How can Whack-A-Mole skills improve your motorcycle safety?

[@thomaslenzmeier183]

I employ the whack-a-mole technique while driving my car too. Combining this with looking at what’s coming ahead are skills I can use in any mode of transportation.

[@johnnylightning1491]

I couldn't agree more. Living in deer country I've trained myself to pay as much attention to the shoulder of the road as I do to the pavement. Most deer are on the side of the road before they jump out in front of you. Another great video Kevin!

[@timothymidkiff2894]

Pretty important this is the season of a lot of trick or treaters in a lot of small towns.

[@GaryHorn]

In "Twist Of The Wrist II", the author also encourages people to practice this as they walk down the street or through the mall, in crowds, etc.

[@beepbop6697]

My head is on a swivel while riding. Must be aware of everything all around at all times, while constantly predicting hazards and adjusting lane position for maximum visibility. Mr McRider is absolutely correct that we are the prey when on a bike. Thanks for continuing to publish these videos every Friday! What a nice way to end the work week.

[@jessesebastiansamuel]

This has to be one of the most important videos for any motorcyclist.

[@dalejohnson9342]

I use this same technique with my students in Thailand. I give my students 5 seconds to look at a picture and then they have t write about what they saw, what time of day, and what season it is. Then we go over the things that they think they saw and it is amazing what they miss. I tie this into what they miss in the classroom and also what they miss on their motorcycles when they travel to and from school. Each time I have done this the student accident rate falls for at least one month. Unfortunately they go back to not paying attention to their surroundings. In Thailand it is especially dangerous for the bike rider as the cars either ignore or aim for you.

[@stoney3398]

Great video, Kevin! At 62, I've only been riding for about 9 years, but did tons of bicycling for the 35-40 years prior to that. I credit all those years of pedaling that gave me the awareness that I have of my surroundings, which has made it much easier to learn to safely navigate through traffic and other situations while on a motorcycle. Pretty good at whack-a-mole, too! The trick is, don't focus on anything, so you can 'semi-focus' on everything.

[@dicklongstroke5414]

I first cracked at the title but heck, you are sooo right. Peripheral vision, reading the road and anticipating hazards will keep you safe.

[@waynelarnold]

Unattended eyes will acquire the wrong data, stay focused and don’t allow yourself to get distracted.

[@Brooklyn12340]

Great practice tool. We were taught to scan, same idea and it doesn't stop when we stop at a light or stop sign scan (look) at the mirrors!! well done!! Thank you

[@dracphelan]

I've had friends and family marvel at my ability to do this. Along with avoiding accidents, it has let me spot openings in traffic and move more quickly through it while still being safe.

[@lacrossev]

Same, they wonder why I don't change lanes when an opening comes up because they're looking at the cars directly in front of them when I've seen 2 other cars already trying to occupy that opening, usually giving way in my lane and thus I end up ahead in the end Whole board vision is what keeps me from being a fearful mess when I drive/ride

[@MrAli171]

No moles were hurt making this video

[@MCrider]

...just digital moles

[@jimfarnell5813]

Don’t just “look”... “SEE”!!! ... 360 degree awareness is vital, even life saving, when riding, driving or walking in the mall with your significant other... this awareness decreases the chances of trouble coming out of nowhere...

[@petematthews7303]

showing awareness can also make trouble (a potential attacker) look for an easier target

[@terrillwolf2552]

Great advice as always!

[@kerryfristoe1329]

Always helpful. Thank you.

[@kingfisherphil]

Thanks Kevin! Great information.

[@phineasbanning2760]

Really enjoyed this video. Thanks.

[@amirnovini8386]

Kevin - Thank you for a fantastic job you do to keep us safe! As a pilot with whole host of modern avionics to keep planes from hitting each other in today’s skies, in the early days (30 years ago) we relied on our eyes in good weather and air traffic control in bad, fortunately I kept the scanning eyes habitats around not just for planes but for large birds during takeoff and landing! Remember Sully?! As a newbie on motorcycles I will do my best with your ‘suspicious eyes’ recommendation! Thank you!

[@gee99man99]

Excellent video, excellent analogy!

[@leonbeck6254]

Thanks for reminding us to keep looking to be safe.😎🏍🇺🇸

[@RiccardoMaldarizzi]

beautiful teaching skill. Thanks

[@jimbannon4127]

Kevin Thank you for a great video on riding awareness. I appreciate your videos and the time and effort you put into them. You've made me and I'm sure many other riders better and safer Thank you

[@MCrider]

Thanks Jim, I appreciate it.

[@spudgunson]

Thank you Kevin. Excellent article.

[@redbeard14770]

Another great video. I try to use many of the techniques taught here when driving my car.

[@alexeykulikov2739]

This was a VERY good one. Thanx uncle Kev.

[@rubencangelosi193]

Excelent video Kevin!! Very clear concepts and those "beavers" over the imagen were a very good example. Thanks!! Best regards from Argentina.

[@ontheothersideoftheroad]

Excellent advice, pretty much what I have learned in the years of riding all applied even in as a cage driver.

