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Sending employees on a training to teach them a thing or two? Great idea, but at ChromeBurner, we take a slightly different approach than most companies do. No boring training to put together clever Excel sheets; no, we prefer to get on our bikes to acquire the necessary skills. So, we sent Nicky Verkuijlen to an all-road training.
August 1, 2023
In the early morning, it is already clear that sunscreen will be needed rather than a thick winter lining in the motorcycle jacket. Shortly after the first practice sessions, several course participants are already stowing their extra layers into their cases. By the way, it is not just the sun that causes the participants in this all-road training course to feel the heat very quickly. An advanced class in yoga on the bike also got this group of seven bikers warmed-up. Nikki van der Spek is the 'main culprit' that ChromeBurner employee Nicky Verkuijlen is soon opening up the ventilation zippers on his REV'IT! clothing. As the instructor takes a number of different positions on her BMW R1250GS, the participants are supposed to imitate her movements. Smoothly, Van der Spek takes the next position and slowly increases the level of difficulty. All participants manage to get through this yoga class unscathed, although Nicky had expected a slightly less intense start to the day. "Even in winter, this exercise would make me feel like it's summer. I skipped some positions because I can't even do them when I'm just standing with both feet on the ground, let alone on the bike."
The extended warm-up session is not only designed to wake up the muscles but also helps participants find better balance on the bike. The not-too-common positions allow them to get to know their own two-wheeler a little better. Before starting the second exercise, the group first receives a theoretical explanation from Stephan Moerkerken, the other instructor. There is a lot involved when riding off-road with such a heavy all-road bike, and to convey those particular techniques, it is necessary to provide the participants with a good explanation. Fortunately, Moerkerken is the right person to do that, as a former motorcycle instructor at the Police Academy. Since a standing position is crucial during off-road riding, the instructor pays close attention to this topic. "If you have the right position, riding off-road becomes a lot easier," Moerkerken informs the participants. "Therefore, make sure you don't lock your elbows. Slightly point them outward so you can steer freely."
"If you have the right position, riding off-road becomes a lot easier"
To quickly master this standing position on the motorcycle, participants are given several exercises to do. At standstill, they have to stand directly on the steps, and a slalom is also done from a standing position. To familiarize themselves with this position, this morning session ends with a short course that combines all exercises. While maneuvering, the participants follow instructor Stephan, while Nikki watches them from a distance. Here and there, she gives some extra tips to the men who seem to have a little more trouble with the tight steering of their all-road bikes. Although ChromeBurner employee Nicky has only ridden a few miles on his brand-new Moto Morini X-Cape, he already appears to be perfectly familiar with his Italian all-road bike. "It's a new technique for me, but it's starting to feel more and more natural. Thanks to the clear explanations, I immediately had the confidence to perform these exercises correctly."
Via a beautiful route that runs partly along unpaved paths, the group rides back to Hoogerheide to be served an excellent lunch at the Boove & Beneeje restaurant. After sharing the necessary tall tales, everyone is ready to start the second half of the training with fresh energy. The training location in a nearby forest is used to teach the participants the necessary braking skills. First, instructor Stephan demonstrates what speed does to braking distance when riding off-road. With only two attempts, it becomes clear immediately to the participants that braking distance is greatly lengthened when the speed increases even slightly. "The distance increases quadratically, and you also have to take into account the surface that offers less grip, as well as your reaction time. So definitely don't ride at the limit," he reports. Then it was the turn of the seven participants to get a taste of braking on unpaved terrain. Since the participants all wear an earpiece, it is possible for the instructors to communicate directly. As they ride back to the starting spot, the tips follow in rapid succession. After a few tries, you can see many riders' confidence grow, and the braking distance shorten."
To conclude this training day in a very enjoyable way, participants can apply their learned techniques during a wonderful off-road route. Venturing off the asphalt with your all-road bike reveals a whole new world. On these unpaved trails in southwestern North Brabant, the instructors know how to convey that feeling perfectly. Enthusiastically, all participants return to the starting location of the day, restaurant Boove & Beneeje in Hoogerheide. Although Nicky seems a bit tired, there is also a big smile on his face. "It was a tough day, but that's mainly because I was still riding very frantically. I relied too much on power instead of technique. Anyway, I really learned a lot today, and I noticed that buying the X-Cape was a good choice. I wanted to start riding off-road, but it's essential to know what to do. Today I received a solid foundation for having a lot of fun riding off-road. Maybe I should come back again for the advanced course. That certainly can't hurt."
Through his cousin Marco, Nicky Verkuijlen (34) came to work in the motorcycle industry as a salesman at Opheij Motoren. After gaining the necessary experience, it was time for the next step. He found that new challenge at ChromeBurner Motorgear, where he has been working for eight years now, filling the position of E-Commerce & Retail Director. It goes without saying that Nicky from Veghel is a big fan of motorcycling. That is why he currently has five motorcycles at his disposal, providing some variety. The 'collection' started with a Suzuki GSR750, followed by a Honda CX650 Nicky Hayden flattracker (on display in ChromeBurner Motorgear's showroom) and an MV Agusta Dragster 800RR. Later the Moto Morini X-Cape (seen in this blog) and KTM RC8 were added.
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