Secrets of a Road Tester: State of Mind | MCN

[@Gorbyrev]

That was fascinating and a timely reminder to pay attention. Every time I get on a bike I remind myself I am a father and that it's my responsibility to keep myself safe.

[@mortaljorma69]

Before taking it on the road just say to yourself that every car that you will see is a potential killer and you are probably fine. Bright clothing, correct speed and general awareness helps. I cant say this enough but keeping your bike in top shape is very, very important. I see alot of bikes with about zero thread on tyres and some cases very low pressures. Rusty chains and sprockets, black brake fuild in reservoir etc. and driver basically with minimum or no gear on at all. Sad days.

[@JoeyCbr]

Devastated, to hear about the incident. Fly high Mark, much respect, and glad to have been a part of your ground crew and your journey.

[@jjnewman65]

RIP Mark Long 🙏🏻 Doing what he loved. Condolences to his family, friends & colleagues

[@barrykrakovsky756]

Thank you for this video. Despite my 16 years on a motorcycle, I must continuously remind myself of the basics: situational awareness, riding my ride, etc. It's easy to become complacent, but complacency must be avoided.

[@shaneelson]

Never a ride goes by that I dont have a 'weird' feeling before kitting up. Dunno if its nerves, anticipation or excitement. But ... I have a routine before I hit the starter. Then, within a second of lifting the feet to the pegs and giving the throttle a gentle twist to get out of the driveway, that 'weird' feeling is gone. Patience, planning, preparation and pratice have helped me survive (touch wood) to ride another day. Great chat 👍

[@blipco5]

Exactly as I feel.. a little anxiety. I put on my gear using my regular routine. I sit on the bike while it is warming up and focus on my ride plan. Then once I’m rolling my confidence is all there and I’m thinking "what was that all about?"

[@GMak81]

It's adrenaline, fight or flight... or as I call it fear or focus.

[@Bikeadelic]

I always do breathwork before I get on a bike or if I'm rushed during the ride, as soon as i have enough free attention. Breathin over 4 seconds, hold for 5, breathe out of your mouth over 6 seconds, pause for 3. Repeat. Lowers your heart rate and turns off your sympathetic nervous system (doesn't sound like it but its the "bad"/less useful one) and turns on your parasympathetic nervous system. Making it easier to think clearly and stay clam. Also do it if I have a close call of stress builds again, box breathing is good to.

[@Dean-does-Stuff-81]

I have been riding for over 20 years. I did almost 10 years of commuting in and around London. I can tell you that there is always mental prep every single time you ride. It is all about staying alive. I cant imagine how much harder it is now with all the extra cars and also motor bikes on the road. I have also noticed that that period of time off the bike does 100% take away your riding skill, and effective awareness of what's around you. You see that daily commuters ride in a totally different way to weekend riders for example. I had quite a big gap between bikes and it has taken me 3 months or so to really get back into the groove with my riding.

[@ralphwarom2514]

This was actually really fun to watch. Nice conversation from the three lads. :D cheers.

[@craigbarron5620]

My tip... "Ride to what you can see!" We frequently assume what's around the corner, over the rise, visually blocked by the vehicle in front... Be aware of the assumptions you make and ride based on what you can actually see. 👍

[@moto_ronto]

Great discussion. Someone in my motorcycle forum just passed away from a bike accident, and it happens all too frequently. It's really important to understand what to do, not just what not to do, and this series is so helpful in understanding the right frame of mind for safe riding. Thanks!

[@John900C]

I found the discussion of taking your time to plan, both the overall ride and the next maneuver very interesting. I personally found that one (of many!) benefits advanced rider training gave me was the feeling of more time to plan my ride. I now feel more relaxed and in control of the whole riding situation and enjoy riding much more.

[@ironhorsehero1988]

I prep before my ride, stay patient during the ride i.e. no risky overtakes, filter carefully ( mostly so as not to piss people off ) and towards the end of a long ride have a little word with myself just to remind me it’s not over until I’m on my drive with the engine switched off. I didn’t get to be a 72yo biker by doing dumb stuff 😄

[@variostick9215]

Fascinating, love the 3 and out rule. Would love to see a part 2 made to this.

