Certified!!!!!!!!!!

On Monday I was recently certified as a new MSF Rider Coach. I work on a Navy Base, and the course was set up by the Navy to help get more people to train our military riders. It by far has been the most fun I have had while learning a new skill. Most of the training was to get us to teach just what is in the curriculum, and filter out all the B.S. so that people who have never ridden a motorcycle before won't get side tracked. It is tougher than it sounds because of the amount of knowledge that we as Rider Coaches have, we want to share it with everyone. Once you learn to filter out the B.S. and focus on the lesson plan, it really is simple. The other tough part was performing the demo rides emphasizing the technique. there are several things that I can do while riding that you don't want to teach the novices- and theyare watching you like a hawk as you perform the demo. For instance: you can look down at any time and still keep the bike in a proper line through the corners, but look down while ridding the demo and that's all the students latch onto- you look down to follow the line. The course started the day after I dropped my bike ( I posted of my Memorial day luck else where) so I was a little nervous at first, but once started in the class it was great. I recommend that anyone get the chance to become a rider coach do so! you won't regret it.

 

The Navy doesn't use motorcycles: Sailors do. The problem is these Sailors go out and buy brand new bikes and then wreck them because they don't have the basics down to ride motorcycles. In the Navy, if you haven't been through a BRC or ERC in the last three years, you are required to go through it again by written instruction. If you ride a sport bike you are required to attend the new sportbike class. no exceptions. With the statistics on motorcycle related deaths in the Navy and Marine Corps, we have to take care of our own. Now that I'm off the soap box......

Newguy: as far as tips- go through the MSF Basic Rider Course. It's fun, and it knocks off some of that insurance premium. once you have gone through the BRC, find a nice parking lot to practice the same skills you learned from time to time. Quick stopping is something you should want to be well trained on, instead of relying on adrenaline to keep you safe.

 

Sorry to hear about the drop. Congratulations on becoming an MSF Rider Coach! I took the BRC a couple months ago and thought it was really worth it and maybe will take the ERC later this year or early next year.

 

I would think all the Military branches require the MSF course to ride, I know the Air Force does. Congrats on the Cert.

 

I've been thinking about doing this, once my schedule settles down a bit. Be good to give some back.

 

One of the questions on the Instructor test- What is the MSF website? A: Motorcycle Safety Foundation

 

Umm, it auto linked!?!?!? I wrote down the address but the site must have auto linked it!?!??!?! the address is www dot msf-usa dot org.

 

Rider Coach info.....

 

Congrats on your cert! I'm going through the course right now at Camp Pendleton. Just got done with the written test and demo eval on Friday...we're running through ERC on Monday, teaching ERC on Tuesday, and teaching BRC Wed-Fri.
Dropped the VFR for the first time ever last Tuesday, trying to perfect the u-turn demo. Definitely have to erase all the habits or things you're used to when you demo for the students (what you would do vice what you should do)!
Best training I've been through so far on a motorcycle. Like you , I want to be able to give something back. In the last two weeks alone, the Marine Corps lost four riders; I want to be part of the prevention solution (plus, any development course makes you a better rider).
Again, congrats, and thank you for stepping up and taking responsibility with regards to our fellow riders in uniform!

 

who is paying for the classes?

 

The Navy. They have the requirement to have the coaches so they have to pay for it. if they didn't pay for it, no one would want to become a Rider Coach

 

Congratulations!

 

Welcome to the club....

There are a lot of misinformed riders that do think they know everything about riding, but are letting their ego's somewhat get in the way of how not to become a statistic. From my years teaching MSF, I find it very rewarding when some new or even veteran rider states that they never knew that riding was so involved process.

Riding a motorcycle is one thing, but surviving the public streets where anything and everything can happen is something we all need to be aware of.

Congrates in becoming a rider coach.

 

Congrats on your cert. I know the week I spend being MSF certified was the 2nd most fun thing I've ever done in the USAF that didn't involve an airplane. The 1st most fun was the SportBike class.

Is is so true that you need to dumb down your own skills to teach things at the "Basic" level. I know I certainly ride differently in a BRC than I do in the ERC or the SportBike class.

The MSF and/or SportBike Course is mandatory for all active duty, activated Reservist's/Guardsman & DOD civilians wishing to operate the motorcycle on an installation. It is optional for anyone else who would like to operate on an installation. My wife has taken the ERC twice for free on base. Since the class is mandatory, the powers that be can't charge for it. The upside to this is the class is obviously free. The downside is the rider must use their own bike. I know several people that have ridden their $10000 bike home from the dealer & the next time they ride it is to the base to take the class. More than once, I was amazed some of these people were able to make it out of their driveway alive.

The alternatives in NJ:

1) Take the state course for $300 & all one need do is show up in long pants, long sleeves, boots & full finger gloves.

2) For DOD only, take the MSF BRC (state approved) class on NAES Lakehearst for $175. Same gear applies as above.

3) Find a private teacher which range from $450-$600. The rider needs to provide everything.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2: