Video Library
The S.M.A.R.T. Classroom
The following videos are not intended to replace professional motorcycle safety classes. They are conversations that I’m sharing while riding in different situations. I teach a lot of motorcycle safety and adventure rider classes and I often wonder if the students are really taking in the important information that could very well save their lives.??? So, I will be sharing the same safety information while taking my own rides in hopes that it sticks better, as well as some off street stuff. I truly want to help you all avoid being part of the 96% group, which is the percentage of time riders are the striking vehicle. Be part of the 4% group by learning, practicing and applying all of the safety information that is taught. Many of the videos will be unedited because I just don’t have the time, so I apologize in advance. I think the conversations are still worth sharing.
I will also add videos from other events and trainings that I attend to help encourage you to come out and join in on all the fun.
LIVE to RIDE another day.
BDRx Big Bend
This is a lengthy view of parts of sections 1 & 2 of the BDRx Big Bend. The goal was to share what more of those sections look like verses what we saw with the filming of the BDR movie, along with some of the helmet conversations that I'm having.
Know before you go, as this time of year (October), we had extreme heat and lots of sand! Overall, super fun route!
Oh no, you’re too close!
Treat rolling hills like vertical corners, which means your sight distance is limited. Move over to the middle or right side of your lane as you approach the rolling hill/vertical corner. Also, by using trail braking as you approach the rolling hill, it will allow you to not only slow down a bit until you can see over the hill, it will allow you to add more brakes and/or get stopped if you have to. You don't know what is on the other side!
Overriding our sight distance is one of the top 3 reasons we crash and often times we’re all by ourselves. Build good habits so you are always in the right position at any given time.
PS - I apologize for the cussing, that definitely came from the heat of the moment and the guy’s cocky attitude.
The following section of videos were taken from an adventure cut that I took coming from Grand Junction to Cortez, CO. The videos are unedited and just thoughts that I was having as I took the adventure cut from Hwy 141, Road 13 (the adventure cut), then back on pavement on Hwy 40. The conversations do not include EVERYTHING there is a consider on the different topics, only what I was thinking at the time. It’s not the end of the conversation, it’s the beginning. Feel free to contact me if anything brings up a question or more curiosity.
Things to consider when taking an adventure cut
Especially when you are riding alone. Ride with these things in mind:
> Hard boxes vs. soft bags
> Be willing to turn back around
> Better have more time then what your original plans had accounted for
> Be ok with the unknown
Never push the limits of your ability, your bike’s ability, traction and conditions!
Other things to consider for adventure cuts
> Is it a good idea when you’re riding solo?
> Do you have backcountry experience, knowledge, and confidence?
> Do you have more skill than the terrain is asking from you?
> Fitness and endurance matters
> STOP and access your situation
You, too, can get out and do adventure cuts!
> Be able to read your terrain easily, which usually requires riding a bit more slowly
> Tire pressures for off road riding - avoid flats!
> Paying for training is cheaper than injuries and replacing bike parts - invest in yourself!
> More skills = less FEAR and more FUN FACTOR!
Learn the fundamentals!
Avoid injuries and broken bike parts by getting really good at the fundamental skills, as they can get you through a lot of more difficult situations when the time comes. At D.A.R.T., we like to say that we make the easy things hard, so the hard things are easier. It doesn’t matter how many years you’ve been riding, if you don’t take training and then practice the skills you are only gaining experience (and hopefully they are good, positive experiences, most the time they are not). Experience does not build skills! Immersion training tours are a great way to build skills by taking 1-3 days of training in a closed circuit area and then continue the training on a route with a qualified, professional instructor. Ratings for terrain and the skills needed for such terrain - visit the Backcountry page https://shalwilson.com/backcountry-tours
Don’t Be A Complacent Rider!
Ride with intension and awareness at all times. Critique your ride. Are you turning your head soon enough so that you have situational awareness and better directional control?
Cattle Guards
Because cattle guards are made of metal, you should be mindful on how you cross over them. Be more upright, especially in corners AND when it’s wet. Also, consider the temperatures. Tires aren’t as pliable AND can be very slippery, especially on metal.
Chicken Strips
Do you have friends giving you a hard time because you still have chicken strips? Well, you tell them that you are the one riding correctly by increasing your safety margins. They are riding on PDL, pure dumb luck!
Using the Dust Rider Hoist
We have tools for everything, why not use a tool to help you pick up your bike. There are many reasons why a rider can not or should not pick up their bike. Why should this keep you from getting out and riding? Park the egos and use the tools that are there to assist in the job.