[@bloodyhell451]

Fab video. Planning is key. Anticipation, reading everything and flowing. And crucially, keeping your distance from everything, either by going fast, going slow, or anticipating their stupid antics. It's only when we get too close, in front, behind, or side-to-side that we put ourselves in danger. And never trust a junction. One last thing. Cars have 'body language'. Look at the body language of cars. It will tell you about their drivers. Bikes have body language too. Without being aggressive, cultivate a bike-body language that says 'I am considerate, but I also own this road'. I do not know how to explain this but it is a thing and it does exist. It can be a weave as you approach a junction where someone is waiting to cross (a bike is small and a weave draws the eye) but there is something more to it. You see the potential situation, you slow and get ready, and then you send mind bullets to alert the driver ! This sounds mad, but it does actually work. Own your space on the road, whilst being attentive to those who are not aware. It's almost as if your awareness augments theirs and wakes them up. That's the best way I can put it. Does anybody else know wtf I am talking about ?

[@ironmanmichael]

I do, but you still have to look out for the types that will see it as a challenge - you're only a bike - and pull out in front of you regardless. Expect everyone to do anything, other than defy the laws of physics. Kept me safe commuting in London for 10 years!

[@cristihcd]

Yes, you have to own your part of the road and also send "pings" like you said. It helps you find and remain focused on what's immediately dangerous for you

[@bsmukler]

The contrast and comparison between flying fighters and riding was especially fascinating. I’ve heard portions of that when listening to pilots participating in track schools. The concept of watching for multiple small mistakes was brought home to me yesterday, riding on track at over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. My coach spotted a change in my cornering and had me cool down and rehydrate and back off the pace for one session. Thank goodness for great instructors!

[@samuelgillard2196]

Brilliant and insightful. I could listen to all three of you all day!

[@MrBiggles]

Interesting to listen to three guys referring to their own area of expertise but with a common outlook on how to stay safe. There’s always something to learn and improve upon, and preparation is a good start to every ride. Like the guys said your head has to be in the right place for it.

[@ksheehan330]

Brilliant. Wonderful. To examine how to ride safely, and hear from these experts, very powerful. Thank you for posting this video.

[@IMG-Photography]

My philophosy to riding big bikes fairly quickly for 35 years over the last 45 years is that if (when !!) a negative situation arises it is 'my' responsibilty at all times to be prepared to take evasive action, regardless of blame. I love life and my family and believe me, this keeps you switched on and ahead of the game.

[@timm8319]

I just came back from a week touring Scotland with Ryan as a Rapid Training coach - top bloke, great rider 👍🏻

[@ChasingTenths]

Loving that GoPro shoulder mount at the start of the video, never seen anything like that

[@movem1]

Brilliant panel, appreciate from 17m - 21m about sticking to a plan / mental fitness / thinking ahead.

[@ragerider6283]

Very interesting indeed. The mental preparation side of things is huge & so many people often just don't think at all, myself included. The benefit of the pre-ride ritual to get you in the zone shouldn't be underestimated or rushed. Note to self!

[@HuskySwe]

Love this, My state of mind is I’ve 3 young kids 🤣 no but genuinely all joking aside I’m serious, we all love bikes and we clearly love speed, and the freedom of it, my kids keep my head in check, and definitely my kit being in the right place, back pack has places certain things need to be and all my pockets, anything is somewhere it shouldn’t be my head is fried, love bikes. Love this video.

[@glennturnbull8568]

Great food for thought. Thank you. I don’t plan my ride which could be why I forget my ear plugs from time to time, but I think I should from now on. But I always analyse a ride when I get home, mainly what did I do that was plainly wrong, what did I do that I could have done better, and then try and not do those mistakes again.

[@richardcole4979]

As you said… I could listen to much more of that discussion. 👍🏻🤜🏻

[@shadowred1980]

Really interesting, thank you to the 2 chaps for taking part.

