Last week, I visited my 90 year-old Dad in Southern CA.
While I was down in the LA area, I took the time to take Mark Paz' Ride Like A Pro course. I thought I'd share my experience.

First, I'm not associated with Mark, nor is there any consideration for what I'm about to write.

Second: The course is [I]very challenging[I]. For context: I'm a retired Marine and an experienced trial attorney. I say I'm "confident." Others say that borders on "arrogance." Be that as it may, I have always thought I was a capable, confident motorcycle rider.

Ride Like a Pro- West Coast made me a more capablemotorcyclist. It also knocked me down a peg or two in my arrogance. With practice, I’m also sure it will boost my confidence in my true abilities - and more clearly define for me my limitations.

I was blessed by attending a class with only 2 other riders. One was very experienced in riding sport bikes. The other had been selected by his Department to take the LA Police Motor Officer’s course & he knew he needed some “prep school.” The other two rode stripped-down former police Kawasakis, I rode my EGC.

I should also say that I have reviewed the video, Ride Like a Pro V and practiced the maneuvers without cones last summer.

We started with the “slow race” as set forth in Motorman’s video, followed up by weaving through cones the size of ½ tennis *****. First surprise: I expected to drag my floorboards & found I didn’t steer fast enough to do that.

The third exercise was driving in circles, both right and left. Piece of cake. With a little practice, I think I could drag my floorboards, but on class day, I didn’t, but was able to get my Electra Glide to the point where I was making 18' circles right & left.

The fourth exercise was a series of “S” turns. I did OK, just taking 2 ZIP codes to perform the maneuver. Something about “perishable skills” and “practice.”

We then practiced the Iron Cross in both directions. Another eye-opener.

Then we practiced something not on the video: Right & left U-turns from a stop. I must say, it was harder than it looked. Not only was I (eventually) able to perform the maneuver, I had a chance to perform it “in real life” the next day when I went over to Progressive Machine in La Palma to discuss which suspension I will upgrade to.

We finished with precise panic stops without locking up the brakes & putting only the left foot down after stopping & downshifting to first. I can handle the nose-dive, but will really look forward to the Progressive spring cartridges & the stability they will bring.

I then watched as the third student practiced some basic Police maneuvers. I realized I was not ready for those, so will take up Mark’s offer to take the course again within the year.

I recommend the program to any and all. Cost was $150 for the class [8 AM-1 PM, with reasonable breaks for nourishment & restrooms] Mark's web site is <ridelikeaprowestcoast.com>

I did have two additional surprises that should be mentioned to those considering the program. First: I have an oil temperature gauge in place of the useless air temp gauge. In the relatively cool air (50's & low 60's on the beach side of LAX), my oil temps were usually in the 180s, & never exceeded 230. With as much low-speed work we did, I expected 230-250 degree temps.

The second surprise was very insidious: substantial skill deterioration with the onset of fatigue. I kept myself hydrated & had things like trail mix to snack on, but those did not keep me from momentary lapses in focus. Since the class, I have done a little on-line research on fatigue, & can assure you the next time I take the course, I’ll bring several bottles of Gatorade. The sugar & electrolytes should substantially reduce the actual fatigue.

The bottom line is I highly recommend the Ride Like a Pro course: $150 for the course & an additional $150 for the use of Mark's Kawis [or, you can drop your own bike, your choice ] - but, if you are to attend, come well rested & with liquids to keep you hydrated and your electrolytes up.

 

I figured out my MLK weekend, SD to Reagan Library Saturday. Hotel on Point Magu (base) that night, and this course on Saturday (17th). Any more gouge you have would be appreciated. It looks like an awesome course!!

 

Thanks for the review. I've been thinking of taking the class myself...after your post, I think I'll wait until I have more experience as I only have about 12K lifetime miles under my belt. Sounds like it's better suited for experienced riders wanting to learn/improve on their skills than for a relative newbie like me.

I too, have the video and have done the slow walk, slow weave, circle and u-turns...but haven't practiced the others. Will work on these before I spend the $$ on a course.

 

where can you get the video?

 

Nice summary of this course and your experience. Thanks!

 

I am a runner and will tell you that most people do not realize how much fatigue affects judgment. It is like drinking you think you are fine but in fact you are not. I would say the lesson about fatigue is a lesson for all riders. When you are hours on the highway the same thing happens and affects response times. Practicing things will help make it second nature but drinking enough fluids and eating helps a ton too.

 

http://www.bikerhiway.com/ride-like-...988f54bd67c40f

That is where I ordered mine

 

I have a number of their videos. Has saved my butt on a few occasions. You can order the videos/DVDs here. http://www.ridelikeapro.com/

 

I took the course in NC. Definately money well spent! I had already bought the video and practiced a bunch. I kept buying the flat soccer cones from walmart until I had over a hundred of them. They will all fit in one saddlebag on my Ultra and I set the course up at a local high school parking lot and painted dots so I could easily set it up again. I had only been riding for about 3 months at the time and had no trouble with perfecting the maneuvers. It made my experience on my bike way more enjoyable. I'm not intimidated at all by my Ultra in parking lots and I'm now 'the boss of my hoss'

 

Dear Monstead and those sharing her thoughts:

I can appreciate your reluctance. However, you make an assumption that may not be warranted: the bad habits we all acquire from lack of proper instruction will keep us alive until we finally get the juevos (so to speak) to take the course.

Quite frankly, I recommend this course to [I]anyone[I] who has completed the basic rider safety course. The reason is that one will learn and practice good techniques & not have to "unlearn" a lot of bad techniques.

There are several reasons I chose to take the course at this time. The obvious reason was that I could clearly see that my skills needed improving. However, the real motivator was the realization that the biggest result of dumping my EGC on gravel nearly 2 years ago had adversely affected my confidence and, as a result, my ability.

A final reason I chose to take the course at this time was that I had been on two Toy Runs in November & December: 200+ motorcycles in one, 600+ in the other. I saw a lot of . . . uh . . . "challenging technique" among the other riders. I also saw a couple of riders drop their bikes at low speed. As a person who wants to be positive and not contribute to problems on a ride, I realized my low-speed maneuvers needed honing.

So, please, if you can afford the tuition at your local provider, I'd urge you to take the course at your earliest opportunity, then practice what you've learned. You will find your confidence will go up, your fear will go down, and - most fun - you will discover a whole new level of ability.

If you wish to discuss this further, feel free to PM me.

Ride safely, one and all!