Points to ponder #1 - Rural Take a look at this image and think about the various things that could affect you as a biker riding along this road.

Observation is Key! Observation is defined in Collins English dictionary as; "detailed examination of phenomena prior to analysis, diagnosis or interpretation." One of the most important skills a biker can develop is observation; in fact many consider observation to be THE foundation for all advanced riding, a point of view we agree with.  To look is to cast your eyes towards some thing, it is a function of the eyes. To see is to perceive, to interpret the visual information being taken in by the eye, it is a function of both the eyes and the brain, which gives us both sight and insight. Observation is more than just directing the eyes towards the way you intend to go, i.e. looking where you're going, it's seeing, becoming aware of your surroundings, weighing up what effect they may or may not have on you and the deciding what action you will need to take. You need 100% concentration when riding to be able to 'see' what's happening around you. There is a huge amount of information to take in from your senses; you need to interpret it, to prioritise it and then take appropriate action on it and over time this can be tiring. As bikers we have a big advantage over car drivers; as we sit higher, having a higher view point enables us to see more of our surroundings; our bikes are physically smaller so we can adjust or change our position in the road to get a better view. Not being caged in by a metal and glass box, we can use other senses; smell, sound and to a degree touch to gain clues to our surroundings and what's happening. Observation is not just seeing the clues, it's considering the implications of those clues and acting on them.

The following is far from an exhaustive list but should give you an insight into the sort of clues you should be looking for and their possible implications. Road surface - the surface is not very good, its breaking up on the nearside this could affect your stability and it could be worse over the brow. No pavement - this could mean pedestrians in the carriageway just over the brow of the hill possibly from the house on the left. Solid white line - the line is on your side of the road is solid the opposing carriageway has a broken line so opposing traffic may have strayed over the centre as they appear over the crest. Junction - the road sign on the right indicates a minor road joining from the left possible conflict with emerging traffic like a slow moving agricultural vehicle.  Brow of a hill - the road disappears from sight, which way does it go? The hedge and tree lines give possible clues to the direction of the road. Road sign - the road sign beyond the brow of the hill is triangular warning you of a hazard ahead. The position of the sign gives you an indication of the direction the road goes. Trees - the trees on the right could be shading the carriageway, has it rained recently, shaded areas could be damp as they dry more slowly or they could be frosty in the early morning. Fallen leaves - in the autumn wet leaves on the carriageway could affect your tyre's grip