I have been riding motorcycles for more than 40 years. Thus one might think I know how to ride safely.

Road riding is generally good… until it isn’t. “Things happen” like a vehicle suddenly crossing your path of travel, debris in the road, or an animal deciding to run out in front of you and freeze.

Crash avoidance is a skill that even the most experienced riders need to practice, especially…

…when a new riding season begins.

Younger inexperienced riders often make a huge mistake. They get a new bike, hop on and take off without practicing safe riding skills. Most just think, “I will get used to it and learn from experience.” Few take a motorcycle training course.

Let me tell ya, as a medic, I have scraped too many riders with that mindset off the road and had to transport them to a hospital to have severe injuries attended to. Don’t be a squid — PRACTICE!

Skills get rusty during the winter months when one seldom rides. Also, like for me, when a biker gets a new bike, he must get used to how it handles, accelerates, brakes, and swerves to get around an unexpected obstacle.

My 2021 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim is lighter weight, has a higher center of gravity, has a lower rider position, and has a more powerful engine than my 2008 HD Road King touring bike.

I also changed the bars last November for a better fit for my shorter arms and body, yet I did not have time to ride with the new bars since the cold weather set in just as I arrived home with it after the new bars were installed.

Thus comes the time that I just need to practice. Again. Never assume you “know how to ride,” especially on a new bike with different characteristics than previous bikes. Even professionals like motorcycle police officers practice regularly. If they think regular practice is necessary, then us regular riders should do it as well.

Today during cool but nice weather, I leathered up and rode to a park. I practiced panic braking, speed up-and-swerve maneuvers, slow riding, and did that over and over again. I came close to dropping the bike once, but it is better to correct under controlled conditions rather than “out there” in traffic. As I was practicing, a good friend who is a local motorcycle police officer stopped by and watched. He gave me some additional pointers for which I remain grateful. He is an excellent motorcycle trainer and very patient with me as an old fart.

Life is short: practice makes perfect (or at least — a better rider.)