Limits

One of the most important concepts taught in any of our courses is that to ride safely, responsible motorcyclists know and ride within the limits of their abilities. To ride safely, one must know the limits of their abilities, their motorcycle’s capabilities, the environment in which they ride, and the traffic laws. Once a rider understands this, they must take responsibility for operating within those limits.

Each of our classes has twelve students in them. Each is an individual with different strengths and weaknesses. As we work through each exercise, each student is coached to bring them to their highest potential. All leave the course with different levels of abilities. We tell all of our students to go out and practice what they have learned. We tell them that they will get more proficient with practice. Practice makes perfect. Didn’t all of our teachers tell us that? It worked for math, reading, and penmanship.

It works for motorcycling too, but one must always remember the original concept of staying within their limits. Don’t be in such a rush to jump ahead of yourself, especially if you are being pushed by external forces. When you go beyond your limits, there are two things that can happen. One is that you could have an accident and get hurt. The other is that you could almost have an accident. Both may scare you enough that you never ride again. So, here are some pointers for staying within your limits-

• Don’t let anyone talk you into buying a motorcycle that is too much for you. Start small, work your way up. There are plenty of good- looking small cc bikes out there. In a year or two you will be ready to upgrade to larger and faster.
• Stay in parking lots if you don’t feel ready for the road.
• Choose the days and times you ride. Avoid rush hour if possible.
• Don’t ride faster than you are comfortable with. Tell your friends that you’ll meet them at the next rest area.
• Choose your route carefully. Avoid roads with construction or heavy traffic patterns. The more scenic route is nicer anyhow. Dress appropriately. The more comfortable you are, the more you will be able to concentrate on the tasks involved in riding. Carry extra riding gear in case the weather changes.
• Look at a map before you get started and carry it with you. Lost on the highway is not cool and it can be scary getting on and off exits trying to find your way.
• If you were a passenger before, remember that you got on the front of that motorcycle in order to control your own destiny. So do it! Don’t allow anyone to push you beyond your limits.
• Ride with other people who have taken a course, and you will have similar riding techniques. Untrained rider’s reactions are harder to predict. Ride in a staggered formation and always give yourself plenty of room.
• Always expect the unexpected. The unexpected could be unpleasant. All surprises on a motorcycle should be pleasant ones. Always do a pre-ride check.
• Read motorcycle books and magazines to learn as much as you can about motorcycling.
• Come back and take another course. We offer three different courses. Even experienced motorcyclists take the ERC every year or two.

If you have questions, you can send them to us via mail, fax or e-mail, and one of the instructors will give you our opinion. Remember, the more you know ... the better it gets!