5 Beginner tips to get you started.

There are a lot of articles and videos out there that prove to be useful for beginners and for those wanting to try two wheels out but this blog is tailored to fit riding in the Philippines.

1. Always wear riding gear

ATGATT, have you read or heard of this before? It means “All the gear, all the time” and this saying is meant to keep riders safe from accidents and unpleasant surprises while riding. I practice ATGATT even when just riding in the metro but sometimes I keep my gear simple and stick with just my motorcycle helmet and riding gloves. This is only when I’m 100% sure that I won’t be going over 60kph.

2. Don’t copy what others do

There are many riders here in the Philippines and a lot are what we call “kamote”. Kamote riders are annoying riders who just want to ride fast without thinking of others and the consequences of their actions. A common misconception is that kamote riders are those who ride small-displacement bikes but feel like they’re in MotoGP. Nope! Kamote riders are bad riders in general and there are a lot of expensive bike owners that ride like one. If you live in the metro then you’re probably familiar with them. If not, then the next time that you’re on the road, try and spot them. Try to differentiate the good from the bad, let’s just say that all motorcycle riders that you don’t find pleasing are kamote riders so don’t be one. Riders are usually influenced by what they see and by the group they ride with. Follow traffic and road rules all the time. Riding a motorcycle doesn’t exempt you from the law. If you saw someone riding on the wrong lane then just let them be and don’t follow. Riding between buses and trucks, just let them be. Don’t be pressured by riders honking or revving at you for not passing through the gutter just to pass traffic, you’re not supposed to do that anyway. Instead, leave enough space for them to be able to pass. Ride with class and don’t add up to the millions of bad irresponsible riders out there.

3. Ride at your own pace

Riding with a group can be fun. Some riders even prefer to ride with a group rather than to ride alone. Riding should be about having fun so make sure not to let your ego rule you, never should it be a race or a competition. Groups usually have different types of riders, some are beginners, some are intermediate riders, and some are seasoned veterans. Veterans have been around long enough to know that riding fast is fun but riding safe is better and so they’re the ones who usually lead and sweep for the group. Beginner to intermediate riders are usually the hot headed ones and are heavy on the throttle. They ride past the speed limit at times and are sometimes unruly, keep an eye on those and make sure to keep distance when riding with them. If the pace is too fast for you, just let others go ahead. Never ride outside your comfort zone, make sure that your skill level is at par with the other riders before trying to match their pace, especially on twisty roads. Don’t worry, the group’s lead aka spear and the group’s sweeper is there for a reason. Don’t mind other riders when they brag about their speed and skill when attacking corners. You’re having as much fun as they are, trust me on this. Don’t let it get into you, just have fun and be safe.

4. Ride with someone you know or with a small group

Tagging along motorcycle groups is probably the most common thing beginner riders do. If this is the case, make sure to join small groups first. Smaller groups are easier to ride with. The spear and the sweeper won't have a hard time keeping track of everyone in the group. You won't be pressured by other riders to ride fast or to ride out of your comfort zone. The more riders you have in a group, the harder it is to keep the pace. Big groups are usually split into subgroups. Chill riders, intermediate riders, and throttle happy riders. Make sure to join the chill or beginner friendly subgroup during the ride. As much as possible, always ride with a friend. Your friend will serve as your buddy and no matter what pace you’re in, you’d probably feel a lot safer knowing that your buddy will be with you throughout the ride.

5. Assume that you are invisible

Everyone experiences road rage at some point in their driving career. Riding a motorcycle exposes you even more to reckless and clumsy drivers. Question is, how do you avoid these kinds of drivers? Simple, Ride as if you are invisible. Always assume that the vehicle near you is out to get you but still, don’t ride like that jackass you saw online. Each vehicle has different blind spots so try to be as visible as you possibly can. Don’t be shy to use your horn or rev a little to let other vehicles that you are near. Having the right of way doesn’t matter if the vehicle swerving can’t see you, what's important is for you to avoid accidents so don’t let your ego take control. Take a deep breath and let them pass. 

These are my 5 beginner rider tips. Riding like a pro in the city doesn't necessarily mean that you are faster or better than others, it's about understanding how to ride properly in different settings. Always remember that riding on public roads is different from riding on the track and riding in the city is different from riding on the expressway. Be responsible and ride safe.