Читать книгу Motorcycling the Right Way - Ken Condon - Страница 3

What Is “Motorcycling the Right Way”?

There is no single “right” way to ride a motorcycle, but there sure are a lot of “wrong” ways to ride a motorcycle.

The title of this book, Motorcycling the Right Way, may imply that there is only one right way to ride a motorcycle, but that’s not the case. There are many valid methods and philosophies about how to ride a motorcycle.

Riding the right way means using known and proven principles for effectively controlling your motorcycle and managing risk. Riding a motorcycle the right way involves more than simply acquiring a collection of information and skills. It takes a commitment to developing and nurturing the relationship between you, your bike, and the road. And, just like any worthwhile relationship, it takes effort to keep it vital, healthy, and fun. Think of me as your relationship counselor, here to help make that process easier. The rewards are safety, confidence, and enjoyment.

This book is full of information to help you learn to be a better and safer motorcycle rider. You’ll find practical tips and techniques, as well as cautionary tales that illustrate ways to minimize the risk of riding. This book addresses all the facets of motorcycle riding … both the pleasant and the ugly, starting with the often-ignored topic of rider attitude and the sobering subject of risk. Are you motivated to take this ride? If so, let’s top off our tanks and get rolling.

Who Am I?

It’s smart to know who you are about to share a ride with, so let me introduce myself. My name is Ken Condon, and I’m a motorcycling junkie. For more than 40 years, I have been a commuter, tourer, off-road rider, track day instructor, road racer, drag racer, and plain old street rider who enjoys riding with friends and family.

It’s embarrassing to admit, but I started riding as a way to enhance my adolescent manhood at a time when my skinny physique and sensitive demeanor did not exactly make me a chick magnet. It didn’t take long to realize that riding a motorcycle wasn’t going to make me any more interesting to girls. But, by then, the riding bug had bitten hard and there was no turning back.

As parents are known to say: “it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.” Well, I learned that truth after a couple of mishaps in high school brought the reality of the risks into plain view and threatened to spoil the fun. However, I was not to be deterred. I didn’t like feeling vulnerable, so I started improving my riding skill and learning strategies for survival to reduce anxiety and prevent any future pain and repair expense.

This began my long journey toward being the best rider I can be. In addition to my 40 years on two wheels, I also have 20 years of experience as a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor/coach, 15 years as a track day instructor, and 3 years as owner of “Riding in the Zone Motorcyclist Training,” where I offer real-world, on-street, and on-racetrack rider coaching. I am also author of the book Riding in the Zone: Advanced Techniques for Skillful Motorcycling and have written more than 250 skills and safety articles for Motorcycle Consumer News (MCN). I am currently the author of the “Street Savvy” column for Motorcyclist Magazine and creator of the “Riding in the Zone” blog. I told you I’m a motorcycling junkie.

I’ve spent 15 years as a track day instructor.