Advice: The "You" Factor

The "You" Factor

You may not believe this, but you have a perfect memory. As human beings, we all do. Every single thought/feeling/experience you have ever had in your life is perfectly stored in your mind.

This may not make much sense when most of us can't remember our middle names on a day-to-day basis, but it is true. The human mind is an incredible thing. There is nothing else in this universe that can compare with its power nor its complexity. Regardless of the incredible technological advances over the last few years, a computer still has very definite boundaries and it will always have them. Why? Simple - it isn't alive.

You on the other hand are very alive. Your boundaries are not so clearly defined. Not sure? Let me prove it to you. Stand up and stretch as high as you can. Reach for the ceiling. Done it? Good. Now do it again and stretch a little higher. How did you go? Did you stretch higher? I'll bet you did. Why? Simple - you're alive.

The modern motorcycle is a technological masterpiece compared to those of just 10 years ago. The speed at which these advances come is blindingly fast. Yet how many motorcycles have ridden themselves to world championships? How many computers sitting on motorcycle seats have even successfully completed a lap? How is it that your current motorcycle has the same handling problems that your last three bikes had, even though they are totally different motorcycles? The answer will not be found with technology. It's in you.

Technology is a tool that allows motorcycle riders to do their job better. If you're a racer, it'll allow you to go faster. If you're a tourer, you'll be more comfortable with a more stable motorcycle. Get the idea?

Over the years I have watched many riders on the world racing scene. I have never had such respect and awe that I currently have for Valentino Rossi.

Why? Well, there are two schools of thought about riding motorcycles quickly. One is that it's some sort of natural gift and you can "just do it". If you were to ask for examples of people who fit this category, you might hear these names; Randy Mamola: Kevin Schwantz; Kevin Magee; Noriyuki Haga; Anthony Gobert; Garry McCoy - to name a few. People who wear this "natural" label are described as; exciting; sideways; unbelievable; out of control. They have something "special".

The other idea is that racing motorcycles is some sort of science that can be studied. Examples of this category might be; Kenny Roberts; Eddie Lawson; Kenny Roberts Jnr; Troy Corser - and so on. These riders are normally described as; precise; controlled; consistent; (almost) boring.

So - why do I like Valentino Rossi? He is the only person I can see at the moment that is both. He knows and understands the motorcycle and what he must do to make it work. When he reaches for that little "something special" it's there. He can do things that you look at and say, "that's not possible. You can't do that on a motorcycle." The only other riders I can think of with the same ability are Michael Doohan and Wayne Rainey.

Rossi has an ability to tap into the power of the human mind. He may not understand it fully, or be able to express it, but he can use it. If you don't believe me, just try watching him ride next time, then argue with the result.

Perhaps you don't want to recreate Rossi's amazing achievement. Perhaps you just want to be a little bit better rider. Whatever it is you want for your enjoyment of riding motorcycles - don't look for it in technology, look for it in you.

Good luck with your riding.

Steve Brouggy is the owner of the

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