Quote: (08-29-2015 11:27 PM)Beyond Borders Wrote:
I have taught a handful of guys to ride a moto, specifically in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. And even one guy (Irish) on this forum.
It is in some ways unsafe (though my personal observation is not so much as people assert), so any risk is on you, but if any established members are ever in my neck of the woods, I'm happy to show you the ropes. We can start outside of town and work our way back towards the madness after you start getting the hang of the basics.
I've got the greater part of a decade of experience riding on a daily basis in the region and have a distinct understanding of local thought processes and how they apply to the road. And I took the motorcycle skills and safety course in California just before I arrived here. That class is no elite course or anything, but I actually had hardly ever ridden bikes at all before that point and got a perfect score in the class - then unexpectedly came here directly after, creating a unique opportunity to apply the concepts I'd just learned to a Southeast Asian driving environment.
Most importantly, there are a few very simple things you learn in the safety courses that you would never figure out intuitively on your own, and I've heard this declaration repeated by guys who rode their whole lives before taking the course. These little things have saved me quite a few times in close call situations.
Yes, there is always a possibility you'll still get hurt, and so as not to eat any of my words later, I very well may get injured (again) myself eventually. So this is not to discount Blackwell's experience. However, if I can help keep a couple guys a bit safer (not to mention have more reasons to go on moto trips, which I cannot get enough of) by offering some guidance, I'm at your service.
Side note: Just don't come here disrespecting locals and acting like a pompous dick if you come to ride with me because I very well may leave you out in the countryside on a bike you don't know how to ride and you'll have to find your own way back. Other than that, I am happy to accomodate wierd fuckers of all dispositions and backgrounds.
Do you mind sharing a few of your tips here ?
I plan on going to SEA in fall, though I don't know where yet, and I would love to ride. I rode in the Philippines last Summer in the Catanduanes island and it was dope ! I also own a small 50cc scooter here in France, but I must admit I never took lessons or anything.