I have the same goal most years, and that is "To become a better, safer, more knowledgeable rider". Every year I have an adaptive management plan in place to help me reach that goal.
For example this year:
Safer goal #1: Maintain wide view at all times while riding.
· Practice attention movement with 2 to 4 reference points
· Be open to new lines as they appear, find the open line
· Do the two step
· Keep attention here and now
Safer goal #2: Use less lean angle.
· Stabilize body with good footwork, pivot steering off outside foot, solid legs, relaxed upper body, light hands.
· One bun off is enough
· Chin toward mirror
· One single quick steering action per turn
Better goal #1: Know my line(s), entry, mid, exit, and straight.
· Ride that intentional line.
· Always know Where, How Quickly, How Much for every turn
· Set corner entry speed early
· Every corner apply throttle rule 1 & 2
· One braking motion per turn, if needed to set entry speed
Better goal #2: Be smoother on brake / gas transitions.
· Practice blipping up and down shift
· Try this finger position, use pointer and/or index for brake, ring, pinky and thumb for gas
Could use suggestions on this one.
Knowledge goal #1: Attend professional training.
· Going to CSS L-1 at Streets later this month, first time on a track.
Knowledge goal #2: Learn new stuff and keep old stuff current.
· Reading the Soft Science of Road Riding Motorcycles for the first time
· Re-reading ToTW II like the workbook it is
· Re-watching ToTW I & II videos
· Re-reading other excellent books on riding
· Participating in online motorcycle training and safety forums
Ride every day, work on one of the above exercises each ride.
One cool thing I was able to add this year was a helmet camera, very helpful to see what I'm really doing vs what I think I'm doing. It's funny that it always comes back to good basics and balance.
Thank you for asking!
Ty