Posted this in another thread and thought it might deserve it's own thread:

The most important riding lesson I have ever learned was (from a Nascar driver) to ALWAYS LOOK AT THE POINT YOU WANT TO GET TO!!!!
NEVER EVER look at the point you want to AVOID. When entering a turn FOCUS on the APEX. If you start washing out towards the outside of the turn DO NOT look at the outside of the turn (the point that your eyes are going to want to fixate on) but rather fixate on the APEX.
This also works with tight situations like getting between two tight obstacles. You going to want to look at the OBSTACLE....DON'T!!!! Look at the point between the obstacles that you want the bike to get to. Just make sure there is enough room BETWEEN the two obstacles to begin with.
Simple stuff really, but it goes against what the human body (eyes) would normally do so it takes a bit of practice. I have found this advise to be invaluable. I thought I'd pass it on!!!

 

The bike will always go where you tell it to, even down.

 

Good advice! I can honestly admit that aside from the fact that I was sleep deprived and suffering from Montezuma's revenge, my accident in '99 was a direct result of fixating on the obstacle.

This is the root cause of most "failure to navigate turn" accidents, even in cars.

 

Tager fixation leads to nothing but trouble. I know first hand.

 

As a new rider I evaluate my "skills" execution after every ride. The most common mistake I make is not sticking to the above mentioned advice. Slow turn, curve...they all require looking.

 

the first time I ever rode, I learned this real quick as the mailbox post was approaching rapidly on the corner that I tried to take a little to fast for my skill set at that particular time! Luckily, I was able to avoid disaster, but I damn near had a brown seat!

 

im not sure if this pertains or not,but ive been told before a few times.if you are encountered with a deer at the last minute to put the hammer down and t-bone the deer.i was told you have a better chance of keeping the bike upright than trying to swerve,but this would go against everything i would be thinking at that moment

 

The faster you hit the deer, the faster you will be flying over the handlebars, Bike hits deer bike stops...
Then you end up with a broken pelvis, ribs or thigh bones from hitting th handlebars. Best thing to do in any crash is try to avoid it and slow down as much as possible if possible.

 

use it all the time...good tip

 

Good tips and nice reminders..thank you