Dropping into a corner at speed has taught me a few lessons. There is something exhilarating and focusing about these moments in time. Beyond the exposure one naturally has on a motorcycle, every pivots on one’s ability to be totally present, taught yet relaxed, and able to act while still thinking ahead. When you get it right, it feels so good! The natural, smooth line opens up to an opportunity to accelerate into the next.
I have come to appreciate the formal training of yesterday and how much it still echoes. Among the mantras that were given to me then that are working now are the following.
One’s ideal approach is always slower than one naturally wants it to be. Slow is good. Experience reminds me that being slow gives me time to be fully present and focused. This is not the time to ask for help. Even if one screams “Don’t turn your back on me just when I need you so desperately. Pay attention! This is a cry for help! And hurry – this can’t wait!” (Psalm 102.2) Nobody is going to come to your aid. The help you need is already within, use it! Secondly, being slow allows one to pick the line that works best.
Once one has a line and the sight line of the exit because to come into your sight line, it is time to pick up the pace. There are lots of details that one should monitor and take into consideration. Tire pressure and grip, road condition, ripple and bumps, and how everything plays on each other. Again, trust the lessons and directions Wisdom had planted within. Let go of the unnecessary fear and live full and completely. The right hand rolls and the speed picks up.
As a clear sight line emerges it is time to go. No hesitation. Now I can let go and really roll.
As I exited a corner recently I reflected on the #1 cause of isolated accidents – too fast in a corner. Slow, roll, and go is always part of riding safe.
