Seeing the future – literally

June 17, 8:37 AMDC Motorcycle Travel ExaminerMark Poesch

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the DC Motorcycle Travel Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

On the track, we are taught to see the future continuously.  It’s always too late to do anything about the turn you’re in.  So, it’s essential to be focused down the track, seeing through the next turn, and directing the bike accordingly.  Looking through the next turn is the key, because it is that focus that is enabling you to see the future, literally.  Where you look, is where you will go.

MSF teaches street-riders the same technique.  In the Basic RiderCourse, you’ll hear it repeatedly, “look through the turn.”  And, “where you look is where the bike will go.”

While riding, you are more literally seeing the future than in most other aspects of life.  On the bike, where you look, generally speaking, is where you will go.  So, if you want to crash into the car turning across your path, just keep staring at the driver through his windshield in rage and shock.

The experienced rider will already have anticipated the driver’s poor choice, and will see a safe path through the intersection, and will have begun telegraphing that he’s going that way – adjusting speed and lane position at the same time.  This communication process is essential, because your vision for the future will lead the other driver to continue on their path – or not.

The only thing worse than a driver making a stupid mistake and cutting you off, is a driver who then realizes their error and becomes radically unpredictable – at this decisive point, they are poised between braking and going faster, and will tend to err on the side of panic braking (except in the case of aggressive drivers, who will often just accelerate).  (For an example of what happens when drivers panic brake in the middle of cutting you off, refer to the first article in this series.)

Where you are looking and where you are directing your bike will communicate to the driver.  You want them to see the future you see.  If they’re turning across your path to the right, and you’ve committed to swerving around them to left, your path will be a whole lot easier if they continue on their path.  The worse case scenario is that they correct their error, and swerve back into their lane – right into your revised path!

By seeing well ahead of the evolving situation, you can reduce your speed – you can also adjust lane position to communicate to the driver that you are on a collision course.  Shifting to the right of the lane will tend to be more intimidating, because it closes that gap in the time they perceive to get across the road.  Shifting right will also draw their attention, and will position you to swerve left around their rear bumper if the driver does enter the intersection.

In cases like these, I will also flick on the high-beams as an extra “here I am – and I see you!” reminder.  I’ve actually seen drivers stop in their tracks – first considering the turn, then aborting after seeing my high-beams come on.  Communicate that you have seen that future, and you don’t like what they might be thinking!

On the track or on the road, if you’re not looking through the next turn or intersection to see the future, you’re already behind the curve trying to catch up with circumstances beyond your control.

By seeing the future, you gain the power to change it.  Take control!  And, ride safe!

Wrapping up: Seeing the future – lessons learned.

For more information:
- To survive, you must see the future!
- Seeing the future – situational awareness
- Seeing the future – anticipating drivers’ attitudes
- Seeing the future – anticipating drivers’ decisions
- Seeing the future – literally
- Seeing the future – lessons learned