moto-rama
Well-known member
Now that I haven't been killed since 1952, I've accumulated a lifetime of physical riding skills, along with a list of chronic conditions. So I need to depend on my brain a little more than I did than when I was 24.
I think that over time, our physical abilities are not so much degraded as they are "mellowed". So as we mellow, our other more metaphysical skills have to assume some of the work.
The one I rely on, and have for a long time:
'Anticipation' , which is the ability to know in advance what is likely to be ahead or happening next.
This is an amazingly portable ability, too, that applies to many scenarios.
Some examples:
"Reading traffic", "profiling drivers by make model etc.", see situations developing before it's too late to avoid
"Seeing the road ahead", knowing where gravel is likely to gather, water, rocks, and the potential for wildlife surprises or vehicles in your lane, all before you even get to the next corner.
"Spidey sense", having a pretty good idea that there might be a traffic LEO over the next or that the neighborhood, town or village you riding through is best appreciated by not stopping, or that those headlights in your mirrors might mean trouble.
Anticipation gives you the time to consider your options, and your next move. How do we develop this ability? Be aware when you're actually riding, file and review events in your mental diary as you experience them. Practice using it, just like anything else.
I think that over time, our physical abilities are not so much degraded as they are "mellowed". So as we mellow, our other more metaphysical skills have to assume some of the work.
The one I rely on, and have for a long time:
'Anticipation' , which is the ability to know in advance what is likely to be ahead or happening next.
This is an amazingly portable ability, too, that applies to many scenarios.
Some examples:
"Reading traffic", "profiling drivers by make model etc.", see situations developing before it's too late to avoid
"Seeing the road ahead", knowing where gravel is likely to gather, water, rocks, and the potential for wildlife surprises or vehicles in your lane, all before you even get to the next corner.
"Spidey sense", having a pretty good idea that there might be a traffic LEO over the next or that the neighborhood, town or village you riding through is best appreciated by not stopping, or that those headlights in your mirrors might mean trouble.
Anticipation gives you the time to consider your options, and your next move. How do we develop this ability? Be aware when you're actually riding, file and review events in your mental diary as you experience them. Practice using it, just like anything else.
