Proposed new Riding Skills Forum section

[EXR911]

To: Forum Liaison/Mods/etc., MOA officials it may concern, etc.,

Consider this a formal request for the establishment of a BMWMOA Forum sub-section for the discussion of motorcycle riding skills and associated motorcycle safety discussions as is currently being discussed in the "Speed in the Twisties" thread in Campfire.

PT9766
member #130118

[Oldhway]

Something Josh and I have discussed and think would be cool.

What does everyone else think?

To have a new forum section we need to meet 3 basic criteria.

1: Sufficient demand and interest by the membership.

2: Available quailfied moderation.

3: New foum area is compatible with the BMW MOA Forum purpose and guidelines.

I don't see #3 as being an issue. Now we need to explore 1 and 2.

[TexanRT]

+1 I have really enjoyed reading the "speed in the twisties" thread and would like to encourage similar discussions.

How will the forum mods determine if there's enough interest?

[womanridge]

I think 72 posts in 4 days is significant. That shows a sincere interest, in my opinion.

[Statdawg]

Those knowledgeable in safety to MSF Coaches ought to moderate. It would be nice that those that are print authors but do not frequent the forum could be recruited to come here, even if its just this small area.

I would like to see a summary of the discussion printed in ON, something like........ this is what is happened on the way from the forum. :laugh

Should safety rider equipment be discussed ? Helmets to HiViz or keep it in the Gear Section ?

How about rider health ? Riding in heat to cold etc etc, maybe one of our medical people MDs to EMTs would contribute. And again once enough information is sifted through it can be boiled down to a nice ON article.

Who knows someone could be a Forum Reporter.

[dancogan]

Posts regarding riding technique and safety issues get my attention! But good moderators are important as misinformation in these matters can have serious consequences. I agree with Statdawg on that issue. It would be a very well read area. :thumb:thumb:thumb

[BeemoKat]

A skills & tactics area would be the first place I look when I log in. Even before I look for new jokes!

[kbasa]

Posts regarding riding technique and safety issues get my attention! But good moderators are important as misinformation in these matters can have serious consequences. I agree with Statdawg on that issue. It would be a very well read area. :thumb:thumb:thumb

Agree that the vetting process on information should come from a reliable source. It sounds to me like it would be a good thing for the MOA Foundation to support as part of their rider safety efforts.

[88bmwJeff]

I think it's a good idea, and suggested something similar in the past. However, some people responded that it may not be a good idea since there's no way to make sure misinformation is not spread. To me that is a concern; however, I do not thing a discussion on this forum (or any forum for that matter) would replace a structured learning environment.

I do think it's a good idea to create a place where individuals can discuss riding styles and techniques. This is something we do over coffee, lunch, beer, etc. So why not have a place here?

[Oldhway]

I have made some phone calls and initial contacts to see how we might consider something like this. Trying to make it reliable and credible rather than just a "chat room" would be worthwhile. This process may take a little while but we are looking into it.

[haughty]

I think it's a good idea, and suggested something similar in the past. However, some people responded that it may not be a good idea since there's no way to make sure misinformation is not spread. To me that is a concern; however, I do not thing a discussion on this forum (or any forum for that matter) would replace a structured learning environment.

I do think it's a good idea to create a place where individuals can discuss riding styles and techniques. This is something we do over coffee, lunch, beer, etc. So why not have a place here?

Agreed structured learning environment is of greatest importance to get the right word out.
let it run...

See whats out there

[BCKRIDER]

Steve, as a proponent of the idea, I certainly appreciate that you and others are looking into it.

I find the idea that one or more mod's must find a post "reliable and credible" a little disturbing. In my motorcycling library I find many points where well-respected authors disagree. That is certainly true also of many thoughtful comments in the Campfire thread "Speed in the Twisties."

If this new sub-forum does come to life, I hope there will be room for differences of opinion and each of us can take from it what we think will work for us. Riding safely is ultimately each individual's responsibility - not that of any author, poster, or coach.

One person's "wheat" is someone elses "chaff." Personally, I frequently find a real "nugget" of very useful information in posts I mostly disagree with. Isn't that how the Forum is supposed to work?

[Rad]

I have made some phone calls and initial contacts to see how we might consider something like this. Trying to make it reliable and credible rather than just a "chat room" would be worthwhile. This process may take a little while but we are looking into it.

You can't get there from here. It sounds so wonderful on the surface, the reality is another thing. I have been riding for about 45 years, teaching MSF for about 10 years and I know you could get a handful of rider coaches at the same table and you would not get consensus on different aspects of something as simple and fundamental as the head turn.

The only format that could ever work on a forum is a discussion format where any statement made, only has the endorsement of the person making it.

Personally, I think a linked resource list of excellent books, videos, articles, and classes would serve the purpose better. General discussion on any particular riding technique can then occur in the other forums in a more relaxed environment.

