Ride outside the box!

[ernyov]

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I'm hoping for some discussion on this topic.

A lot of riders out there seem to follow certain riding guidelines blindly and without any consideration for their surroundings.

For example, riding in the "proper" (i.e. recommended) tire track or staying out of the middle lane. I've seen these being strictly followed even if by doing so the rider(s) put themselves in a potentially sticky situation.

The truth is, some situations make the middle lane the safest to ride on. And the center of the lane will sometimes be a better line.

In my opinion (for what it's worth), no rule or guideline will protect me as a rider as much as common sense.

I personally use every inch of the road when the situation calls for it, even if that means losing my "blocking position".

 

[油井緋色]

I'm hoping for some discussion on this topic.

A lot of riders out there seem to follow certain riding guidelines blindly and without any consideration for their surroundings.

For example, riding in the "proper" (i.e. recommended) tire track or staying out of the middle lane. I've seen these being strictly followed even if by doing so the rider(s) put themselves in a potentially sticky situation.

The truth is, some situations make the middle lane the safest to ride on. And the center of the lane will sometimes be a better line.

In my opinion (for what it's worth), no rule or guideline will protect me as a rider as much as common sense.

I personally use every inch of the road when the situation calls for it, even if that means losing my "blocking position".

Well, this is my second season. Last year I was mainly in the left or right lanes. This year, I don't really give a crap. Just stay as aware as possible. Your safety is really under your control and yours only.

I find myself swerving often on highways throughout the lanes, the objective is to be moving faster than traffic (except for that one guy going 150+, everyone going 148 and slower is fair game though lol) and keeping at least ONE lane with a "o ****" opening. But meh...I'm just taking it like a video game now.

 

[油井緋色]

Sorry, didn't realize all threads have to be of your interest. Move along bud and stfu.

...you'd be wise to learn how the ignore list works. Mods let certain ppl talk ****, but if you talk ****, you might get banned.

This chick got banned for talking back after being harassed lol dunno where the thread went.

 

[mmmnaked]

Ride a supermoto through parks and city trails...now THAT **** is outside the box! Woo wooo

 

[matthew]

I'm hoping for some discussion on this topic.

A lot of riders out there seem to follow certain riding guidelines blindly and without any consideration for their surroundings.

For example, riding in the "proper" (i.e. recommended) tire track or staying out of the middle lane. I've seen these being strictly followed even if by doing so the rider(s) put themselves in a potentially sticky situation.

The truth is, some situations make the middle lane the safest to ride on. And the center of the lane will sometimes be a better line.

In my opinion (for what it's worth), no rule or guideline will protect me as a rider as much as common sense.

I personally use every inch of the road when the situation calls for it, even if that means losing my "blocking position".

So, essentially, you are suggesting people use their brain.

 

[mmmnaked]

Wheelies while filtering 401 traffic? **** yes!! Box that!!!!

 

[ernyov]

So, essentially, you are suggesting people use their brain.

Pretty much. It seems to be a rare quality these days.

 

[250R-ICE]

When I took the MSF course a few years ago. This exact topic was discussed during the in class portion. The instructors clearly noted that sometimes it's better not to be in the blocking position. For example when you are passing a large transport truck on the highway. Maintianing the blocking postion is not the best option. Giving yourself some extra room while passing is most likely safer than staying very close to the side of a large truck.

 

[Fiery254]

Sorry, didn't realize all threads have to be of your interest. Move along bud and stfu.

Experience has taught me a bit of stuff. Some of which gets applied to riding. Some of which gets applied to using the ignore list so I don't have to read what some people type.

mmmnaked can't think outside the box. Apple wont let him.

 

[rashidme]

i forgot what i was gonna say!

 

[mmmnaked]

Apple talk, that was so 2 months ago bro. You're 2000-and-late.

 

[Griffin]

It's hard to provide people with all the information and skills they need to safely operate a motorcycle in all situations. Never mind trying to do that in two days.

Consequently, many things are distilled into "rules" to apply that are helpful and fit many situations. Unfortunately, many people (usually, but not always newbs) can't get beyond these "rules" and parrot them for the rest of their lives; and they do it as though they are an authority on the subject. Blocking position rules are one example. The "rule" of not riding in the middle lane is ridiculous and leads to many morons riding in the passing lane becuase they "know" the "rule" is not to ride in the centre lan even though they are passing no one and should not be in that lane.

There are a great many things which should influence where in the lane you position your bike. "Blocking" cars and transport trucks from entering your lane is about the least concern, IMO. Line of sight and maximum space from hazards are just two other concerns that I feel have priority to "blocking". (The reason I quote blocking is because you are not blocking a truck with a motorcycle and if you think you are you are in for trouble).

 

[Wingboy]

I'm hoping for some discussion on this topic.

A reasonable request i think.

This is groundbreaking stuff, for sure.

Why even post this if you have nothing to add to his discussion?
This was going to be a pm,a warning and a cleanup,but it's springtime and it's a good topic for some members to read.

 

[kamikaze]

use good judgement when you ride, and ride within the guidelines when it makes sense. personally, I don't like riding in the center lane of the 400/401 if I can avoid it, but as stated there are times where you can't. just be extra aware of your situation and ride accordingly.

I'd say use common sense, but since it's not common at all, lets just go with sense.

 

[kickstartt]

Once you've ridden long enough and gained enough experience, you will learn to ride your way (as long as its safe).

 

[dontgiveajack]

You're 2000-and-late.

That's so 2009 bro.

I was hoping one of these topics would come up. Sometimes, when I pass cars, I'll switch to the tire track farthest away from them while I blow by. And that means going in the other 'non-blocking' tire track. Is that good practice?

Also, when on a smaller, 2-way highway, I'll move over to the right tire track when oncoming traffic is coming.

 

[Bermuda]

Situational awareness, and allowing context to dictate your actions, are both critical skills to have when riding, in my opinion.

For example, trying to keep upright and in my lane was top priority riding in last nights winds. Also, I can't stand that the term used is "blocking position". If anything wants to make its way into your lane, it's going to do so, and no bike is going to stop them. It should be the "I'm right beside you, pay attention!" position

 

[fastar1]

I use whatever part of the road affords me the best of the following (in order of importance);

1- Sufficient tire grip
2- Best visibility to other traffic
3- Best evasive options
4- Control of my lane (blocking)
5- Optimal grip

Most of the time that's the L track, but sometimes middle or right.

 

[kiwi]

There are a great many things which should influence where in the lane you position your bike. "Blocking" cars and transport trucks from entering your lane is about the least concern, IMO. Line of sight and maximum space from hazards are just two other concerns that I feel have priority to "blocking". (The reason I quote blocking is because you are not blocking a truck with a motorcycle and if you think you are you are in for trouble).

yep. I'm all over the lane - getting a view of the road up ahead, making sure the person behind me has seen me, making sure I have an escape route.

Funny thing though, its usually the Big Cruiser guys I see just tooting along the middle of the road. I guess their bikes are wide(r)? and they need to be in the middle most of the time

 

[Griffin]

yep. I'm all over the lane - getting a view of the road up ahead, making sure the person behind me has seen me, making sure I have an escape route.

Funny thing though, its usually the Big Cruiser guys I see just tooting along the middle of the road. I guess their bikes are wide(r)? and they need to be in the middle most of the time

Hmm, well the cruisers I see around my place are usually so close to the yellow line that they're actually into the oncoming lane some of the time. And they don't back away from the yellow line even with a string of oncoming traffic. - say "hello" to the pickup pulling out to pass that didn't see you tucked in tight to the yellow like that and now closing head on at warp 9....

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