Riding 101 - Focus

Glen Goldman

Stay focused.

When riding a motorcycle it's important to feel the entire experience; the one thing that's important is to be focused. Prior to getting on, you should always look your ride over and feel that everything is safe. Check tire pressure; placing 32 and 34 front and rear respectively. This pressure may be a bit high for track riding but does put you in a very safe zone.

Preparation for the ride also includes proper sleep and eating healthy, so if you had a little too much to drink the night prior, you maybe should just sit by the pool until things clear up! Take a moment to stretch your body and warm up. This includes; toe touches, nice and slow now, deep knee bends, arms above your head, turning your head side to side and some deep breathing. After knowing your ride is good and you are ready, it's time for you to get dressed.

Your gear should always have some sort of protective outerwear; such as leathers or a jacket with armor, good quality gloves, boots, eye protection and a helmet with a Snell or high equivalent safety rating. When riding on the track it's important to also wear a back protector under your leather suit-just in case you forget to focus for a second!

That brings me back to focus. This preparation for your ride and knowing you have done these things PRIOR to your ride will allow you to eliminate some initial distractions that could surface later on, when it would be least desired.

When getting on the bike, situate yourself comfortably; moving close to the tank as to reach the bars while remaining in an upright position. It's important to sit in an upright position for several reasons. This seating position allows for more comfort and control by offering the rider greater vision and leverage; two of the most important factors needed for focus.

Once riding, you will find that sitting and using your body properly is the key to success. By being able to see and turn your head quickly you now can make quality decisions that count; with your new found leverage turning can be done with immediate input on the bars and with less effort. You also will experience much less fatigue during the ride when compared to riders who lay over the tank and who bend their elbows - stressing the back, neck and triceps. Riding now can be fun, comfortable and you will be able to focus on what's important without yourself being a major distraction!

Now that we have established some basics, it's time you should apply these lessons to your everyday life. Start by stretching in the morning and throughout your day. Deep breathing will get the blood flowing and will allow for a clearer thought process. Dress for success, wear whatever is comfortable and makes you feel like you is what you should wear for the day or even for the hour if that's what makes you happy! Of course, I don't have to tell you that eating healthy is a life long commitment-which should take priority over everything, along with proper exercise. Once out and about, remember to have good body posture and to stand up tall; not slouching over, stressing your back. When driving your car, make sure this rule is not broken. People who you meet will subconsciously take note of how you present yourself and how you speak with your new found focus. Your awareness of self will take you to new places and opportunities will present themselves as never before. Focus is your key to not only riding correctly; but as you see, it can enhance every facet of your everyday life, which go together hand in hand.