New Rider Coaching (session 2) 4-7-13

[UHATEIT]

Awesome! I hope the pace was nice n slow. I hope to make the next one, just had too much going on this morning.

[Nolan]

Was a good day. Thanks for your time!

[darkwing duc]

Great pics and great instruction. I'm glad Jeff pointed out where to put the air in the tires!

[Cornfed]

Good on you ASP. Looks like you had a good group.

[asp_125]

It was a good group.

For my students. Don't forget to set up the bike correctly for you. Here is a link to what setting sag is about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAWLaLf1Awc

[ChangBang]

Thanks for setting this up Jeff! Had a fun time.

[asp_125]

Glad you all had a good time and more importantly, learned some new skills. To your credit you were all improving and able to self-analyze your technique and what needed work. Good job!

Now that I have had time to review and decompress the session. I would like any constructive criticism or suggestions to improve the experience, not only for my own teaching skill but also for other instructors to read and learn.

I've already been told by my sweep that I need to watch my speed in the lead/follow sessions. As the later runs got progressively faster, and it appeared that some riders at the back may have been missing their reference points trying to keep pace.

Part of the exercise was to bring the speed up as you got comfortable with the line, in hopes you would notice the effects of not hitting your marks, but not so fast that anyone would be riding beyond their comfort zone. I hope that wasn't the case, if it was I am sorry. It does show me the value of having an extra set of eyes at the back of the group though.

So lay it on me, what was good and what might you have wanted to see differently, including other topics? (Given the amount of time we had) Maybe less of this and more of the other?

[Nolan]

Well for my $.02. I think the session was very worthwhile. It gave me some things to work on that made sense when in the canyons. Choosing a later entry and being relaxed namely. From my view (a slower rider) having a 2 to 1 (student to instructor) ratio in these types of situations would hopefully allow for immediate feedback from a seasoned rider while allowing the noob (me) having someone to chase. That could set up a fast group and a slow group after an initial assessment. Really it just depends on where people fall into ability. I think what you guys are doing is an awesome commitment to make our sport safer. In a perfect world we could all take a day on the track one on one with an instructor. This is the next best thing....

[Cornfed]

Glad you all had a good time and more importantly, learned some new skills.

Now that I have had time to review and decompress the session. I would like any constructive criticism or suggestions to improve the experience, not only for my own teaching skill but also for other instructors to read and learn.

I've already been told by my sweep that I need to watch my speed in the lead/follow sessions. As the later runs got progressively faster, and it appeared that some riders at the back may have been missing their reference points trying to keep pace.

Part of the exercise was to bring the speed up as you got comfortable with the line, in hopes you would notice the effects of not hitting your marks, but not so fast that anyone would be riding beyond their comfort zone. I hope that wasn't the case, if it was I am sorry. It does show me the value of having an extra set of eyes at the back of the group though.

So lay it on me, what was good and what might you have wanted to see differently, including other topics? (Given the amount of time we had) Maybe less of this and more of the other?

Funny how even with just a handful of riders at noob level there quickly becomes very different levels of technique and rider comfort. I experienced the same thing, and I didnt have a sweep. Im thinking that even with as small of a group as we are working with we need a fast group and a slow group, i.e. two instructors, or an instructor and an assistant instructor, a sweep who can lead, whatever you wanna call it. Even if there is only one rider in the slow group, that is the rider that probably needs the most one on one coaching.

Notice how I used rider instead of guy(s). Ladies you are invited too.

[Nolan]

^^^^^ what he said to.

[asp_125]

Good suggestion! Perhaps the sweep should have the ability to quickly step in and be second instructor as the situation dictates.

[Nolan]

Just a couple more random thoughts....
1.Get a copy of the riders driver license so you know that they are legal. Can always give it back afterward. Kind of goes along with the waiver form.
2. Emergency contact info.
3. Points on what the rider is doing well (confidence booster) and what they aren't and steps to improve on a handwritten sheet or whatever.

That's about it from my end.... Hope to catch another one soon.

[madvlad]

Also in case of emergency drug allergies, medical conditions etc...

[asp_125]

1. Add to waiver form
2. Add to waiver form
3. PM incoming