Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 1:33 am
Well kids, thanks for the well wishes - I passed 
Not only did I pass, but I received the highest score in my class. Only -6!
The drills done today were pretty easy, mainly swerving drills and obstacle avoidance/riding over and stopping in a curve.
Coming up to the eval practice, my instructor pulled me to the side after an "eh" box run and gave me a little pep talk that totally eased my mind. Let's just say at this point, I totally played te numbers game. As we line up to start the test, it starts sprinkling. We've gotten this far, let's get it on! I'm 2nd in line, a position I don't mind as I can be done with it sooner.
In the box I totally got my front tire over the line in the second U-turn, so -5. I could not take the box in 2nd as I've always practiced. The bike would stall. And I finally figured out why this afternoon as I was waiting in line for a drill - the freakin' lot was not only slanted, but it had a slight V-taper across! No wonder! And the course was setup so we started out headed uphill. NO WONDER!!!! With this revelation, instead of risking a 2nd gear stall and dump (an automatic failure if you drop during the test), I decided to roll in 1st, take a jerky, jumpy ride through and stay up. Bet made, bet paid.
I was a hint slow on the cornering and brake drill, that was -1. My emergency stop kicked "O Ring" (as it did through this whole thing) and my swerve and brake was all clear.
I'm so relieved. The biggest feeling I have is, even if I never throw a leg over a motorcycle again, they can't take it away.
Flipper, I can completely relate to the BRC PTSD. After I finished, I couldn't wait to get off the bike and revel in the satisfaction, relief and happiness. If I never navigate another parking lot I'll die a happy woman
Driving home in my truck felt really wierd!
Blues, you're right, the lack of food, water and overall replenishment did take it's toll on the range. As Fly_Guy said, he did a food run for us, thankfully. I think we all, students and instructors, needed it. Our range is a modified range out in the podunk area, so no facilities whatsoever. In fact, the lot is the one the EOD practices blowing up and then the road crew practices patching. The big normal range can no longer be used as the commander of that area says "its my parking lot and I don't want to share"
That's not cool and you can certainly bet that MSF comment sheets were filled out. It was completely encouraged by our Rider Coach so that we can get a fullsize, safe range. She was AWESOME! Both her personality and support, just incredible. The man upstairs really took care of me.
Speaking of coaches, I had some very cool ones. I was a bit taken back, one of them who offered some really great mentoring was the one last year who I had issue with when I rode with DH at ERC. I'm glad to see that he has progressed as a leader in that regard. It totally makes the BRC/ERC experience better.
I'll go pick up my signed MSF cert tomorrow from the safety office and go get my license changed. Even if I'm not taking off on my own, I'd like to have my M license in my wallet
I need a beer.
Not only did I pass, but I received the highest score in my class. Only -6!The drills done today were pretty easy, mainly swerving drills and obstacle avoidance/riding over and stopping in a curve.
Coming up to the eval practice, my instructor pulled me to the side after an "eh" box run and gave me a little pep talk that totally eased my mind. Let's just say at this point, I totally played te numbers game. As we line up to start the test, it starts sprinkling. We've gotten this far, let's get it on! I'm 2nd in line, a position I don't mind as I can be done with it sooner.
In the box I totally got my front tire over the line in the second U-turn, so -5. I could not take the box in 2nd as I've always practiced. The bike would stall. And I finally figured out why this afternoon as I was waiting in line for a drill - the freakin' lot was not only slanted, but it had a slight V-taper across! No wonder! And the course was setup so we started out headed uphill. NO WONDER!!!! With this revelation, instead of risking a 2nd gear stall and dump (an automatic failure if you drop during the test), I decided to roll in 1st, take a jerky, jumpy ride through and stay up. Bet made, bet paid.
I was a hint slow on the cornering and brake drill, that was -1. My emergency stop kicked "O Ring" (as it did through this whole thing) and my swerve and brake was all clear.
I'm so relieved. The biggest feeling I have is, even if I never throw a leg over a motorcycle again, they can't take it away.
Flipper, I can completely relate to the BRC PTSD. After I finished, I couldn't wait to get off the bike and revel in the satisfaction, relief and happiness. If I never navigate another parking lot I'll die a happy woman
Driving home in my truck felt really wierd!Blues, you're right, the lack of food, water and overall replenishment did take it's toll on the range. As Fly_Guy said, he did a food run for us, thankfully. I think we all, students and instructors, needed it. Our range is a modified range out in the podunk area, so no facilities whatsoever. In fact, the lot is the one the EOD practices blowing up and then the road crew practices patching. The big normal range can no longer be used as the commander of that area says "its my parking lot and I don't want to share"
That's not cool and you can certainly bet that MSF comment sheets were filled out. It was completely encouraged by our Rider Coach so that we can get a fullsize, safe range. She was AWESOME! Both her personality and support, just incredible. The man upstairs really took care of me.Speaking of coaches, I had some very cool ones. I was a bit taken back, one of them who offered some really great mentoring was the one last year who I had issue with when I rode with DH at ERC. I'm glad to see that he has progressed as a leader in that regard. It totally makes the BRC/ERC experience better.
I'll go pick up my signed MSF cert tomorrow from the safety office and go get my license changed. Even if I'm not taking off on my own, I'd like to have my M license in my wallet
I need a beer.
CONGRATULATIONS SHORTS!!! 
When I took my set of tests for my EMT program, our instructor reminded us that we will be our own worst enemies if we're going to worry too much about the testing. Letting anxiety run too high can certainly screw things up in a hurry. Good that you were able to take care of yourself, relax, and shine!
right on Shorts!!
