MENTOR QUALITIES
While new riders can adapt to street street riding without one, a mentor can make the process safer. A good mentor provides physical, social and emotional support. When looking for a mentor, here are some crucial qualities to look for. If they are lacking or missing, mentorship can be uncomfortable and/or unsafe. So to mentor or not to mentor....that is the question for both new riders and those looking to become a mentor.
EMPATHY
Empathy allows mentors to relate and connect. It builds comfort, trust and aids in communication. Mentors should pay attention to and value a new rider's reactions and feelings.
"Walk a mile in my shoes..." Joe South
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PATIENCE
Mentors will often need to slow and glue their eyes to their rear view mirror to keep track of the new rider. They should go slow enough for the newbie to keep up, and wait until there are big enough gaps in traffic for both riders to pull out comfortably with room for error. Patience encourages the newbie and builds trust.
"Patience is not a virtue, it's a necessity..."
HONESTY
Honesty is crucial on a personal level as well as with the new rider. Honest assessment of one's own limitations and experiences, as well as those of a new rider, fosters a safer riding experience. An honest mentor tactfully tackles wrongs AND rights.
"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom."
Thomas Jefferson
EXPERIENCE
An experienced mentor sets a good example in behavior, gear and skills. Experience should help the mentor be aware of potential issues and provide a safer environment. A good skill set models correct habits.
"Smart riders learn from experience....wise ones learn from the experiences of others."
RELIABILITY
A mentor should be there for the new rider, even when the newbie is NOT there. This builds more trust and establishes consistency, by providing a good example and resource in times of need.
"An unreliable person in nobody's friend..." Idries Shah
FOCUS
Focus fuels and feeds the other qualities listed above, aids in direction and helps set limits for each ability level. Good focus helps in planning and execution of practices, as well as keeping ride times on track.
"Choose to focus on the beauty of now." Steve Gleason