A couple of additional tips:
1) Start with the base of the hoist as close to the bike as possible, so when you start picking it up the angle isn’t too great.
2) Use the cloth that comes with the kit, as it allows the webbing to slide across the seat better and keeps the webbing from gripping and possibly damaging your seat. (I’m always learning things the hard way).
Ride BDRs Respectfully and Safely
Respect can mean a lot of things, but I think about respecting the terrain, other roadway users, and most of all, respecting the high risk of riding in the backcountry. The BDR films often show riders increasing their risks by riding too fast for the terrain, riding too close and they don’t show them stopping and assessing their situation before plowing through something like a water crossing. They may or may not do these things, but my point is to respect the high risk of riding in the backcountry and cut down on injuries and mechanical issues like tire flats and broken bike parts by riding at speeds that you can EASILY read the terrain. Ride with plenty of space from the riders in front of you so if something were to happen with them, it doesn’t effect YOU! Dealing with multiple injuries/situations only compounds the risk, especially in the backcountry.
Stay Hydrated!
Most riders don't stay hydrated as much as they think they do. If you only consume fluids during a break, you are not getting enough liquids in. Your body can only absorb so much fluids at a given time. Drinking a lot on a break will increase the need for a restroom break. Sipping throughout the day allows your body to absorb the fluids and keeps you from getting dehydrated, which can start making you tired, weak and possibly dizzy. Proper fluids being water and/or electrolytes.
Do you have this skill?
Trail braking is a life saving skill that every rider needs to be using on their daily rides. This video is road side and a “how to” description of your hand placement and use of the throttle and brakes at the same time.
More on trail braking, plus conversations on lane position, axillary lights, and high beams
This video is a conversation while on the road and has a great example of how using trail braking all the time kept me in my lane.
72 Hours of Off-Road Motorcycle Training
Amanda Zito joined the SheADV training at the Touratech Rally in 2023. Here is what she had to say about her experience. Hope to see YOU at the rally or some other training or ride in 2024! @asthemagpieflies
Increase Your Confidence…
By getting really good at braking! The #1 skill to be really good at is braking. This would not only increase your confidence, but the FUN FACTOR goes way up AND your overall safety of course. You won’t be the one speed wonder anymore. Just some thoughts as I’m riding just outside of Cortez, CO
Riding the Windy Nickel in Ohio
It is very tempting for motorcyclists to go fast. We can still have FUN without adding excessive speeds. This sport requires A LOT of discipline. We also have to manager overriding our sight distance and distracted drivers.
Denver Traffic Chat
When I teach the street safety classes, I talk about street smarts and how to manage some of the risks on the street. With the adventure rider classes, I only touch on street stuff, but not enough. So, I’ve put together a couple of videos that talk about situational aware and lane position in hopes to help you make better, informed choices. The information covered is not intended to replace formal motorcycle safety training courses. It’s a conversation covering potential situations you might encounter in a city setting. I encourage everyone to take additional motorcycle safety classes.
Part 1 of Denver Traffic Chat
Part 2 of Denver Traffic Chat
Dan, Dan The Fire Man
I highly recommend subscribing to Dan, Dan The Fire Man. He does a great job taking rider videos that they share and breaking them down step-by-step. He talks about what went well and what riders should be considering. He also uses acronyms that give riders strategies so they can then apply the strategies and have better street S.M.A.R.T.s.
I love what Ruffly is doing for the motorcycle community. I had the pleasure of meeting them at the 2022 Touratech Rally in Plain, WA. SheADV was spotlighted in their video, go to 19:30.
Live Extraordinary Together with Your Dog Every Day
Check out https://www.goruffly.com/about/
SeeMe Soar Hear Me Roar!
SeeMe Beauty, WomenRidersNow, and ADVWoman presented several video vignettes from our COBDR All Women’s Tours back in July of 2021, where 20 women in the prime of their lives tackle the Colorado Backcountry. Here is my spot-lighted vignette. https://youtu.be/apSDFl3V2iA
“Just looked at Shal’s Video Again.......! Oh My! Oh My Oh My!! So enjoyable seeing, and learning about Shal; seeing her “Light Bulb Moment, of “What am I doing with my Life?” The courage to give up the comforts and things, to follow her heart!! Living her dream so many others miss out on or who get it, but fearful to reach for it. A wonderful video, that covered it all; Shal’s terrible accident; the spills and falls; the skills attained in such awesome scenery. How this Video will inspire and encourage endless women....and, men. Fun times and camaraderie; friends for life. Commendable to all you women who “Get out there, and Do It!!!”
— Barbara