07-20-2006, 12:56 AM
BLINGMW Wrote:he's using developed peripheral vision to stay aware of other riders, and I DO see them take a glance back now and then.
Ok, honestly, I don't get why you're so fascinated with being able to look behind you on a motorcycle at the track. If there's a bike there, you can hear it. That's all that matters. If you hear another bike, ride a defensive line (if you're racing), if you don't, keep truckin it. Seems pretty simple to me. I mean, if you're so worried about safety, why aren't you paying attention to where you're going instead of where you've been?
The most often given reason for looking over ones shoulder is confusion, and typically we only do it coming out of turns. It's usually because we *thought* someone was there and for whatever reason he no longer is or vice versa. Like at Barber this last year Spies spent 3 laps looking behind him wondering where the hell Mladin was. One second he was on his arse, the next he was nowhere to be found. Or GP @ Seca last year, Edwards thought he had misread his timing board and looked back to see if Rossi was really on his butt. Obviously, the guys want to know if someone is behind them or not so they look around occassionally, but between the timing board and their ears that's usually enough to clue them in.
But hell, I could care how ride. If you'd rather go into turn 1 at VIR North or Summit looking behind you, by all means go for it. I'd be impressed with your talent.