by Robert Vaughan
I teach to see the magic.
I teach to watch people have a good time learning something new. I’ve seen over 2000 students come to class to learn about riding. Most had ridden. Some had never been on a bike before. All learned more about riding than they expected to. Learning something new can be hard work and very stressful. It can also be a lot of fun. For many it was both.
I teach to know I have done my part to reduce accidents. Most accidents happen in the first year of riding. The Basic Rider Course is considered the equivalent of two years riding experience. Getting the first two years riding done in one weekend on a parking lot is an easy way to sneak past the statistics.
I teach to introduce new riders to the joy of motorcycling. The joy of making a machine do exactly what you want it to do. The enjoyment of mastering skills, both mental and physical, which literally open new roads for the pleasure of riding.
I teach to meet new riders and make new friends. Many of my former students have become friends--friends I might meet on any road on any day. Where else could I meet so many people who enjoy riding?
But most of all I teach to see the magic. To see the magic of riding happen for people who came to class afraid even to get on a motorcycle. To see them start, struggling to control the clutch enough to make a turn, and finish being able to turn, swerve or stop with ease and confidence. To see the smiles on their faces as it all comes together for them when the bike becomes an extension of their bodies.
This is what teaching is all about—to see the magic happen.
This is why I teach.