Meet the Founder of OMT
Dan Ornsby >
DIRECTOR OF OMT
NZTA Approved Instructor
Track Instructor
Ride Forever Training Provider
NZTA Advanced Rider Assessment Assessor
My first riding experience was at 10 years of age aboard a 1970’s 50cc trail bike at the family property in Oxford. From that day I was hooked! I have fond childhood memories of Dads 1979 Triumph Bonneville—with myself, my brother and the dog in the sidecar—and Dad and his partner aboard the bike.
The day after my 15th Birthday I passed my motorcycle learner license. Freedom! My first road bike was a Honda XR 200cc which I used to commute to work through the week, battered around off road most evenings and weekends and took on various roadies. My current road bike is a 2008 Suzuki GSX 1400.
Following in my father’s footsteps I have been racing competitively for the past 15 years in different disciplines, from dirt track Speedway to road racing.
In 2008 I completed my ‘Motorcycle Instructors Endorsement’ and started working as a riding coach. In 2010 I started Ornsby Motorcycle Training. When it comes to enjoying the full potential of your motorcycle, I believe there are 3 very important things required:
1. A reasonable level of skill
2. A good understanding of the motorcycle (handling characteristics etc)
3. Confidence.
My father strongly impressed on me at an early age, the dangers associated with riding a motorcycle on a public road—what I call the “Treat Everyone As An Idiot” philosophy. However, as a riding instructor, one of the things I hear the most often is, ‘I got knocked off my bike, but it wasn’t my fault’. In my opinion, when it comes to motorcycle road safety, it doesn’t matter who is at fault when you are lying on the ground, in a hospital bed, or worse! Many of the motorcycle accidents happening on our roads could be avoided if individual riders took more ownership for their own safety. Having the right attitude and right skills greatly reduces your chances of becoming a statistic. This starts with complete beginners being taught the correct skills and good riding habits, all the way through to fine tuning the skills of seasoned riders.
CONTACT DAN:
