THE PROCESS

■ UNCONSCIOUS INCOMPETENCE This is when you don’t know what or why something doesn’t feel right. You might not even be aware that there is a better way of doing it because whatever it feels like now is the only way it’s ever felt to you.

■ CONSCIOUS INCOMPETENCE This stage can be frustrating as you are now aware of what it is that’s going wrong but you’re still catching yourself doing it. Stick in there though, as this is the stage that will motivate you to do it better.

■ CONSCIOUS COMPETENCE This stage is often a lot of effort and will require you to slow your riding down for a while in order to give yourself time to think. It’s where you’re doing it right but it’s taking a bit of planning to get there.

■ UNCONSCIOUS COMPETENCE This is where whatever it is that you’re working on has become an acquired skill. It’s a reaction, and you’re not having to consciously think about it. The more of your riding falls into this category the more flow you’ll experience.