On This Episode We Covered the following:
1. Why Slow Speed Riding Matters
Importance: Building precise slow-speed control is key for overall riding safety and skill development.
Technique: Using vision properly can help stabilize your bike when riding slowly.
2. Essential Slow Speed Exercises
Basic Exercise:
Find a parking lot with a hard surface.
Sit down, ride in a straight line, and gradually slow down by slipping the clutch.
Then Stand up and use the same routine standing.
Practice this regularly to build muscle memory and enhance control.
Clutch Control:
Use clutch slipping to maintain balance at the slowest speeds possible.
Focus on balanced riding in a straight line, even at very low speeds.
We talk about why larger adventure bikes require more clutch work compared to smaller bikes.
3. Practice Exercises
Circles:
Clinton’s Training Circle - 6 meters or yards in diameter. 2 Circles that size one meter or yard apart.
Practice tight circles; note that turning left can be easier than turning right.
The connection of the your chin and eyes to help guide and tighten your circle.
Incorporating exercises like Clinton’s Training Circles into your regular routine.
4. Ready Position Drills
Starting and Stopping:
Begin from a ready position.
Practice controlled pull-aways and complete stops.
Stop gently by putting your left foot down using a head tilt, keeping your right foot on the peg.
5. Braking Practice
Building Muscle Memory:
Gradually increase braking intensity at higher speeds.
This exercise helps develop the muscle memory required for confident and controlled stops.
6. Final Challenge: Gravel Integration
Move all of these exercises to gravel once you’ve honed your skills on a hard surface.
This is the second episode in our RIDER SKILLS Miniseries—Ride Ready Skills for Adventure for anyone getting back on the bike after a break. Whether you've been off because of winter weather or a busy schedule, or you're gearing up for a riding trip, this series is packed with essential steps, tips, and guidance on training and building your skills. You'll learn how to structure your training, master key techniques, and pick up practical tips to ride safely and confidently.
Clinton Smout - SMART Adventure Programs/SMART Performance Centre
Clinton Smout is a highly regarded chief motorcycle instructor and the founder of SMART Adventures in Ontario, Canada. With his extensive experience and expertise in motorcycling, Clinton has become a prominent figure in motorcycle education and safety. He is known for his passionate approach to teaching, emphasizing the importance of proper riding techniques, road awareness, and safety precautions. Through SMART Adventures, Clinton has helped numerous individuals enhance their motorcycling skills, whether they are beginners looking to learn the basics or experienced riders aiming to refine their techniques. His dedication to promoting safe and responsible motorcycling has made him a respected authority in the Canadian motorcycling community.
Website: SMART Performance Centre
DISCLAIMER: This segment is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be viewed as a substitute for formal rider training. It is highly recommended that you consult a certified professional trainer before attempting any of the discussed techniques, or proceed at your own risk. Canoe West Media, Adventure Rider Radio, SMART Adventures, SMART Performance Centre, and Clinton Smout accept no liability for any injuries or damages sustained, including but not limited to those affecting yourself, another individual, or a motorcycle. Your safety and the safety of others are of the utmost importance.
More RIDER SKILLS episodes at https://adventureriderradio.com/riderskills.