Rider Mentoring

[Bueller]

There has been mention in a number threads of having experienced riders pair up with new or new to canyon riders for some one on one instruction time and riding evaluation.
This would be a good place to ask for and offer the help.
I think posting an open invite will just result in a group ride that will not offer any real quality help.

I propose that if you are looking for some help and your ego isn't too large, you can post up here and then if you aren't a total ass on here, and some one is willing to spend some time with you they can PM you and set up a meeting.

I would suggest posting times you would be available for 2-3 hours and then the mentors can see what fits into their schedules.

I hate to be the one who pushes the track thing because I know both worlds and some people have no interest or are intimated by the thought or riding track but I will throw that out here also. If you would like to visit IMI and really learn how to make your bike go around corners it will cost you all of $35 and no real bike prep. And they have fewer rules for rider gear than some of the recent rides posted here.

I don't know how to determine if those offering help are actually qualified per say to do so. I am too hoping this does not turn into noob helping noob.
Everyone is so sensitive to their noobness that they get all pissy if it is questioned.

I am thinking more on the lines of you should have been riding for a minimum of 4-5 years and be one of "those guys or gals" that has a reputation for quick. Quick is different from fast.

[Tylar]

[BC14]

I concur. I hope this turns into a good thing for those that want to partake.

[asp_125]

+1 I hope it doesn't turn into: "knee dragging in Boulder Canyon 101". This won't make you instantly keep up with the really good fast riders, this will give you the concepts and techniques to let you progress safely towards being a good safe rider. So if your ego will let you ride at the posted limit sometimes, speak up.

[madvlad]

I'm liking this very mucho

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

+1 I hope it doesn't turn into: "knee dragging in Boulder Canyon 101".

Yeah, I find 7 is SO much better for that.......... (Kidding).

I think Bueller has a good idea here, and share your concern Jeff. But, I think smaller groups attract less attention from Johnny Law, and have less tendency to get out of hand due to their smaller size. I have a friend here who's getting back into riding that I've been taking around, showing him new roads, and it's been a lot of fun and I think he's doing very well and learning a lot. Not only that, he's a great guy and it's been a lot of fun getting to know a new friend better.

Like I've said, I don't have a problem with n00bs per se, I just would rather choose A n00b or 2 I TRUST to take out instead of a large uncontrolled group.

I hope people take advantage of this idea.

[Matty]

Everyone is so sensitive to their noobness that they get all pissy if it is questioned.

[TransNone13]

Bueller, just have volunteers post their experience in a predetermined format and let those looking for help choose!

[AOK303]

Ehhh I'm a Noob and I did get/seek help. i've seen too many car accidents over the years. I still take noobs out in my car to show how the circit should be run, show them how to pick, run or hold lines car is more forgiving then a bike

Think this is a great idea

[Bueller]

Bueller, just have volunteers post their experience in a predetermined format and let those looking for help choose!

While some people have endless patients that would be fine, I am not such a person so while I would be willing to choose a student out of a pool I am not inclined to have them choose me.

Of course if someone want's to be on such a list they are welcome to do so.

[TransNone13]

Well, you don't have to accept them. Just trying to be helpful, I personally don't know the area well enough.

[Drift]

Like I've said, I don't have a problem with n00bs per se, I just would rather choose a n00b or two I TRUST to take out instead of a large uncontrolled group.

I hope people take advantage of this idea.

+1

[WolFeYeZ]

I would enjoy riding one on one with a more experienced rider To attempt to help out my ability. Great idea bueller

[CaptGoodvibes]

When I first started riding here in Colorado, canyons were a mysterious beast. Jeff(asp125) was my first and only mentor and he really helped me with the fundamentals and my confidence. But now he has a girlfriend

I need help learning the capabilities of my bike in terms of lean and stability. Every time I'm in too hot, I pray and ride it out but I'd rather do it with resolve and knowledge I'm not about to die. Really, I want to be able to ride a quicker pace without thinking I have to hang off the bike all the time to make it through corners. I'm thinking about Bueller's video when I say this.

I'll be glad to post up a time I need mentoring next Thursday or Friday but I won't know for a couple days.

[mtnairlover]

I propose that if you are looking for some help and your ego isn't too large, you can post up here and then if you aren't a total ass on here, and some one is willing to spend some time with you they can PM you and set up a meeting.