[Statdawg]

If this new sub-forum does come to life, I hope there will be room for differences of opinion and each of us can take from it what we think will work for us. Riding safely is ultimately each individual's responsibility - not that of any author, poster, or coach.
:bow

If properly formated there will be a welcomed place for the lucubrator to present a contrary opinion among the alleged academia. :laugh

[Maylett]

...a handful of rider coaches at the same table and you would not get consensus on different aspects of something as simple and fundamental as the head turn.

Different viewpoints and the civil, intelligent discussions resulting from them are what make discussion forums interesting. I'm all for a new riding skills & techniques section in the forum.

[Oldhway]

The idea is not for the mods to vet the info here. The mods will simply do here what they do everywhere else on the forum. Try to keep everything organized and civil. I was hoping to find a facillitator with a M/C safety background who could add resource info and content above and beyond the general knowledge of the average rider.

My hope is simply to add something to the area that would make it a better resource for the membership. Whether or not we can do that remains to be seen.

[BCKRIDER]

That sounds good, Steve. Sorry I mis-read your intent in a previous post.

[EXR911]

The idea is not for the mods to vet the info here. The mods will simply do here what they do everywhere else on the forum. Try to keep everything organized and civil. I was hoping to find a facillitator with a M/C safety background who could add resource info and content above and beyond the general knowledge of the average rider.

My hope is simply to add something to the area that would make it a better resource for the membership. Whether or not we can do that remains to be seen.

Any progress on finding a facilitator?

PT9766

[DarrylRi]

Oldhway is out on the old highway at the moment. I believe he'll be back next week sometime.

[DennisDarrow]

Steve and other MODS:
Since MC safety is the so called mission of the MOA Foundation, I feel that a direct tie in, with the "foundation" in the moderation and establishment of a "safety/technique" forum may actually HELP the MOA Foundation's efforts.

Over the years since the establishment of the "foundation" it seems they are often floundering around in their actual mission or recognition of their efforts. Recently, the "rider skills" events sponsored by MOA do not give much or any credit to the Foundation. Seems the only real exposure they get is at "Camp Gears" and the MRC/ERC stuff at the nationals.

Perhaps this "safety/technique" forum would be a possible PR source that could easily promote their worthwhile efforts..........just thoughts........Dennis

[Holly]

steve and other mods:
Since mc safety is the so called mission of the moa foundation, i feel that a direct tie in, with the "foundation" in the moderation and establishment of a "safety/technique" forum may actually help the moa foundation's efforts.

Over the years since the establishment of the "foundation" it seems they are often floundering around in their actual mission or recognition of their efforts. Recently, the "rider skills" events sponsored by moa do not give much or any credit to the foundation. Seems the only real exposure they get is at "camp gears" and the mrc/erc stuff at the nationals.

Perhaps this "safety/technique" forum would be a possible pr source that could easily promote their worthwhile efforts..........just thoughts........dennis

+1

[SIBUD]

Steve and other MODS:
Since MC safety is the so called mission of the MOA Foundation, I feel that a direct tie in, with the "foundation" in the moderation and establishment of a "safety/technique" forum may actually HELP the MOA Foundation's efforts.

Over the years since the establishment of the "foundation" it seems they are often floundering around in their actual mission or recognition of their efforts. Recently, the "rider skills" events sponsored by MOA do not give much or any credit to the Foundation. Seems the only real exposure they get is at "Camp Gears" and the MRC/ERC stuff at the nationals.

Perhaps this "safety/technique" forum would be a possible PR source that could easily promote their worthwhile efforts..........just thoughts........Dennis

I think this idea has merit.

I know they have been very helpful to the Chartered Clubs in offering training materials at no cost.

They are very easy to work with and I have nothing but good to say about the Foundation.

[ragtoplvr]

I vote for the safety/skills/technique forum. I hope it does not turn into into a pro/con ABS and or flip face helmet discussion.

Rod

[BCKRIDER]

As an OP on at least two "safety" matters, ("Your speed in the twisties" - campfire; and "ABS questions" - mottorad) I've been very pleased with the thoughtful responses. But I bet that many who would be interested in reading and responding to these posts never saw them. Two different forums that accept topics in the same vein and neither labeled "skills, safety..." doesn't seem the best answer.

Is there no way you can create such a forum and then invite all posters who have submitted threads along these lines to recommend their inclusion under this heading? I'm not suggesting a huge amount of work for the mod's of this new forum, just transferring old threads to a new forum upon request. I would suggest that safety topics never go "out of date."

The last poster feared this might invite new dabate about ABS or helmet types. That is exactly what I hope will happen! You can choose to ignore the topic if it doesn't interest you, or you can have your say if you have something to add.

