$400 Well Spent.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
Good story, and I agree, best $400 you'll probably spend. The fact that it already may have saved you accident makes it worth it's weight in gold..... Ride safe out there.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 7
From: Calgary Alberta
About a month ago I took a basic riding course and found that learning how to ride a bike properly can be one of life's greatest challenges. Calculus back in college feels like it pales to compare:P The school that hosted the course was a bit of a hard *** when teaching our class the fundamental skills of riding...but for good reason. As a novice rider, my experience before I bought my new Fatboy Lo this winter was mostly on a dirt bike messing around our family ranch and it's backroads going back 20 years. Man, was I in for a bit of a surprise the other weekend.
I am sure many new riders will think, 'I can teach myself'. I for one had similar thoughts until a couple hours into the instruction. The course had us spend a good 8 hours first on a small dirtbike for kids...it felt like a bear on a tricycle trying to learn balance and maneuvers through a tight course. It didnt take long for me to realize '$400 well spent' and also the foolish thoughts of teaching oneself instead. Besides the valuable experience on learning the basics, knowing that one has references to use when creating habits and second nature skills is invaluable as a new rider imo.
Well for the past week or so, we finally got the weather here to ride in Calgary, Canada. I already had a close call with a driver cutting me off at a controlled intersection (his stop sign). He looked right at me like I didnt exist and proceeded with his turn and realized after the fact of pulling in right in front of me. I already was slowing down to a slow pace and was able to swerve between park cars and him if needed. Only concern I had was 'oh **** marbles' where our streets still had the winter sanding and hasnt been cleaned yet. But the preparation the course helped with was a great example of money well spent already. Every intersection I approach, my caution meter goes on high alert and go on the defense in case. I was ready for this lil mistake from the public that I am sure will be many more.
Anyways, with a defensive mind I am sure I will enjoy the new ride for years to come. I just wanted to share this with folks new and old in the bike tooth.
/cheers
I am sure many new riders will think, 'I can teach myself'. I for one had similar thoughts until a couple hours into the instruction. The course had us spend a good 8 hours first on a small dirtbike for kids...it felt like a bear on a tricycle trying to learn balance and maneuvers through a tight course. It didnt take long for me to realize '$400 well spent' and also the foolish thoughts of teaching oneself instead. Besides the valuable experience on learning the basics, knowing that one has references to use when creating habits and second nature skills is invaluable as a new rider imo.
Well for the past week or so, we finally got the weather here to ride in Calgary, Canada. I already had a close call with a driver cutting me off at a controlled intersection (his stop sign). He looked right at me like I didnt exist and proceeded with his turn and realized after the fact of pulling in right in front of me. I already was slowing down to a slow pace and was able to swerve between park cars and him if needed. Only concern I had was 'oh **** marbles' where our streets still had the winter sanding and hasnt been cleaned yet. But the preparation the course helped with was a great example of money well spent already. Every intersection I approach, my caution meter goes on high alert and go on the defense in case. I was ready for this lil mistake from the public that I am sure will be many more.
Anyways, with a defensive mind I am sure I will enjoy the new ride for years to come. I just wanted to share this with folks new and old in the bike tooth.
/cheers
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Aug 17, 2008 07:31 AM
