Ira Dork wasn't a novice rider per se, but he wasn't an "ol' timer" either. In fact, Ira had been riding for about 5-6 years. He like hanging out with his "biker" buddies and listen to their "war stories". He figured he could learn a lot from these guys. Some had done cross-country rides, others had matched their skills against "Deal's Gap". He believed everything they told him. Yet, he still had one problem. He couldn't brake very well.

Every time Ira would come to a stop sign or red light, the motorcycle would become wobbly. And what about the time he almost hit that car that had stopped suddenly in front of him. He couldn't stop quickly enough and hit the rear of the car. Fortunately damage was minimal to the car and his motorcycle, and he suffered no injuries. But why couldn't he stop sooner? There had to be some magic trick to it. He knew the front brakes had more power than the rear ones, but had been warned "never to use them or you'd be thrown over the windshield".

Then one day, the unthinkable happened. As Ira was coming to an intersection, the light seemed to turn from green to red in an instant. Once again, the car ahead stopped suddenly. Ira pressed as hard as he could on the rear brake, and for some strange reason he grabbed the front brake as well. Down he went. Now he was sure what his buddies told him about that front brake was true. Or is it?

1. Why was Ira's motorcycle always wobbly when he was braking?
2. What type of pressure was Ira under that convinced him not to use the front brake?
3. Why did he go down when he grabbed the front brake?
4. What did he do right?
5. List several steps to proper braking.

Answers to last month's questions.
1. Going too fast for conditions. Overconfidence (in believing he knew where he was). Fatigue.
2. Traveling at a rate of speed that reduces your visibility to see the critical 4-second area in front of you.
3. Causes spatial disorientation.
4. Layered clothing, riding when temps were cooler, go home.
5. Assuming he knew where he was, that he knew the curve well enough not to slow at a speed less than normal, and that there was no obstacles on the roadway.

Till next time – Ride Safe and Stay Visible.

Collen Campbell
Chapter M-2 Rider Educator