[@richardmourdock2719]

Really well done Kevin, very clever and yet extremely instructive. Eleven out of ten on this one! Well written, concise, clear and life saving. "See you on the road".. even if just out the corner of my eye.

[@iseverelst1905]

wow what a magnificent video - very creative and entertaining!

[@charlesbailey8527]

Good road strategy and reminders for better riding and awareness.

[@CarlosSanchez-kd8et]

Great, great advice. The best for me. Thank you

[@MCrider]

Thanks Carlos!

[@XTRABIG]

Thank you, Kevin! Great information on vision , depth, and overcoming our limitations by turning them into strengths on the road. Salute from Ft Lauderdale.

[@MCrider]

Thank you.

[@blackedoutvulcans6876]

This is definitely up there as one of the best McRider videos. It makes perfect sense. Wack A Mole was not only an excellent example, the pop up moles on the street was hysterical. Great job this week.

[@georgejed6869]

I agree and started riding on the street in 1988. I used to do, and say to people that I acted like Arnold Schwarzenegger the first Terminator movie, when he was in the Police car in the Parking garage... looking for Sarah Connor. He was scanning from right to left and back. I took that as being over defensive driving and have always done it that way. It makes sense if you think about it. G

[@TheCuriousOrbs]

His videos really are well crafted.

[@keyvannematollahi2844]

Great advice

[@neilshepherd1904]

Being aware of, and utilising, our peripheral vision is important, and one piece of the riding jigsaw puzzle along with actively scanning for present and potential danger/s. Cheers.

[@ChristosBassCovers]

Love the analogy

[@motorradmike]

Excellent, Kevin.

[@MCrider]

Thanks Michael.

[@pastorrick60]

This is excellent! I have always called this "riding with Jason Bourne intensity". Your wording of it needs less explanation. Thank you.

[@josecenteno1454]

I haven't seen that way before. Thanks

[@t.s.racing]

AWESOME ANALOGY KEVIN !!!! Great video Sir. Thank you. GOD BLESS YOU SIR 🇺🇸🏍🇺🇸🏍🇺🇸 BTW, I've been riding and racing over 40 years!!! Still VERY informative.

[@markrumfola9833]

Good advice

[@MatthewPettyST1300]

A very beautiful way to put into words, things I've been doing for years. I started riding in 1977 and by now I didn't realized my habit until you put it into words. A car next to me on the road will move over towards me by a few inches and I move away the same amount and shift my attention just a little more to him to make sure it's not lane change. Another "fun" game I play from time to time is to narrate in my mind to myself like a play by play football announcer. Just what am I looking at? In my mind, I say Look at that car signaling, look at at the one in front drifting left, the space in front looks good. If I don't change the car in my thoughts every 2 seconds or where I'm looking, I feel like I'm doing something wrong. it makes you pay attention to what your are looking at. It's weird to think of something so relaxing takes so much attention and alertness !

[@stevewaterfield4862]

Thanks.

[@someone46018]

One of the most important skills of a road user to develop, hazard prediction, or whack a mole as you call it, lol.

[@nickhildabridle1612]

So do you plan on doing a video on your new shop? How you designed it? Picked the layout? Etc?

[@ultraclassic01hd]

Whack-A-Mole for me is how fast I can hit the skip ad button!

[@jeep2liberty]

LOL . . Well said!

[@hogwildbowhunter]

I certainly agree when I am on the bike I become prey in the asphalt jungle. Scanning for threats is constant, but over time it is not so tiring or a cause of mental fatigue. Like a wise ole antelope it is second nature. Lastly there are situations when you are near or see where you should be on high alert. Your city driving video segment is the one I am the most uncomfortable with. Reminds me of antelope going to a water hole, they are always on high alert.

[@MCrider]

Yes, being alert seems very taxing at first but overtime you do get better at it and it becomes much easier.

[@keithwaite5026]

Good one.❤️👍👊

[@videobiker9131]

Good tip, even if you only ride a bicycle on the streets of Brooklyn, NY

[@snatr]

I'm pretty good when it comes to field of vision while riding. My shortcoming is the traffic around and behind me. I don't know if it's my mirrors, the helmet or just my focus, but I often feel like people snuck up on me 😒

[@davidbrandt6925]

Thank you Kevin. I'm working on a project fitting gazelles with rear view mirrors.

[@MCrider]

Awesome, when you get finished let me know and I will have you on for an episode. ;)

[@davidbrandt6925]

@@MCrider will do. Although at this point it seems to hinder their vision more than help it.

[@dadtrap]

A pilot who flew commercial airplanes taught me to keep my head on a 360 degree swivel. That way you will see everything

[@sgpsimonb]

My philosophy living in Asia is to be the broken whack-a-mole; can't get whacked if I'm not visible. Does not apply to riding, just everything else! Great vid. I rank my riding skills as average, but my vision and observation are strong. Need a head on a swivel out here. While riding in Cambodia in the early 90s I honestly thought I'd be overtaken over me! Full 3D threats!

