Offroad Tour Skills Check
Thanks to one of our amazing tour partners, Dirtastic, we have this amazing skills checklist to help you determine if you have what it takes to make it through the jungles, mountains, and rivers of Northern Thailand!
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**Please read each description below to find your current Skills Rating that best suits you. Be honest with your abilities!
Level 0
Dirt Biking sounds cool! I am excited to learn!
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I’ve never ridden any type of motorcycle before.
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Dirt biking is a full body workout?! Cool!
Level 1
Dirt biking is cool, my friends ride and I can’t wait to be able to ride with them!
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I’ve ridden motorcycles, but have no off-road experience OR I have some off-road experience and prefer riding off-road on ATV trails and double track.
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I do not feel confident in using all of the controls.
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Not 100% sure about what the clutch does and tend to stall frequently.
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Corners sneak up on me and are challenging to navigate.
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Hills seem like impossible mountains!
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Single track is… wait, whats that?!
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Fitness and riding skills are definitely holding me back.
Level 2
I have off-road experience and ride several times a year. I am excited to learn how to control the bike better, building confidence to ride with more ease!
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Terrain:
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I still prefer riding off-road on ATV trails and double track but am working on building the skills and confidence it takes to ride terrain with rocks, roots, tight corners, tight trees, sand washes and hills.
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Single track is really hard, but exciting!
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Obstacles:
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I’m able to roll over smaller obstacles but once they get any larger than 6 inches, it’s not pretty.
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It’s really hard to get unstuck without help.
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Speed:
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I am not super comfortable handling my bike at higher speeds (4th gear +) on roads and double track. Nothing over 4th please!
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I am comfortable in 1st gear (sometimes 2nd) on single track.
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Bike Skills:
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I can successfully operate all controls most of the time, but things still get a bit wild at times.
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I’m getting better at understanding how to use the clutch, but still tend to stall in corners.
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I’m dabbling with standing on the pegs especially in flowy terrain, but once it gets a bit tricky you loose proper form/body positioning and sit down.
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Cornering:
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Corners are getting better but stalling and tip overs are frequent.
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Hills:
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Hills seem like impossible mountains, but totally worth a try!
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I struggle with clutch, throttle, brake control and body positioning on both climbs and descents.
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Descending on hills can be iffy. Sitting tends to be preferred and I often loose control, so slower is better.
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Shifting:
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I try to look ahead, but tend to revert back to looking right in front of the bike making it challenging to anticipate what’s coming.
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I feel wiped out after a couple hours on the bike. (PSA: Check out Enduro Method!)
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Poker Runs are the closest thing to racing I’d consider at this point.
Level 3
I love riding and ride as much as possible! There is still so much to learn, but it’s totally awesome!
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Terrain:
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I am still working on building the skills and confidence it takes to ride terrain with rocks, roots, tight corners, tight trees, sand washes, hills, tighter turns, quick shifting and constant whoops.
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I prefer mellow single track, even though it’s challenging.
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Obstacles:
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I’m able to get over smaller obstacles but it’s not pretty. It’s really hard to get unstuck without help.
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I am learning how to lift the front wheel on command, but its intimidating and my timing is off.
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Speed:
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I am comfortable handing your bike at higher speeds (4th gear +) on roads and double track. I am comfortable at higher speeds on single track (2-3rd gear).
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Bike Skills:
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I can safely and successfully operate all controls all of the time.
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I am getting better at clutch control and really starting to understand how it helps control the bike in various situations.
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I stand on the pegs most of the time, but once in a while I loose proper form/body positioning and sit down especially in more challenging terrain.
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Cornering:
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Corners are still not as smooth as I’d like, but stalling is rare. (Whew)
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Hills
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Hills are less intimidating to try but still struggling with clutch, throttle, brake control and body positioning.
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Descending on hills can still be a bit iffy at times, especially when they seem super steep, have roots drops or rocks in them.
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Brake control and body positioning on descents are still challenging to get right, but working on it!
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Shifting:
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I try to look ahead, but tend to revert back to looking right in front of the bike making it challenging to anticipate what’s coming.
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Sometimes I am able to properly set up for turns/obstacles by selecting the appropriate gear and approach speed.
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I am gaining fitness and my skill level is increasing. 2-4 hrs on trails are totally doable!
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I might dabble in racing (C Class).
Level 4
I love riding! I ride regularly and can’t get enough! That’s what weekends and vacations are for, duh!
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Terrain:
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Single track is my fave, but sidehills are still my nemeses.
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Obstacles:
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Obstacles are getting easier, but still intimidating.
