Capt Steve
US Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2008
- Messages
- 1,678
- Reaction score
- 3,014
Back in high school, college and a couple of years after that I rode. Probably logged between 50 - 75K miles. Had one serious crash that was my fault and lost interest after that but...
The itch to get back on never really went away and after nearly four decades I am back to "The Ride". Got a smoking good deal on my all time fantasy bike, a BMW (R-80 RT) and frankly, like they say, it is "Like riding a bike". I have a couple of excellent riding buddies/mentors who are bringing me along with biweekly rides. One is a retired (27 years), CHP motor officer the other a 50 year veteran of Harley's and BMW's.
While I am getting more comfortable with every mile, about 600+ in the last couple of weeks, this is by far the biggest, most powerful bike I ever owned (my last was a CL350 Honda), so I knew the learning curve would be steep. I just completed a 2 day 18 hour Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course that was run by Team Arizona here in Tucson. We did three hours of intensive classroom both days followed by 6+ hours out on the range doing every conceivable scenario of relatively low speed riding.
Proper technique was stressed through each of the exercises which among many others included proper curve riding/braking, obstacle avoidance (swerve), quick stops, controlling skids/slides etc.. The final qualification runs came at the very end of day 2 under the watchful eye of our Rider Coach and his trusty stop watch.
Upon successfully completing the course (which included a written exam), I am now exempt from Arizona's requirement for a written or driving test at the DMV. My certificate (card), gets me a motorcycle endorsement to my existing license and a healthy discount on my bike insurance. I will probably follow up with the Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic (Level I), in a few months. MSF/Team Arizona offer a number of advanced classes beyond that even include training comparable to what LEO Motor officers go through.
I cannot recommend these courses highly enough. Even veteran riders can benefit from the more advanced classes. My course was the best $289 I have spent in a very long time. It has made me a better (safer more skillful), rider but painfully aware of how much I have to learn. Like the man said:
Get your motor running...
Head out on the highway!
Be safe out there!
The itch to get back on never really went away and after nearly four decades I am back to "The Ride". Got a smoking good deal on my all time fantasy bike, a BMW (R-80 RT) and frankly, like they say, it is "Like riding a bike". I have a couple of excellent riding buddies/mentors who are bringing me along with biweekly rides. One is a retired (27 years), CHP motor officer the other a 50 year veteran of Harley's and BMW's.
While I am getting more comfortable with every mile, about 600+ in the last couple of weeks, this is by far the biggest, most powerful bike I ever owned (my last was a CL350 Honda), so I knew the learning curve would be steep. I just completed a 2 day 18 hour Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course that was run by Team Arizona here in Tucson. We did three hours of intensive classroom both days followed by 6+ hours out on the range doing every conceivable scenario of relatively low speed riding.
Proper technique was stressed through each of the exercises which among many others included proper curve riding/braking, obstacle avoidance (swerve), quick stops, controlling skids/slides etc.. The final qualification runs came at the very end of day 2 under the watchful eye of our Rider Coach and his trusty stop watch.
Upon successfully completing the course (which included a written exam), I am now exempt from Arizona's requirement for a written or driving test at the DMV. My certificate (card), gets me a motorcycle endorsement to my existing license and a healthy discount on my bike insurance. I will probably follow up with the Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic (Level I), in a few months. MSF/Team Arizona offer a number of advanced classes beyond that even include training comparable to what LEO Motor officers go through.
I cannot recommend these courses highly enough. Even veteran riders can benefit from the more advanced classes. My course was the best $289 I have spent in a very long time. It has made me a better (safer more skillful), rider but painfully aware of how much I have to learn. Like the man said:
Get your motor running...
Head out on the highway!
Be safe out there!