In short, I expect there is already a lot of "safe riding" advice on this forum but just hard to find. There are also more people like me with good questions who would like answers to their questions - and would also find answers to questions they had never thought to ask.

Powers that be: PLEASE! Isn't a new Forum the right answer?

[Oldhway]

As an OP on at least two "safety" matters, ("Your speed in the twisties" - campfire; and "ABS questions" - mottorad) I've been very pleased with the thoughtful responses. But I bet that many who would be interested in reading and responding to these posts never saw them. Two different forums that accept topics in the same vein and neither labeled "skills, safety..." doesn't seem the best answer.

Is there no way you can create such a forum and then invite all posters who have submitted threads along these lines to recommend their inclusion under this heading? I'm not suggesting a huge amount of work for the mod's of this new forum, just transferring old threads to a new forum upon request. I would suggest that safety topics never go "out of date."

The last poster feared this might invite new dabate about ABS or helmet types. That is exactly what I hope will happen! You can choose to ignore the topic if it doesn't interest you, or you can have your say if you have something to add.

In short, I expect there is already a lot of "safe riding" advice on this forum but just hard to find. There are also more people like me with good questions who would like answers to their questions - and would also find answers to questions they had never thought to ask.

Powers that be: PLEASE! Isn't a new Forum the right answer?

OK, Back in the saddle. Be patient with me for a bit and I will have some answers for folks soon on this. Thanks... Steve

[kbasa]

Awesome.

[kbasa]

Steve and other MODS:
Since MC safety is the so called mission of the MOA Foundation, I feel that a direct tie in, with the "foundation" in the moderation and establishment of a "safety/technique" forum may actually HELP the MOA Foundation's efforts.

Over the years since the establishment of the "foundation" it seems they are often floundering around in their actual mission or recognition of their efforts. Recently, the "rider skills" events sponsored by MOA do not give much or any credit to the Foundation. Seems the only real exposure they get is at "Camp Gears" and the MRC/ERC stuff at the nationals.

Perhaps this "safety/technique" forum would be a possible PR source that could easily promote their worthwhile efforts..........just thoughts........Dennis

+1

Get a Foundation label on it.

[EXR911]

OK, Back in the saddle. Be patient with me for a bit and I will have some answers for folks soon on this. Thanks... Steve

Any progress?
Need any help?

PT9766

[Oldhway]

Workin' on it. This will probably appear first as a member based riding discussion forum. It may seque into a more formal "safety" forum as time passes as long as we can work out the appropriate legal stuff.

[ragtoplvr]

I have another aspect of safe riding that fits rather well, which is proper posture, physical exercise, therapeutic exercises, eye exercises etc, all of which do have quite an effect on our ability to ride safely. I think possibly a seminar on this subject would be well received at a rally even. I know have been fighting lower back problems with some highly effective exercises from a PT. For carpal tunnel, I eventually discovered one of my own. Now it is shoulders. So far I do not have one for them, and I am looking.

Rod

[ericmsimon]

The Foundation would be glad to "oversee" such a forum. BUT: we will need someone to step up and assume the role of moderator. There is already way more to get done that our small Board can address, and I dont think any one of our current Board memebrs or advisors has the ability to assume another role. We would be glad to assume some responsibilties for it and to help publicize it as appropriate. Perhaps a Beemerville volunteer ?

I dont get to watch the forums regularly, so email me at ericmsimon@bmwmoa.org if you have suggestions for someone who would be willing to mak ethe committment necessary to be a moderator (or perhaps, co-moderator) of such a safety forum.
-Eric M. Simon, Pres, BMW MOA Foundation

[Oldhway]

I am glad to see the interest this has generated. Currently the idea and how it might be implemented is being punted around between several groups.

If we do open a forum area, it would have to fall under the same guidelines and moderation as the rest of the forum. Because of that, I see the possibility for 2 distinct entities here, both a forum general riding discussion area and the possibility of a more formal and controlled Internet based Safety area.

I will keep folks posted as to how this develops. Please be patient.

[SIBUD]

I would suggest that if there are two, the second, more formal NOT be a sub forum here but a different area on the BMW MOA web site.

This will help make clear that there are two different things going on simultaneously.


BTW At the last BOD meeting, there was some discussion of a new, key volunteer position discussed. This was a training coordinator (or title like that). Perhaps the BOD would like to be contacted regarding this new, proposed, more formal, web based training idea?

[Oldhway]

Thanks to all who expressed an interest in this idea. We have opened a forum named "Just Ridin'" for member discussions of all things relating to riding and operating our motorcycles. This is not a dedicated safety forum per se but an area to discuss all aspects of the techniques of riding.

For those looking for a dedicated Safety forum, there are discussions taking place as to how that might be done, so be patient. But for discussing all aspects of riding this new forum is the place.