I would suggest posting times you would be available for 2-3 hours and then the mentors can see what fits into their schedules.

Everyone is so sensitive to their noobness that they get all pissy if it is questioned.

I am thinking more on the lines of you should have been riding for a minimum of 4-5 years and be one of "those guys or gals" that has a reputation for quick. Quick is different from fast.

I like this idea, Bueller!

I also like the idea that someone else posted. That is...posting up your years of experience, etc. This would be for all to see and it would weed out the noob teaching noob idea. Someone can always call BS when those who post their experience do it in a public format.

With that said, I would like to suggest that a sticky get posted with names of those who are willing to mentor new(er) riders. The sticky and mentor names should include the following:

Year started riding:
Male/female: this may need to remain unspoken or included in a PM, but the alternative is getting to the meeting spot and the noob realizes he's being taught by a woman and his ego ends up getting in his way of taking on some good advice
Dirt experienced?
Track experienced?
Mountain road experienced?

Just my .02

I'm just not sure how the new(er) rider could be assured that they are riding with someone who has more than 4 years experience, or that this person is regarded as a good rider and not an ass.

[FZRguy]

+1 on IMI. I'm going tomorrow, July 11.

http://www.cosportbikeclub.org/forum...ad.php?t=40954

[Clovis]

Wingman needed, inquire within.

[TransNone13]

Wingman needed, inquire within.

Inquiring...

[Drift]

...Just my .02

I'm just not sure how the new(er) rider could be assured that they are riding with someone who has more than 4 years experience, or that this person is regarded as a good rider and not an ass...

As far as I know...I'm only considered an ass at my workplace?!?

[Ezzzzy1]

Wonder where this idea came from... lol. Guess you kinda beat me to it.

Maybe the experienced riders can PM Bueller over the next week so that we can get a pool going, once we have 10+? you can post them up and go from there. It would be nice to see a day/time posted that way its somewhat organized and we can stop for lunch somewhere and talk shop...

I like the track idea and maybe thats something everyone could take a look at for future mentoring. I bet this is something that we could turn into a monthly thing and that would be great!

Just ideas...

Original post -

You know what would be cool....? A ride that paired an experienced canyon rider with someone that know how to ride but is looking to get better in the canyons. Something like 5 groups of 2 going off in 5-10 intervals. I have a fair amount of canyon experience but would totally jump at the opportunity to be critiqued, might be the only way I would hear about something I am doing wrong or could be doing better.

Im sure it would take a lot for some of the boards better canyon riders to "donate" a morning but I think the opportunity to share some of the great pointers you have collected over the years would be awesome! Im sure lunch could be worked in there as well.

Dont want to jack the thread but I think its a really proactive approach to the original concern.

So lets just start a list of the 5 canyon experts and go from there..LOL

[Concabar]

It all sounds good. I learned how to ride from people on here, that took me out and showed me a thing or two, had me follow their lines and ride behind me. I am grateful to all those who helped, but I also have to give some credit to the Missourisportbikeclub as well. I have been riding for a little over 2 years now and i have been taught well. So thanks.

[Zach929rr]

I'd be willing to dedicate an hour to someone willing to learn.

[vort3xr6]

Bueller. I need some riding help. Still can't remember what side the clutch is on. Right foot or left foot?

[Bueller]

Wonder where this idea came from... lol. Guess you kinda beat me to it.

You really think that no one else had thought of this before? We (several of the long time members) have talked about this since the start of this seasons crash fest. But came to the conclusion that hardly any of the new hot rods would willing to take advantage.
BTW this is not the first year there has been this crashing epidemic, it happened last year and the year before and so on and so on, and will happen again next year.

Maybe the experienced riders can PM Bueller over the next week so that we can get a pool going, once we have 10+? you can post them up and go from there. It would be nice to see a day/time posted that way its somewhat organized and we can stop for lunch somewhere and talk shop..

What is going to make this any different fro any other group ride?

I am talking one on one separate from all other riders, perferably off hours but to be done outside the group dynamic.

I am not going to organize anything, this is an opportunity for those that want help to speak up and for those willing to help to contact them as they see fit.

As far as track instruction I usually hit IMI during the week when I can, to avoid the karting crowd but I usually post up, I have had only a couple of people ask for any instruction when they do show up. I will generally try to give the new guys some basic track etiquette and tips but usually after they demonstrate they have little idea of what they are doing.