Looking back to move ahead

Reflecting on the riding season…

Learning from past experiences will make you a better rider.

Sounds pretty obvious, right?
When experiencing something memorable, positive, one wants to repeat this very scenario again; on the opposite side, when something less exciting, or downright nerve-wrecking occurred, one clearly wants to get this out of one’s head as quickly as possible. And yet, this less-than-desirable moment could hold some valuable learnings to unpack; not going crazy over it but reflecting on some key elements.

Here's how I go about it: Earlier in November, enjoying one of the likely last days of dry weather, I came across a sign that read “Count Your Blessings”; those three words stuck with me, and later that day, I caught myself starting to recap some moments that left a memory, but especially those affecting my riding season.

There sure have been quite some awe-spiring rides and moments this year, completing some bucket list items, and these experiences definitely have me yearning for more. Good, I want to keep that momentum!  Re-living these moments when editing GoPro footage is bringing back all those great memories during the winter months. Some outtakes, however, also caught my attention – “wow, going wide in this turn….” or “that was a bit too tight when passing”.
Those are great visuals to help recap, and so, digging a bit deeper, might even reveal some feedback on “Why did this happen?” Too fast? Not focused? Late in the day? Distracted? Not riding my ride?”

Sure, nothing happened, but demanding of myself “Alright, but how could you have avoided this?” and “What’s the lesson learned”?
Any take-away (have breaks, hydrate, look further ahead, swap that helmet creating a hotspot, plan for some skill rehearsals, read that manual….) will benefit you in the coming season.

And don’t count out the feedback from your riding buddy, especially when you were together on the same trip, and are happy to share any moments.

Bottom line: Some reflection on events, both positive and negative, will help me to prepare for the upcoming season, be it with some accessories, different gear, changing my approach to planning rides, retrain some skills on a parking lot and hammer in my head not to become complacent even on those roads I had been taken for many years. And on the positive flip side: It has me planning already for some more of these “wow!” moments to reinforce “why I love to ride!”.

In the coming (sadly) quiet riding months, I would encourage you as well to reflect, and gather some learnings that, as little as they might seem, will contribute to keep you safer on the road, enjoying our passion for riding more and for many years to come!

Happy Holidays!

 Brought to you by Arndt ("Tank"), Safety Officer