WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

Although some seem more naturally talented at certain tasks, in the end, we are all just humans, and although we are all so very different, in tiny ways, that adds up to make us all a heterogeneous bunch of creatures. But the Universe has given us one particular thing… we all share the ability to choose.

One of the things Anthony Robbins has said is that choice is a good thing, but means nothing unless you take action on it. Once you do, you are on your way to fulfilling that choice – whatever it is.

This month, we’d like to share with you a choice we made long ago, many of you have made a similar choice as well – that is to become a better rider. To consistently strive to be more proficient and skillful every time we go for a ride.

The trick is two-fold. First, know in your heart that you can become a better rider, and be open to a bit of mentoring. Then truly decide that you will do this…. Now, here is the big one: act on all this.

Find someone or somewhere where you can learn, or in some cases, relearn riding skills. Find a mentor. We’re gonna make it easy for you.

For years, we had been attending Reg Pridmore’s CLASS at various race tracks around the nation. Reg, Gigi, and crew taught us so, so much, and their mentoring has saved our bacon more times than we’d like to think. After decades, Reg has given CLASS and his faithful a final dismissal… all we can say is: “Well done, mate. Thank you.”

Over those same years, we have had the good fortune to have befriended Ken Condon. Ken has written about motorcycle safety for years and has been published in many publications during that time. He is a long-time MSF Coach and has been doing one-on-one instruction for riders looking to improve their skills for years. It is no stretch to say Ken Condon is one of the leading motorcycle cicerones on the planet.

Twice a year, Condon has been holding what he calls Non-Sportbike Training Days –held at a race track in Palmer, Massachusetts. 

We can feel the roll of the eyes with some of you.

Track? I don’t want to be a racer.

We can understand you might react that way – but we are here to tell you the Non-Sportbike Training Days are not about going fast – it is about the opportunity to work, at your own pace, on the skills that are needed to be the best rider you can be. The track has so many benefits…from Ken’s website:

“Learning on a closed course allows you to concentrate on advancing your skill level without the typical hazards faced on the street…potholes, sand, tar snakes, and Buicks.

For the most part, participants will be experiencing their first time on a closed course. If it’s your first time, rest assured that you will be in good company.”

When we attended at the end of May this spring, the group of 50 plus was split into three groups – let’s say experienced, semi-experienced, and newbie. That day, the track was shared with standards, cruisers, sportbikes, and ADV machines. We had two full-dressed machines parked next to us – an Indian Chieftain and a Harley-Davidson Road Glide. There was a spattering of Goldwings, and all the rest of the species that are on the market these days. Some of the riders were new to the sport, others came with more than riding 30 years of riding experience, and left with a new outlook and a major increase in skill and confidence.

We think of it like playing guitar with musicians who are far more skilled than you. If you are willing to be teachable, you will learn a few things. You will be a better and more confident guitarist. It is exactly the same as a day spent with Ken Condon and his Non-Sportbike Training Days.

The next date is just a month away, to be held the day after Labor Day on September 8th at Palmer.

The cost is a very reasonable $350. 

Think of this as an investment in yourself. 

You do know you are worth it. Right?

You have spent thousands on bikes and gear. Now spend just a little bit more on yourself. We will be there, and we invite you to join us in September with Ken- or as we will just call him from now on – The Mentor. Log onto Ken’s site at www.training.ridinginthezone.com to reserve your spot.