A few years ago I got myself a guitar. Having never played, I turned to various YouTube channels to try and learn how to play with the hopes of strumming along to some of my favorite songs. Today, I am proud to state that I can play a handful of basic chords and can fumble my way through a few beginner songs.
If I had taken professional lessons and dedicated more time for practice, I would very likely be a much better guitar player than I am. But the fact is I have no aspirations of being the next Jimi Hendrix or Slash and I’m content to just make some noise on my guitar from time to time as a way to relax.
Unfortunately, a lot of people take the same approach when it comes to riding motorcycles. Taking only beginner level training once as part of getting a motorcycle license, and perhaps watching a YouTube video from a motorcycle training channel from time to time.
Being a “casual guitar player” is ok, as I’m sure the statistics of people being seriously injured or killed as a result of their lack-luster playing skills is quite small. Motorcycling on the other hand is a much different story.
Many riders are just that, “casual motorcyclists”. Having a good grasp of fundamental riding skills perhaps with years of experience of street riding, many riders feel there is nothing left for them to learn. But while fumbling through an F chord on a guitar may be unpleasant to the ears, fumbling your way through a corner on your motorcycle can lead to more dire consequences.
The best way to get better at any physical skill is professional instruction and practice. Professional instruction is important to ensure you are not practicing incorrect techniques. The opposite of the “casual rider” is the “dedicated rider”. The dedicated rider dedicates the time and effort to continuously learn and improve their skills, taking as many classes of different levels as they can manage.
My fellow Pennsylvania riders are especially setup for success, as beginner, intermediate and advance level classes are available for free to PA residents. I even recommend that PA riders take a class each year to stay fresh, which I do as well.
As the saying goes, “Amateurs practice until they get it right, Professionals practice until they can’t get it wrong”. On a motorcycle, getting it wrong just once can have far worse consequences than hitting the wrong strings on a C chord.
PA residents, take beginner, intermediate and advance level training with https://www.learntoridepa.com
Not in PA or looking for more options? Check out these training providers.
Total Control Training
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Ride Like A Pro
Nationwide Schedule | California SuperBike School