Basic Rider Course questions.

[acritzer]

Hello everyone...looks like an active forum so I thought I'd jump in. I'm hoping to make it into a course as a standby and was hoping for some impressions regarding the class.

Any reason to assume that a mature, intelligent, able-bodied 29 year old will struggle with coordination issues? I'm just a little nervous after reading some of the topics.

And, does the course allow time to ease into things, or is it go, go, go, high stress? Thanks!

[MrShake]

The course is designed to be a lot of information in a short time, but be very passable. I wouldn't worry to much about it.. its fun, the instructors are usually very helpfull, and you CAN miss the figure 8 in the box and still pass. (that was my biggest worry)

[jonnythan]

Hello everyone...looks like an active forum so I thought I'd jump in. I'm hoping to make it into a course as a standby and was hoping for some impressions regarding the class.

Any reason to assume that a mature, intelligent, able-bodied 29 year old will struggle with coordination issues? I'm just a little nervous after reading some of the topics.

And, does the course allow time to ease into things, or is it go, go, go, high stress? Thanks!

It's not high stress.

The course is easy. If you have the physical ability to, say, swing a tennis racket, the course will be a breeze.

No worries. Just go do it.

[Septimus]

+1. I'm 27 and took it at the beginning of August. It's a lot of fun.

[storysunfolding]

Any reason to assume that a mature, intelligent, able-bodied 29 year old will struggle with coordination issues?

If you struggle with coordination, you should know this already. If you're fairly competent at things that require coordination, then you'll be fine.

Like any new skill it's awkward at first. You learn gross motor skills before fine so take that with a grain of salt and go have some fun

[jstark47]

Any reason to assume that a mature, intelligent, able-bodied 29 year old will struggle with coordination issues? I'm just a little nervous after reading some of the topics.

If you can:

• 1. Ride a bicycle
  2. Walk and chew gum at the same time, while following simple directions

.......then you can probably ride a motorcycle at least at a minimally acceptable level. Tens of thousands of folks ride at this level and have a lot of fun doing so.

And, does the course allow time to ease into things, or is it go, go, go, high stress? Thanks!

Yes and no. The pace is brisk, however the skills are broken down into small packages that the average non-rider can quickly learn. And, no matter if you pass the course the first time or not, just taking the course is an invaluable learning experience.

[acritzer]

Ha, Ha...I had a feeling this was a fun community. Thanks for the replies and for the confidence boost. I was just a little hesitant since I've never really even driven a stick. Now that I seem to have persuaded my wife, I'm really looking forward to riding.

Hopefully I'll be able to sneak in as a standby....the course is booked for the rest of the year! At three locations.

[Longshot]

I was 57 when I took the course. Had no riding experience. The instruction is desgned for people who have never sat on a motorcycle, never used a clutch, etc. It's normal to be nervous when doing something new and different. Everyone in your class will get a bit anxious when it's time for the skills test. You'll be fine. You are younger, stronger and a faster learner that an ole guy like me. I passed and so did my girlfriend. Of course, she is younger than you. (kidding)

[Lion_Lady]

Now that everyone has given you the good news... I want to address the "pace" issue. There is a basic "be finished by ____ hour" deadline for each day. Some instructors are just 'faster' instructors, used to a steady pace and not inclined to take extra time with anyone. Others will answer every question with a novella of their own experience.

The rest of the pacing of each class depends on the class makeup. If only a couple of the students have dirtbike experience or other riding experience and the rest are total newbies, the class will be moderately paced.

If most of the students have previous experience of some kind and everyone is well familiar with the concept of clutch and shifting, then it will probably move considerably more briskly.

Oh. And to improve your chances of getting into a standby spot. Check the weather forecast... if it rain is expected, folks who ARE signed up seem more likely to not bother showing up. The course is NOT run if there is standing water on the range and it is pouring (or lightning-ing). If it is just drizzling, then you ride.

P

[tropicalhotdog]

It was pissing down rain when I took the BRC. Could barely see through my face shield. The parking lot had good drainage, so there was no standing water though. In retrospect, it was a great way to learn. It retrospect, my fiance would not have worn a white t-shirt, however.