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Lifting the front wheel on command to get over roots, rocks, downed trees, etc is starting to become a thing.
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Speed:
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I am comfortable handing my bike at higher speeds (5th gear +) on roads and double track. I am comfortable at higher speeds on single track (2-3rd gear).
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Bike Skills:
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I understand clutch control and am stoked to get more confidence using it!
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I still spin the rear tire at times but are trying not too. I can safely and successfully operate all controls all of the time.
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My body positioning is strong. I stand almost all of the time and dab or sit when things get a bit rowdy.
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Hills:
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I am able to shift gears during the climb and fluidly move your body front to back and side to side obtaining and maintaining the best traction while climbing.
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Climbing is typically successful, unless technical roots, rocks or corners get in my way.
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On descents, I am generally comfortable using both brakes and staying balanced standing up on the pegs with my weight back.
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I’m starting to consider steeper descents as “fun!”
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I am comfortable with some speed and letting go of the brakes as long as I can see what’s ahead on the trail.
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Cornering:
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I understand effective cornering techniques, look ahead to see my line and link turns. Timing isn’t perfect but I’m working on it.
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Shifting:
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I look ahead, though not consistently or maybe not far enough. Sometimes able to properly set up for hills, turns and obstacles by selecting the appropriate gear and approach speed.
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My fitness level and riding ability allow for long days in the mountains (4+ hours).
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I like racing, or think I do at times (B Class)!
Level 5
I ride every chance I get! Nothing gets in my way!
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Terrain:
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I am comfortable riding any type of terrain aggressively. The more technical, the better!
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Obstacles:
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I can maneuver over and around pretty much any obstacle I encounter including boulders, trees, tight ditches, etc while maintaining control of the bike.
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Speed:
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I am comfortable handing my bike at higher speeds (5th gear +) on roads and double track. I am are comfortable at higher speeds on single track (3rd gear +).
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Bike Skills:
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I use the throttle and clutch seamlessly to create power and control in challenging terrain to maximize traction and eliminate wheel spin.
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I am comfortable always standing or knowing when to sit for traction!
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Hills:
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I’m able to shift gears during the climb and fluidly move my body front to back and side to side obtaining and maintaining the best traction while climbing.
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Hills that involve technical roots, rocks, switchbacks and blind ridges are typically no issue.
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I can navigate variable traction conditions in the middle of a hill, although it may not be pretty you get through unassisted.
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I use both brakes sparingly while descending and are open to getting some air off rocks, root steps and whoops. Braap!
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Cornering:
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My timing and coordination in all types of corners is consistent. I am comfortable leaning my bike through the corner and accelerate through the exit with confidence.
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Shifting:
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I consistently look ahead and am able to properly set up for hills, turns and obstacles by selecting the appropriate gear, approach speed and entry point.
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My fitness level and riding ability allow for long days in the mountains (6+ hours).
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I love racing (A Class, Expert)!
Level 6
Dirt Biking is my life (and my job)!
I can handle the most technical terrain imaginable, can hit all the jumps, turns, climbs and descents with confidence.
I race in the Pro Class, AA, Open A or Open Ex classes depending on the series.
Road Tour Skills Check
We have this amazing skills checklist to help you determine if you have what it takes to make it through the mountain roads of Northern Thailand!
​
**Please read each description below to find your current Skills Rating that best suits you. Be honest with your abilities!
Level 0
Motorcycling sounds cool! I am excited to learn!
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I’ve never ridden any type of motorcycle before.
Level 1
Motorcycling is cool, my friends ride and I can’t wait to be able to ride with them!
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I’ve ridden motorcycles but mainly scooters.
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I do not feel confident in using all of the controls but I can get around town.
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Not 100% sure about what the clutch does and tend to stall frequently.
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Corners sneak up on me and are challenging to navigate.
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Hills seem like impossible mountains!
Level 2
I have some riding experience and ride several times a year. I am excited to learn how to control the bike better, building confidence to ride with more ease!
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Traffic:
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Riding around or near traffic spooks me occasionally so I prefer to ride on roads where I am alone.
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Group Riding:
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I am not really comfortable riding in groups or near other people...I feel nervous and embarrassed that I am not good enough yet.
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What are hand signals?
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Speed:
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I am not super comfortable handling my bike at higher speeds (4th gear +) on roads. Nothing over 4th please!
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Bike Skills:
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I can successfully operate all controls most of the time, but things still get a bit wild at times.
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I’m getting better at understanding how to use the clutch, but still tend to stall at lights and on hills.
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I am not confident in braking in an emergency situation.
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Cornering:
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Corners are getting better but I approach with caution and take it very slowly. I am not comfortable with much lean angle...I feel like I will fall over!
