Rider Safety Course

[veech_imp]

I took the beginners MSF course years ago, and think it was an absolute must. Friends that are new to riding, I always say "Please take the MSF course!" Not many have, it boggles my mind. I'll be signing up for the advanced riding course when my schedule allows for it. Can't wait.

I'm one of those who never did.

I'm wondering what it would offer me. I'm self-taught; and I think well-taught. When I had my accident, I had one of the strongest-imaginable witnesses right behind me: And off-duty Detroit cop, from the Motorcycle Unit, who was vacationing with his family by car. He gave a five-page statement to the effect that I did everything by textbook - which cut off the other driver's assertion that I was riding recklessly (never explained how - that lie didn't even get that far).

Now, today...I'm not a performance rider but I'm way beyond what I could learn in a novice school. I don't know that either the power-rider class or the novice class could teach me enough to be worth it; I'm not looking to drag pegs on the pavement. I'm just out for fresh air and sunshine.

I'm one of those who never did.

I'm wondering what it would offer me. I'm self-taught; and I think well-taught. When I had my accident, I had one of the strongest-imaginable witnesses right behind me: And off-duty Detroit cop, from the Motorcycle Unit, who was vacationing with his family by car. He gave a five-page statement to the effect that I did everything by textbook - which cut off the other driver's assertion that I was riding recklessly (never explained how - that lie didn't even get that far).

Now, today...I'm not a performance rider but I'm way beyond what I could learn in a novice school. I don't know that either the power-rider class or the novice class could teach me enough to be worth it; I'm not looking to drag pegs on the pavement. I'm just out for fresh air and sunshine.

I have no doubt about your riding ability. I would say however that the main benefit of these courses is about changing our mental perspective even more than the physical riding skills, although both can be improved for even experienced riders.

On the physical front they can reaffirm you are doing the best things you can be, and maybe even teach a new trick or two. One example that comes to mind is the concept of counter-steering which is an often misunderstood but incredibly useful riding technique.

On the mental front however it helps bring out a defensive riding mindset. Now I am not talking about riding like a pussy, but about making sure you have the best chances of living to ride another day by minimizing risks that can be easily avoided. In many cases the best defense can be a good offense, for example sometimes accelerating hard is the best way to get out of a risky situation.

The worst thing we can do however is get complacent in our own riding ability. This is when we start letting our guard down and bad things can happen. They are usually NOT our fault but that of others around us, but because we weren't as focused on them as we maybe could be we end up in potentially hazardous situations. Doesn't matter who was 'right' or 'wrong', you still end up paying the price.

Another of my favorite sayings they used to say in these classes which I never hear any more is: "Be right, but don't be DEAD RIGHT!"