The MSF Basic RiderCourse: Day three
As we regroup Sunday morning, some members of the class are missing. They were having major troubles yesterday, and today's exercises, being even more difficult, might have put them or others in danger. The instructors advised them to take the same course, but spread over two weeks. It's less strenuous than the weekend rush course we're on.
We
start with a large figure-eight. The entire class rolls around in an exercise
that tests a rider's timing, braking, accelerating, and cornering. After
narrowly missing a few of my classmates' legs, I'm relieved when the instructors
remind us that the guy on the right has the right of way.
Other exercises combine many of the individual exercises we did yesterday.
Then
it's test time. For me, the pressure is just a tad higher than most folks.
This is my job, you see -- a motorcycle journalist. It would be a bit difficult
to come back to work Monday morning saying, "Um, sorry boss, I couldn't
pass the basic rider course -- can I write about planting geraniums instead?"
The one area of concern was maximum braking -- the last demon. A lot is happening in an extremely short amount of time. Both hands and both feet are doing different things to bring the machine to a safe quick controlled stop. To do it right, it needs to be practiced so that it's virtually instinctive.
Going by the book - look left, press left, go left.
"Even among our AMA staff, some are good riders, some need more practice, and some need a lot more practice before they get on public roads."
"But all the riders who took the course are now qualified to continue practicing at their nearest parking lot. Finishing the course should not be the end, but rather the beginning." -- Terry Cook
I let out the clutch and head down the course. Second gear is dropped in as I near the trap. The front wheel crosses the cones, and I squeeze the clutch and front brake while at the same time press down on the rear brake ("not too hard," I remind myself). The bike's rapidly coming to a stop, and at the last instant I remember, "Oh yeah, kick it back to first gear." The machine comes to a halt, my left boot hits the asphalt, and the instructors note the distance.
"Bill, are you in first gear?" Sweet asks.
"Yep," I reply, wondering if I made it under the allowable distance.
"Perfect," Sweet says.
Yeah! The last demon has been vanquished.
Later both instructors remind me of the evils of complacency. What we did over this weekend needs to be practiced every day I throw a leg over my bike -- lest the demons gain a foothold on my psyche again.
Interested in taking the course? Go to www.msf-usa.org