In over 30 years, I never considered learning to ride a motorcycle, that is until about two years ago. What started out as me just wanting a more economical mode of transportation for solo errands quickly escalated to the level of a strategic prep. I completed the process to get my motorcycle license and started looking at used bikes through online listings. Once I found the right one, I got a ramp from Harbor Freight to load it in the back of my truck and the rest was history.
To build my confidence and skills, I started off practicing low speed maneuvers in empty parking lots. In my opinion, they are the most important skills because they prepare you for navigating through traffic and handling situations like taking off from a stop on a hill. After some street riding and parking lot practice, I moved onto the highway. I’m still in the learning process but at this point I can confidently navigate from one location to another safely on my motorcycle.
Each ride is an opportunity to become a better rider. As I started spending more time on the road, I started watching other riders and picking up the techniques they use to beat traffic like advancing to the front of stopped traffic at intersections and lane splitting. It’s funny how despite all my years driving and seeing bikers on the road, I never actually analyzed what they were doing until I started riding. All this got me thinking, in times of crisis, our ability to navigate from one point to another will be severely degraded, and a bike will be a useful asset.
In my opinion, even if owning a motorcycle isn’t feasible for you, at least possessing the skill to ride one is essential when it comes to ensuring mobility if/when, the excrement hits the rotary device. Consider this, as long as you know how to ride, field acquisition of a bike is an option on the table when circumstances demand it. Imagine a situation where a motorcycle is your best means of escape or transport, but the only problem is you don’t know how to ride.
This brings me to my next point. For every critical need in our daily lives, we should apply the PACE principle, a strategic concept that stands for primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency. When applied to transportation, it boils down to having multiple options available for getting around, even when our primary means fail us. For most of us, our primary mode of transportation typically involves a car, truck, or SUV. For me, my truck is my primary mode of transportation. However, we need to be prepared for any situation that could hinder the mobility of our primary mode of transportation. This is where the motorcycle comes into play to fill the alternate level of the PACE strategy. With its agility, maneuverability, and ability to navigate through tight spaces, or circumvent road blockages/checkpoints, a bike offers a viable alternative to our other wheeled vehicles. It should be noted that terrain and road conditions should play a factor in what bike you get. Having delved deeper into the world of motorcycles, I’ve come to realize that while my current street bike serves its purpose, there are other options worth considering. Dual sport, adventure bikes, and dirt bikes all offer unique advantages in preparedness planning and are arguably superior choices compared to a street bike.
Moving on to the contingency level, I suggest a regular pedal bicycle. While it may seem rudimentary, a bicycle is invaluable in scenarios where motorized transportation is no longer feasible. It’s lightweight, portable, relatively silent, and has unlimited range as long as your body is up for riding. Finally, in the event of a complete breakdown in transportation infrastructure, my emergency level entails relying on the most basic form of mobility, walking.
Apart from its affordability and getting great mileage per gallon, a motorcycles main selling point is that fact that it gives us all the speed of a car, minus the restrictions that come with their size. On top of, that motorcycles typically require simpler maintenance and operator-level repairs are conducive to self-sufficiency, especially when professional assistance is not available. In conclusion, learning to ride a motorcycle isn’t just about saving at the pump or enjoying the open road, it’s about preparing for contingencies. Whether it’s navigating through traffic jams or evacuating from a disaster zone, having the skills and resources to ride a motorcycle could mean the difference between getting of the “X” in times of crisis, or being a sitting duck. By incorporating the PACE principle into our transportation strategy and embracing the versatility of a motorcycle, we can ensure mobility and adaptability in the face of whatever challenges may come our way.