Two Wheel Tales

Why I Teach

It struck me again on Saturday, why I teach.

I had one of those "moments". Late in the day, we have an exercise
called "Curves". There are some painted curves laid out in the lot and
the students ride them at speed -- mid second gear on a little 125
isn't fast, but it is in tight curves. I was standing at the far end
of the lot, coaching, when I looked back and saw a string of bikes
negotiating the curves, especially the one we call the "Boomerang"
which was nearest me.

As I watched the bikes roll through, it struck me that many of those
students had never been on a motorcycle before that morning. It was
incredible to watch -- you have to lean over and accelerate through it
to ride it properly and from where I stood, the lean angle was pretty
obvious. These people were really riding!

I teach because I love it when the "light bulb" comes on. When they
get it. That was fun to watch. Today again, when I watched the whole
group ride through a tight 5m hairpin that we set up for them, that
rivals -- no is more difficult than -- the turn in Forks of the
Credit. I watched them judge the speed, ride in slow, turn their heads
to look through the turn and roll on the throttle and accelerate
through it. People who had never ridden before.

I'm not pushing the instructor school -- OK, maybe I am, but only
because some of you would like to share that feeling. It's bloody hard
work, but so rewarding!

Glenn Springer -- "The GunSlinger"

Glenn Is A Founding Member Of The Zen Riders

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