesome photographers camp out waiting for people to get hurt to take pictures. Me, I'm more like where is Puppy road? Or kitten road?
Tomorrow is driving day!
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