“The Pace” Is A “Must-Read”

By Steve Smith

SSmithBioPicPeople pursue the art of riding in different ways. Some casually glide along the boulevard or back roads, while others enjoy the adventure of dual sport and off road, carving mountainous curves of asphalt ribbons or engaging in the adrenaline pumping action of track days or racing. Things can go quickly awry when a bit of performance-oriented riding enters the mix and one or more riders in a group are not up to the challenge.

Nick Ienatsch , a well-known professional motorcycle racer-turned-journalist addressed this problem in an iconic article that was originally published in “Motorcyclist” magazine. It was updated and re-published more than a decade later in “Sport Rider” magazine. The article details a riding methodology and philosophy for lower risk performance street riding, which Ienatsch calls “The Pace.” This article has become so prolific performing a quick internet search will yield several links to different renditions of the article.

In my opinion, The Pace should be a “must read” article for all experienced riders, especially those who ride with groups. You can read it here.

About Steve Smith

New York native and Waterbury, CT-area resident Steve Smith is a nationally-certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider coach and  instructor with the Connecticut Rider Education Program. He began riding off-road as a youth and on-road at age 20 with a Honda CB400T. He currently rides a 2011 Kawasaki Concours 14. Smith is a graduate of Fairfield University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Management of Technology.

One comment

  1. Great article on The Pace! Should read for every rider!