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120 BASICS, CHAPTER 5 __________________ |
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PAVEMENT MINDSET We spend so much time on the pavement, most everything we do is pavement-automatic. I tend to recline the seat, raise the windows, turn on the A/C, tune in the music, set the cruise control, put my fist in my lap with one finger on the wheel and go into interstate fog city. As I unconsciously let familiar signs and signals turn me into an autopilot, my mind wanders off. A different mindset helps when you hit the dirt. DIRT MINDSET
Reread the seat belt section in the Safety chapter. It warns that driving and riding without one is foolish. Unbelted, the driver lacks control, the co-pilot may end up in the driver's lap and everyone risks more injury. The Indy seat slope doesn't work for me, either. When I lean back, the bumps slide me farther down the cushion. I prefer to sit straight up making my sight line higher. I can see farther ahead. I can anticipate, prepare for, and handle what's coming up. Try various upper-body positions to find what works best for you. WHEEL GRIP Now, put a death grip on the steering wheel and go, right? Wrong! The key to finishing a trip with energy to spare is to keep the expenditure low. Like standing for hours at military parade rest, keep your pants at attention and your knees at ease. |
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by always remembering your seat belt. After being securely snugged by a
five-point racecar harness, I feel naked without a restraint of some
sort. Aftermarket folks know this and offer even casual backroad
travelers better and more comfortable seat and body harnesses. They feel
good. I believe in the Oriental philosophy of becoming one with my
environment. With a five-point harness, my 4X and I become one.