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

 

Congrats!!! I hope many more read this and take the course.
Ride for few months, then take an Advanced Rider Class. It deals more with road and traffic situations. Only 8hr class on YOUR bike. More money well spent.

 

Yes and every spring take a refresher...think of it as part of the insurance package

And thnx for the gratz. The Lo is officially now my mistress

 

Good to hear the course helped you.

 

look into this somewhere down the road too.
I haven''t taken it yet, but my bro (MSF instructor) did and absoulutely raves about it. Wants to do it again with me.

http://www.totalcontroltraining.net/

 

I've been hearing about these classes for a decade now...and contemplating taking one. Just never seems to happen.
Starting out dirt riding put you miles ahead of most first time street ridiers IMO.

 

Same way I started out, got a few compliments from the old timers I rode with after the class. They said I handled my bike well. I had very little experience on dirt bikes so the class was my only instruction. Definitely money well spent.

 

Good deal on the safety course, glad it helped you. I am about to take it, myself. You are right about intersections, I am always cautions at them. Matter of fact, I sit at intersections and four say stops with the bike pointed slightly off road and my front wheel turned to the shoulder, that way IF somebody does run the intersection and get's into my lane (panics, drunk, etc.) I can throttle into it and ride off the road. Sure the bike will get banged up, but better than the alternative. Always best to be prepared for the worst.

 

I took the course in the Marines years ago. It was mandatory and the govt picked up the tab. 20 years later I am still riding and taking it again with my wife. Cost was only 275.00

 

Good post. I completed the MSF Advanced Rider course, a few instructional track days and a moto cross course. Rather than spend money on mods and bling, I highly recommend taking a riding course. Doesn't matter how long you've been riding; you will learn something new.