Hi all,
last weekend I participated in Honda Canada's "New Rider Program". It was great! Doesn't replace the BRC but was exactly what I needed.
Check honda.ca for specific details, but as somone who hasn't ridden for 12 years and was nervious jumping on my "new to me" 700 I really needed it. The fact that it was free was a bonus - including choice and use of several recent models of Hondas ( I think they hope you'll like one enough to want to buy one - it's held at the Dealership.) I chose a 2008 250 Rebel. It was nice and similar to what I used to have MANY YEARS ago. :)
anyway...
-You have to have your M1 and BRC or M2 or M.
-you provide all riding gear
-you have to sign a waiver (duh) including waiving them of any responsibility of damage to bikes - IE: you pay if you wreck/damage
Was about 4 hours total, most doing course review in parking lot, but with lots of repetition to get comfortable with movements, swerving, stoping/starting, signals, tight corners etc.
They reminded me of little things, reviewed parts and safety info. etc
By the end I was really comfortable and actually felt like I could go out on the road and not wipe out in first 30 seconds or be so nervous I hurt myself
At the end they took us for a 45-1hr ride through the city.
My husband who just did the BRC a month ago was a little bored with the parking lot stuff, but was very glad to get out on the road with other people (so far his road driving has been to/from work, so alone) and learn how to ride with a group and now feels more comfortable driving in traffic. I was opposite, once I had the basics back, the road driving was fine. Hadn't reviewed shifting in the class, but I got it right away.
I recommend this to anyone who is new or hasn't ridden in awhile, extra practice with a closed course can only help people. The Honda site lists where and when they host these. These guys drive all across canada with a truck load of bikes. I think it was in our area twice this summer.[/u]