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Hills:
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Hills seem like impossible mountains, but totally worth a try!
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I struggle with clutch, throttle, brake control and body positioning on both climbs and descents.
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I struggle to find what gear I should be in...argh!
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Shifting:
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I try to look ahead, but tend to revert back to looking right in front of the bike making it challenging to anticipate what’s coming.
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I feel wiped out, mentally and physically, after a couple hours on the bike.
Level 3
I love riding and ride as much as possible! There is still so much to learn, but it’s totally awesome!​
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Traffic:
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Riding around or near traffic doesn't bother me as much but I definitely don't do any of that lane splitting stuff yet!
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Group Riding:
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I am becoming more comfortable riding in groups and learning too anticipate what other riders will do.​
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I have a basic understanding of riding hand signals.
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Speed:
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I am comfortable handing a bike at higher speeds (4th gear +) on roads.
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Bike Skills:
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I can safely and successfully operate all controls all of the time.
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I am getting better with brake and throttle control and really starting to understand how it helps control the bike in various situations.
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Cornering:
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Corners are still not as smooth as I’d like and I sometimes find myself running wide in turns near the other lane of traffic. I am getting more comfortable with leaning the bike in turns.
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Hills
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Hills are less intimidating to try but still struggling with clutch, throttle, brake control and body positioning.
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Shifting:
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I try to look ahead, but tend to revert back to looking right in front of the bike making it challenging to anticipate what’s coming.
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Sometimes I am able to properly set up for turns by selecting the appropriate gear and approach speed.
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I am gaining mental fitness and my skill level is increasing. 2-4 hrs on the roads are totally doable!
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I have done a few trackdays and track riding interests me.
Level 4
I love riding! I ride regularly and can’t get enough! That’s what weekends and vacations are for, duh!
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Traffic:
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Riding around or near traffic doesn't bother me as much but I definitely don't do any of that lane splitting stuff yet!
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Group Riding:
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I am becoming more comfortable riding in groups and learning too anticipate what other riders will do.​
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I know all of the basic hand signals of group riding.
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Speed:
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I am comfortable handing my bike at higher speeds (5th gear +) on roads.
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Bike Skills:
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I can safely and successfully operate all controls all of the time.
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My body positioning is strong. I understand how body position can affect the handling of my motorcycle.
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I understand how the brakes and throttle helps control the bike in various situations.
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Hills:
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I am able to shift gears during climb to stay in the best RPM range for the motorcycle.
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I am comfortable with some speed and letting go of the brakes as long as I can see what’s ahead on the road.
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Cornering:
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I understand effective cornering techniques, look ahead to see my line and link turns. Timing isn’t perfect but I’m working on it.
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Shifting:
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I look ahead, though not consistently or maybe not far enough. Sometimes able to properly set up for hills, turns and obstacles by selecting the appropriate gear and approach speed.
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My physical & mental fitness level and riding ability allow for long days of riding on a variety of roads (4+ hours).
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I enjoy trackdays and am thinking of trying out racing in the near future!
Level 5
I ride every chance I get! Nothing gets in my way!
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Traffic:
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Riding around or near traffic doesn't bother me.
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I am totally comfortable passing vehicles and lane splitting.
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Group Riding:
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I am comfortable riding in groups...I usually lead the rides.
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I know all of the hand signals of group riding.
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Speed:
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I am comfortable handing my bike at higher speeds (6th gear +) on roads. Call me speed racer!
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Bike Skills:
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I use the throttle, brakes, and clutch seamlessly to create power and control in all situations, whether navigating traffic in town or twisties in the mountains.
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Hills:
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I am able to shift gears during climb to stay in the best RPM range for the motorcycle.
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I use both brakes sparingly while descending and understand how to use the engine braking to help slow me down on steep descents.
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Cornering:
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My timing and coordination in all types of corners is consistent. I am comfortable leaning my bike through the corner and accelerate through the exit with confidence.
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I understand what an apex is and strive to hit that point in every turn!
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Shifting:
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I consistently look ahead and am able to properly set up for hills, turns and descents by selecting the appropriate gear, approach speed and entry point.
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My overall fitness level and riding ability allow for long days riding a variety of challenging road types (6+ hours).
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I love racing and have competed occasionally.
Level 6
Motorcycling is my life (and my job)!
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I can handle the most technical roads imaginable, can hit all the turns, climbs, and descents with confidence.
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Lane splitting?? Call me Ghost Rider.
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I race (or have raced) at the professional level.
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I know hand signals but mainly just the middle finger when I leave everyone in the my rearview mirror!