If you want to be a motorcycle rider, then you should try the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) basic rider course. The MSF’s basic rider course will help you grasp all things you need to know to become a good rider. The course was designed to be an entryway into motorcycling. The course also provides you with an MSF endorsement.
The course is made up of eight to ten hours of classroom learning, ten hours of on-cycle, an online e-course and a hands-on riding practice. In order to familiarize yourself with the course, you can visit the MSF’s official website and get some general ideas about their riding exercises and road terms. You can also find out a location where you can take the course and get licensed. However, there are some things you are not told about the course. Below are some of them, just to prepare you for what to expect.
What to expect from MSF Basic RiderCourse
1. It’s a workout
The MSF Basic RiderCourse is a learning experience, it is not a pass or fail. Of course, passing the test at the end of the course, you get your motorcycle licence. But, don’t concentrate more on the test and forget the important thing, knowing how to ride a motorcycle. The main purpose of the course is is to teach you the basics of riding and controlling a motorcycle safely. It is better to focus more on the learning process than on passing the test, if you want to learn more. In case you fail the test, you can retake the test at the end of another class. In the worst case though, you may have to retake the entire class to sit the test again, which is not a bad thing since you will get twice as much practice.
If you haven’t rode a motorcycle before, you might be shocked of how much of a workout it really is. After practicing on your first day, you will probably feel like you were at a gym the entire time.
Of the things you will practice in the rider course, keeping the right riding posture and maintaining proper balance will be also be included. Keeping yourself upright while maintaining a correct riding posture requires one to use their core strength. You require much physical effort to ride a motorcycle and you will definitely feel it after some few days of practicing.
2. It’s hot
Any student of the MSF’s Basic Rider Course has to wear the required safety gear and attire properly, and abide by the rules of the range. The safety gear and attire includes long sleeves, boots that cover the ankle, riding pants or jeans, gloves, and a helmet. No part of your skin should be exposed while on the range; this is so as to avoid abrasions and other injuries. That also means that you can’t roll them up or remove them for relief from the high temperatures, especially in the afternoons.
Riding coaches will be adamant that all beginner riders eat a good meal and be well hydrated before going to class. If you want to feel comfortable, don’t underestimate the heat, listen to the advice of the instructors. Also, take advantage of water breaks.
If you happen to be a person who is intolerant to heat, take extra steps to ensure your safety. Be keen to note any signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion because heat stroke is a serious business. Don’t put yourself and others at risk
3. You will make some pretty awesome friends.
Of course, as a beginner, you will find many strangers while taking the course. But, as you interact with them on a daily basis during lessons and working on exercises, you get to make friends. Over time, you and your colleagues become each other’s support system, you also cheer each other’s victories and assist each other with the struggles.
Having some bonding experience during the course is on of the things that makes it cool. So go for it.
4. It’s so worth it
At the end of the course, you get your motorcycle endorsement. This is very rewarding. The hard work you put in, tolerance to the high temperatures and the much effort rewards in the end. The time and effort you put in the lessons, exercises and studying before you sit for your written exam and then your riding test, finally pays off. You will have acquired the knowledge you required to be a motorcycle rider and of course your confidence will have increased.
Also read: How to ride a Motorcycle
Conclusion
The MSF Basic RiderCourse is a good one for those who want to become motorcycle riders. You get much more than just the practice. Even more, you become a licensed rider! What do you think about the course?
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