Thoughts on the MSF course

[BizTalk Rider]

I wanted to share with you my experience taking the course while it’s still fresh in my mind.

The MSF course was pretty intensive. The course I took was scheduled for two full days (Saturday and Sunday). The first part of both days was classroom instruction. We took a written test at the end. We were a large group (about 12). I was one of the oldest there, most were younger dudes whom have run into the law and wanted to be legal. I was mesmerized by them talking about how cool their most recent fall was and how fast can they go thru a curve (130 mph+). I was starting to think I was too old!

Incidentally, when the instructor asked who has never ridden before, I was the only one to raise my hand. Did I felt embarrassed? Maybe, but I knew I was going to get more attention now that they knew who the rookie was. Towards the end of the course another student came up to me and confessed he never ridden before either.

The two half days on the track was tiresome. It really took a toll on all of us. The hot Florida sun didn’t make things easier. Even worse (or good depending on how you see it) there was an MSF official present reviewing the instructors which meant that they had to do everything by the book! No cutting corners for us. We had to do all of the lessons exactly as stated in their manual.

The whole course ended with a practical test. I ended up with one of the highest scores in the group. Not too bad for a rookie!

[pngpearson]

Congrats! The course I took was over the course of 4 days, 2 in the classroom and 2 on the range. They certainly do cover a lot of information! I, too, was one of the only people in my group to have never ridden before, but I think announcing that was a very good thing, as the coaches had more patience and payed special attention to my performance. Though a little embarrassing to be taking a safety course, it was certainly an invaluable experience. Congrats on finishing near the top of your class! I finished with the highest test score and best riding test score, and it's definitely a good feeling to have accomplished the course, especially as a first-time rider!

[1983Shadowrider]

Sounds like a good amount of saddle time. Did you guys ride on an actual track?

[Donald1684]

Congratulations on taking the course. Wecome to the site. Great bunch of riders here with lots of positive tips.

[BizTalk Rider]

Not an actual track, but a high school lot with required trail markings according to MSF course.

[Nehalem Dave]

You were at an advantage. The SQUIDs in the class probably have a boatload of bad habits they struggle to overcome. You were a clean slate with nothing to unlearn. My best riding buddy got legal at the tender age of 75 after riding for 50 years....can you beat that? Congrats.

[jbussard]

The MSF course I took here in Pennsylvania was divide into 2 evenings of classroom time and then 2 days of 5 hours riding (on a side lot with markings). I loved the format since it fit into a busy work schedule!

[HamBone]

Congratulations. After you get a few miles on your bike take the advanced rider class. You do the same thing in the basic class with your own bike. It is a real hoot to see what bikes people bring. The instructor had a fully dressed Harley Touring bike. He would take the sharp corners dragging the floorboards all the way around - sparks a fly'n. At the end of the class (here in VA), you will drive the law enforcement qualification course a couple of times. This is a real blast.

Enjoy the ride.

[Opie1988]

Congrats on the course. I have been a licensed motorcycle operator for 30 yrs but did not ride for the last 20. My wife...suggested... that I should take this course before she released the keys to my new bike. I am so glad I did.

[-AJ]

congrats bud!