[@pilotdane1]

The saddest part about this video is that there are actually people out there who filmed themselves playing "Whack-A-Mole". As always Kevin, Love all that you do for the riding community.

[@garthhowe297]

I look forward to improving my whack-a-mole skills ...oh.. and my motorcycle riding skills as well. lol

[@pekes1956]

"Developing a wider field of view will make you..."...a better Whack-a-Mole player too! :-)

[@MarkWrist]

Watching From Ph 😘🇵🇭❤️

[@stevensobba1785]

Kevin , you always make class interesting 👏🏼🙏🏼👊🏻👍🏻🇺🇸😄. How is Major? Does like the new “office”?

[@oulupulu]

Lovely bit of editing

[@MCrider]

Thanks Becky

[@thistexanspov6337]

Hey MC Rider. I'm also here in NTX and curious as to how you would winterize your bike. I have a 09 shadow and my wife an 05 s40. Our winter's are as harsh as most others but should we even seap all the oils and fluids I've seen in thoer vids? Thanks!

[@YBGuy]

I like your comparison! : ) Wack a mole for the rider for fast response and wide angle of view.

[@TennRides]

That was very good. Always great advice. Only a fool thinks he knows it all when it comes to riding, and thinks he/she can stop listening to others because they already "know" it.

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

👍👍

[@tan9750]

You have to noticed every possible hazzard. My tips is turn your head and look in between, focus atleast 2 space.

[@funk7875]

Remember to be extra careful when you are riding down the interstate at 70 mph on the rear wheel!

[@sgtommyc]

And use those mirrors! It can scare the living daylights out of me, when a speeding car (or MC) passes 2 feet from me at twice my speed, and I'm not prepared for it!

[@dihskursiv]

This predator fears one of Indiana's most common prey, DEER! Good video Kevin.

[@jeep2liberty]

I fear an Indiana deer crossing into Ohio. Ride safe over there!

[@marekstawicki8811]

Hey Kevin, 4:22 - no escape path this time?

[@jered2177]

Check out Ryan at fortnine channel,his video is also good about this subject. Your brain actually feels in some of your peripheral vision with what it thinks should be there.

[@STho205]

So how do we safe riders improve our antelope vision: We stick a full face helmet with a porthole visor on our heads and look in bar mounted mirrors that have 50% of their view eclipsed by our broad shoulders bulked out with CE pads. That only increases the natural laser focus forward. I must admit, that the car/bike hovering on my 5,6,7 can elude me even with a head check while wearing a modern helmet. I saw much more with my 1975 3/4 Dr Kiley helmet and even more with an old cop style skullcap, but I'd still hate to slam into the pavement or B pillar with my exposed chin.

[@MCrider]

My fullface helmet offers a broader field of view than I can use.

[@STho205]

MCrider - Motorcycle Training. Yes, the eye damage in college sports, I take it. I can see the liner, EPS form and frame of my helmet in my periferal all the time. I notice my eyes drifting away from it automatically to get the action my brain senses ahead. I've also noticed in the upright standard bike seating, turning the full faced helmets (mostly designed for sport/track bikes) is more resistive than turning your head in the old Evil Knievel helmet. Modern full faces are apparently intended to look under and back, from the tucked Moto GP position. They're still better than the little hole on the old Bell full hat from 1976.

[@joemgarcia3095]

Thank you Kevin.....however, I must disagree with you as per us, as riders, being "prey".....For me, it's a mindset of ALWAYS being a compasionate predator....meaning, after a breif check through of my iron horse, I then go over mental teachniques, as per riding distance, proper speed according to speed limits and variables om the road, always, like an athlete keeping my head on a swivel, and scanning field of vision.....in this modality, I am a predator on the look out for ALL variables to either escape, or use appropriate skills according to each situation.....As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is.....amen

[@Ducati_Dude]

Was taught this in Drivers Ed many moons ago... they called it 'Getting the Big Picture...'

[@pekes1956]

Ooops - realize you said that already (re-watched the video...) Pardon the redundancy.

[@samehsouissi6986]

1st

[@MCrider]

there is no prize for that. ;)

[@danielpeters4468]

Im at a serious disadvantage im blind in my left eye so im constantly turning head to scan for potential hazards the guys i ride with think its hilarious 😡

[@MCrider]

It would cause a lot more effort for you. I have no central vision in my left eye but have good peripheral vision so it does not affect me as much

[@fknbastages]

Humans are herbivores our intestines are way too short. Our closest relative is a gorilla, a gorilla is not predatory.

[@MCrider]

My closest relative is my Dad and he eats meat.

[@hogwildbowhunter]

I certainly agree when I am on the bike I become prey in the asphalt jungle. Scanning for threats is constant, but over time it is not so tiring or a cause of mental fatigue. Like a wise ole antelope it is second nature. Lastly there are situations when you are near or see where you should be on high alert. Your city driving video segment is the one I am the most uncomfortable with. Reminds me of antelope going to a water hole, they are always on high alert.