[@nomading_in]

For the first time in a long time I momentarily switched off while following a car on some boring twisties. They hit in the brakes in an odd place mid turn, and as I was a little switched off I started to run wide. Not high speed, easily correctible, but a nice little reminder not to take anything for granted out there.

[@emmsar708]

One of the best mcns videos. Thank you!

[@MrMickjbriggs]

Very interesting. You have never been riding too long to learn.

[@ryanmalone2681]

Look at any Moto Madness video and you’ll see most people don’t h V4 the right state of mind, and even if they do, they lose it once someone does something wrong. I’m surprised you didn’t talk much about that. You have to assume people are going to do stupid things and it’s your responsibility to keep yourself safe. If someone does something stupid that puts me in danger, I let it go, and am more critical of myself for not anticipating it or having reacted better. That’s so important.

[@aladinfox4098]

Glad I watched this, thought I might get bored. I realise as I get older I've slowly accumulated a lot of rituals before going out on the bike. This chat confirmed I'm not just becoming neurotic with age.

[@davidmallia628]

Riding a bike is like a game of chess, but with real consequences. For one, the environment is a battlefield, where the scenario is fraught with perils that have the potential to kill, or maim you. So planning your moves ahead, anticipating, and executing different game plays is essential. And that is why it is so exhilarating. It tests your spacial awareness, and skill set, and it is readily available to anyone, youngster, pensioner, people from all walks of life, with no entry requirements except a motorbike license. And not even that, if you do off road only.

[@oliw3664]

I had a skip truck stop in front of me for no apparent reason on a slow narrow but openly visible bend the other day during my commute. Thankfully I was paying attention as I remind myself people do odd things all of the time. Look after number 1 etc.

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! I could have listened to their perspective all day. Really good content, for sure! well done. Best!

[@Dereksol]

Great video. I could have listened to you all all day. Keep up the good work 😎👍

[@craigmayall7513]

Very good indeed. I learnt a great deal from this. Thanks guys.

[@tomnorris1734]

I personally always have a plan B. Riding at all times with a plan for what I'm going to do if this person does something unexpected. Is the stopping distance enough, if not is there space to get past, things like this. It amazes me how many people ride on their reactions and don't plan anything and that leads to the fun fact....... On a bike you are 62 times more likely to be in an accident that in a car.

[@ducedevlstear2471]

That instructor guy got completely wrong approach. He is worrying too much. Sure, prepare well, but once you are out, don't worry about anything because you can't change it anymore.

[@RichardHinks-c1h]

Enjoy the ride and relax that's the whole point of riding in the first place to have fun

[@scottbailey5644]

Really interesting and important advice, thanks guys!

[@expatbiker6598]

what a timely discussion. Better keep your head on a swivel, summer is upon us

[@carlosbenitez6438]

Awesome stuff as always. Thanks guys!

[@johnstath9666]

I thought putting my wallet in a specific pocket and panicking if it wasn’t before taking off made me the only nutter in the world experiencing that. Glad to hear it’s just normal.

[@peterroberts652]

My Brother In Law was in the Police all his life . Started as a PC in The Metropolitan Police , then CID , then in the Devisional Serious Crime Unit and worked a lot of surveillance with the plain clothes motorbike guys . He ended up in Special Branch so saw pretty much everything you would see in the Police and had every driving qualification . He said the plain clothes motorbike surveillance riders were absolutely incredible .

[@roseysnapper]

Fantastic interview, great series. I’m curious though - what’s with the slice of bread?

[@jimbo1485]

Champ school have a whole chapter on this. They say “have an mantra”

[@motogusnz]

Fascinating. So interesting. Thank you.

[@brianperry]

I’ve been riding for nearly sixty years, very early on I learnt to regard Cagers as possible assassins …acting Accordingly

[@davidreed6817]

Brilliant 😊

[@YangCalgary]

Brilliant!

[@nokneedownian8521]

You've managed to interview Tom cruise

[@ronr6605]

Know that the right thing in the right pocket thing just too well... mayb some old fart army related trauma, for outsiders like my wife it's just alien :D

[@teecee90]

What a very odd one this is.... not sure I learned anything really.