Why the A-R-T of Motorcycling

Adventure Rider Training which is based in the Hinterland of QLD's Sunshine Coast , grew from the concerns of a biker whose Wife and Children, after years of seeing Hubby/Dad going off to all points North, South, East and West on his faithful cycle one by one decided to join the ranks of the riding community. Probably because he kept doing it every day, year after year, rain, hail or shine told them it was more than a pastime or hobby, it was his way of life and they wanted in on it.

These concerns were natural for a man once he had time to think about what that would actually mean, his loved ones doing those things he had been doing all his life. At first, he started giving his wife lessons on an old CB250, imparting his 'words of wisdom' and trying desperately not to step on her toes too hard and say things he would later regret. It's a very difficult thing to teach your wife something that involves that much stress. They survived it and she is now a biker in her own right. Throughout that process though it became  more and more clear that there was a lot the new rider had to deal with and not least of all were the dangers inherent in this pastime.

After it was obvious his eldest was now keen to join in, he had to balance his pride that his son would be able to share this wonderful pastime with the concern that young men have a tendency to get a little too enthusiastic with things such as this. At that point he made the decision to look into what professional training was available and what ways these concerns could be addressed.

It soon became clear that there were very good resources available to young people if they took the initiative and participated, but very little was required of them in so far as participation. Fathers being what Fathers are, he decided to get involved in the field of motorcycle rider training and put his effort into providing the quality and type of resource that he wished had been available when he was learning. After all, he was lucky to have a good group of responsible mentoring bikers to learn from otherwise who knows where things may have led.

Well that Husband/Father/Biker is me. My name is Todd Smith and I am the owner and principal rider trainer at Adventure Rider Training. I am committed to providing exceptional quality, affordable, comprehensive and considerate riding instruction for anyone who wants to learn this Art of Motorcycling. Because it's not just an Interest or a Skill. It's a Passion and a Hobby and for most of us 'a way of life'. I want to  promote motorcycling and the lifestyle(s) it encompasses to the wider community and help them see that we are just a bunch of Mums and Dads, Brothers and Sisters, Aunts and Uncles. Just like them. If all motorists undertook their daily travel with the level of skill, responsibility and commitment as motorcyclists do, the roads would be a much safer place. Sure there are some rambunctious ones amongst us but that's true of all groups and not least the car drivers. One thing motorcycling gives you that driving a car rarely does is a sense of belonging and identity and participation. How many people actually 'Go for a drive' any more? Do you know anyone who goes for a drive regularly just for the sake of it? I know I don't. But I can tell you nearly everyone I know who owns a bike does. Think about that!