the coveted M1

[sprocket]

Hey all,

It's been quite a while since my last post. Way before the hacking incident of '05, but I'm still here and I love this community. So many supportive people. Pretty great, don't you think?

So anyhow, the last time I posted I mentioned that I was seriously looking into getting my motorcycle (the M1). Well I am happy to report that as of January of this year, I got it!

I had asked previously wether I should or shouldn't take the MSC (Motorcycle Safety Course) as offered through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Ultimately, due to the awesome support of you members and finding a friend to take the course with, I did take it. And I have to say, I HIGHLY recommend doing it. I, as a beginning motorcyclist, found it invaluable. I'll let anyone who is debating wether or not to take the MSC know that 1) it will help you worlds when taking the written exam and 2) 10 hours of on bike experience and 3) exempt from taking the DMV driving test. Seriously, as long as you don't crash your ride, you'll pass the MSC. It's an excellent course packed with information and a lot of fun too!

So after taking the MSC and going to the DMV to take the appropriate tests (warning, you will have to retake half of the drivers exam in addition to the whole Motorcycle exam! At least here in Cali) I passed. What an elation. The gratification that I received from sticking with it and going the distance to obtain my liscence is just wonderful. Not only am I LEGALLY liscenced to ride, but now I can answer any questions my friends have about the process. So cool, so cool.

Oh, and showing off that little M1 in the corner isn't too bad either!

How did you guys feel when you finally got your liscence? Any funny/interesting/tense stories involved? Love to hear it!

Take care and safe riding!

[Mag7C]

How did you guys feel when you finally got your liscence? Any funny/interesting/tense stories involved? Love to hear it!

Well, two of the people who went before me on test day wrecked their bikes, both high-sided. One girl did it on the maximum braking part, and then an old lady (not slang.. she was an old lady) did it on the swerving one. So I was pretty nervous. But when I passed I was like
" !"
Yeah, it was a lot better than getting my drivers license, which is usually a landmark point in anyone's life.

That course is great. It set me on the path from being a driver on a motorcycle to a motorcyclist on a motorcycle. Glad yours was fun too!

[old-n-slow]

Found this written about MSF

GOOD FORTUNE LEAVES SKID MARKS

DATELINE: FORT LEWIS, Wash.

The U.S. Army issued the following commentary:

By Jonathan M. Stiffler

551st Medical Logistics Company

I had just returned from my first deployment to Kuwait, where I spent almost the entire deployment dreaming of the motorcycle I wanted.

When I got home, I quickly started shopping for a bike. I soon bought a Suzuki GSX-R 750. I also purchased a jacket, helmet and gloves - all of which were top-of-the-line.

I watched the motorcycle being uncrated and the engine started for the first time. It was like watching something being born. Unfortunately, I'd never ridden a motorcycle - let alone one that weighed more than 300 pounds. My best friend had to put the first miles on the Suzuki to get it home.

Shortly after I got the bike, I practiced riding it in a parking lot and on some local roads. I also went and got my permit and motorcycle license. I told my chain of command I'd purchased the bike and was looking forward to riding it that summer. They told me to look at the post regulations and Army policies on motorcycle riding and make sure I abided by them.

I soon found out that I lacked the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course. I was disappointed because it would be a month before I could get the course and meet the requirements to ride. However, after taking the course I felt much more confident in my abilities to maneuver and control the bike. Moreover, I knew how to stop the bike quickly.

As the months went by, I really enjoyed riding my bike. On a Friday I'll never forget, my commander and first sergeant gave a safety briefing. They always included motorcycle safety in their weekly briefing, and I always laughed because I was the only motorcycle rider in the unit. I'd ridden my bike to the post that day and was getting ready to leave when my commander came up and said, "Ride safe!" I laughed, and told him I would.

It was 37 miles from the post to where I lived. The dry, hot weather was pure biker bliss. I was about 15 minutes from post riding on Interstate 5 near the Tacoma Dome area. It's an area of I-5 where you have to be really careful because there's a curve you can't see around.

I was going about 75 mph to keep up with the traffic. I started into the curve and looked as far ahead as I could, just as I'd been taught in the safety course. What I saw shocked me. The traffic ahead had gone from 75 mph to a complete stop!

I had about 300 yards between myself and a Chevy Cavalier. My mind was racing as I searched for a way out of the mess, but the traffic didn't leave me many choices. Then I saw the outside emergency lane, which didn't look much wider than my bike. I dove into the lane, barely missing the Cavalier and passing 11 vehicles before I got the Suzuki stopped.

I'd just gotten the fastest - and most memorable - lesson of my short motorcycle riding career. I learned to always ride carefully and responsibly and be extra alert when approaching areas where my vision is blocked. I also realized I needed better braking skills, so I went out and practiced several high-speed stops.

That day I'd almost done a high side off my bike, and the feeling of the front wheel locking up is one no biker ever forgets. I also learned I always need to be planning a safe escape route should I have to avoid a problem on the highway.

That day should have been like any other - but it wasn't. Some people would say I was lucky - but that's not the case. It wasn't so much that I was lucky as I was fortunate. I was fortunate I'd received the MSF training I needed to help me in an emergency.

[sprocket]

thanks for that great article. The course really has paid off, in my opinion. While I don't have much on-road experience, I do feel like I am a step ahead of those who haven't taken the course. I at least know the fundamentals and then some to ride safely and save my hide (hopefully not necessary tho!) Thanks again.