Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Talking To Myself

Yes, I rode to work today.

The weather here continues to be remarkable.



And, I've started talking to myself during my commute

While I was on Holiday I spent some time reading David L. Hough's book, More Proficient Motorcycling. In one section he mentions a way of maintaining awareness while riding. It is a simply method. It is simply describing what is happening around you as you ride. He said the British call this "Commentary Driving." If you Google "Commentary Driving" you'll find more information about it. I especially liked this You Tube piece.

As I read about "Commentary Driving" I was reminded of  Geoff and Roger. They both blogged honestly and wonderfully about their efforts to advance their skills as riders. If you click on their names it will take you to their blogs. I was lazy and just linked to their home page.

Anyway, the last couple of days I've been giving "Commentary driving" a go.

I've learned one valuable thing already. It is much easier for me to focus on the commentary process during the morning ride than it is on the home ride. I wasn't aware there was a fall off of attention. I am now. What is the old saying, "Forewarned is forearmed"? Indeed.
  • 72F/22C with some clouds for the ride to work.
  • 93F/34C still with some clouds for the home ride.

6 comments:

  1. Interesting. I find the exact opposite thing occurs when I ride. Of course I ride in from 3 PM to 4 roughly. The traffic often is heading away from me and it generally tends to be lighter than it would be in an hour or two. At night, on my way home, I am very focused. Maybe because I'm afraid of drunks, deer, aliens and other things that could jump out at me from the dark in the middle of nowwhere.

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    1. Robert,
      Traffic is a little more intense on the home ride for me, too. If you'd of asked me I would have told you I thought I had better attention on the ride home. That's probably why I was so surprised.

      My biggest scares have come from pedestrians. There are many that just don't seem to be paying attention. Fortunately, I don't have to worry much about deer or even dogs for that matter. Aliens?

      Thanks for stopping by and I appreciate your comments,
      ~k

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  2. Gee, I talk to myself all the time...but this must be something entirely different. I'll look it up!

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    1. I have a friend who says the best thing about wearing a full face helmet is singing while she's wearing it. That, too, is something entirely different.
      ~k

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  3. Keith,

    My father used to say that talking to himself was the only way he could carry on an intelligent conversation.

    Very informative links, though it's disconcerting to watch someone drive down the "wrong" side of the road.

    Tom

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    1. Tom,
      Glad you enjoyed the links. It was disorienting when I first looked at the YouTube video, but soon got past that. I must say, it is kind of fun doing the play-by-play of my commute. Fortunately, no one is recording it.
      ~k

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