PLANNING
This is what to expect, where to go and what to do at each stage in a rider's journey to comfort and safety on the road. Mentors and new riders both need to communicate before, during and after all stages of planning.
BEFORE
Discuss where the new rider is and what they are comfortable doing. The following are details to consider: Is the new rider more comfortable following or leading? How do you plan to communicate with each other? Hand signals? Bluetooth? Where do you plan to ride? Map a route and be prepared to follow it. What are the goals of the ride?Review moves from previous days if needed. Plan and discuss each new move to be practiced.
DURING
The mentor needs to watch the new rider and make sure they can comfortably do each desired move before moving onto the next. Limit new tasks to three to six per day at most. Some riders can handle six, some fewer. Fewer tasks result in better retention. Coach the new rider by tactfully and honestly correcting and encouraging them. Ask them to try the right moves rather than scolding or saying, "Don't do..." Keep it short, riding more and talking less; putting off lengthy discussions until after riding.
AFTER
Discuss comfort levels and motorcycle control; review successes and failures. Continue positive coaching by informing or suggesting what TO do, rather than what NOT to do. Now you can get into longer discussions and explanations. Be prepared to ask and answer a lot of questions.
