MSF too easy?

Message

rwp · #11 Unread post by **rwp** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:56 am

KarateChick wrote:... anyone can ride a bike fast, it's the slow speed stuff that really indcates who the good riders are.

This is so true.

Tue Jul 10, 2007 4:08 am

Well everyone can ride a bike fast in a straight line. I'm completely impressed by what racers can do.

bebopin64 · Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:28 am

i guess ill just take the course and strive to do each part to perfection. i dont know how well it will translate but controlling a Suzuki DRZ400 at low speeds up a 30 degree rocky slope is very very difficult so i dont think i will have trouble with low speed stuff.

Tue Jul 10, 2007 8:14 am

There are actually some fundamental differences between offroad and road riding. For instance, a very common accident for dirt trained riders riding on the street is releasing the back break when the rear wheel locks up. In the dirt the rear wheel regains traction and slides back into place. On the road it often leads to a high side.

That said the first half of day one is typically a bit boring for guys coming from the dirt but new to the road. Just enjoy it and work on other things. For instance when I took the course I came to a stop in the brake chute perfectly and the coach asked me what I could do better.
Me- Um...????
Him- Where are you going next.
Me- 90 degree turn to my left
Him- ok, where are you in the lane
Me- Center
Him- what could you do better?
Me- I could come to a stop already setup to the outside for the turn?
Him-

have fun

So while there are certain things they are looking for in each exercises, there are always plenty of little things to work on as well. From an old dirt rider- remember there are 4 fingers on your right hand. They all stay on the handgrip unless you need the brake, then they ALL go to the brake.

If that's a habit you have, you'll hear that too.

bebopin64 · Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:37 pm

storysunfolding wrote:There are actually some fundamental differences between offroad and road riding. For instance, a very common accident for dirt trained riders riding on the street is releasing the back break when the rear wheel locks up. In the dirt the rear wheel regains traction and slides back into place. On the road it often leads to a high side.

ive done enough on road riding on the dual-sport/off-road xr250l to know low sides are better than high sides. i wont make that mistake again

Jas0n · #16 Unread post by **Jas0n** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:41 pm

What kind of class room participation is needed? I'm kind of a minority in all this. One time I came as an alterntate (didn't get a spot) but I noticed that the average age seemed to be between 20 and 35. If anything, it was mainly 30 year olds and their wives. Now.. even if I don't take my msf at my current age (16) I know I'll take it next year... I've never really been in a classroom filled to the brink with older people. I'm just going to be myself.. however things might seem a little awkward at first

anarchy · #17 Unread post by **anarchy** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 12:30 am

you are probably on the younger end of the scale... seems most classes have people in their 20s and 30s, although it's not unusual to have someone in their 50s or 60s.

as far as classroom participation - a lot. but how much you participate depends on you (and the instructors if they don't feel you're participating as much as you should). but the more involved you get, the more you'll get out of the class. as you said, be yourself, participate and have fun - you should really enjoy the class...

Nibblet99 · Wed Jul 11, 2007 1:51 am

Having never done one, I can't be certain, but from the sounds of the exercises its not too easy, as long as you see it for what it is - A good starting guide on how to continue learning to ride on the road. Its not a "Bam, now you're safe on the road" merely a guide

willw · #19 Unread post by **willw** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 9:55 am

Jas0n wrote:What kind of class room participation is needed? I'm kind of a minority in all this. One time I came as an alterntate (didn't get a spot) but I noticed that the average age seemed to be between 20 and 35. If anything, it was mainly 30 year olds and their wives. Now.. even if I don't take my msf at my current age (16) I know I'll take it next year... I've never really been in a classroom filled to the brink with older people. I'm just going to be myself.. however things might seem a little awkward at first

I just took, and passed the MSF BRC course about a month ago. My class was filled with people from teenagers (2 of them) to people who were obviously retired.

All ages take the course. By the way, the "stars" of the course were the teenagers. The teachers told us that is usually the case, although most of the people passed (2 failed, out of 12).

Wed Jul 11, 2007 10:02 am

You just need to speak up once or twice. It will happen through the normal progression of the class even if you don't volunteer information.

Young guys might be the stars but they are often the least likely to listen to hints or instructions. I had a guy who wanted to be a racer (he placed 4th in his track day practice race so he's going places according to his mom) but needed the class to get his license....

Anyway- he showed up in full leathers with race boots... I told him the night before when he said that he was going to wear it that it was a bad idea. And that was just the start of it. He was a good rider, but had he listened more he would have gotten alot more out of the class.

Ironically the soon to be racer lost ALOT of points on the turn. Only one in the class