Experienced Riders Course Review

[topspin43]

Took the MSF ERC on Sunday June 4th at Wellington HS. Cost was $135 minus 10% for having AAA plus I get $75 back from HRCA. Instructors were a guy named Mike and a chick named Liz. They did a great job and I enjoyed the long hot fun filled day. Met 9 other good and interesting people.

In the spirit of less being more, I'll keep what I learned to 3 main items.

1. Everyone should get more training... continually. I picked up 3 or 4 things that might save my life or limb down the road. Besides... Honda kicks in $75.

2. I learned that Harleys are truly nice bikes. I lusted them today and would own one in addition to my fine VTX if my kids will EVER finish college and my ex-wife would get the hell remarried already. They sing a sweet song too... can't beat the sound of a Harley.

3. I learned that most cool looking dudes on nice bikes can't ride when put to the test. So please... be very careful out there when riding in groups. You'd be surprised how few "skills" people have when it comes to the basics... braking, turning and avoidance technique... no matter how long they have ridden.

My recommendation... take the class. It's an easy sell to your family and you get a day riding!

Tony

[Gazer]

First off here here, way to go! The BRC and ERC are great courses. I agree with ya on Harleys as well 8)

I have joined the Fort Lauderdale HOG chapter, and have decided to train for the Road Captains program. Last night in the showers we were all assembled at the Pompano shop, where they give their version called the Riders Edge. We were training on the ERC course. Let me tell you it was great to be practicing again. It was a bit intimidating as most of the riders there are members of the Fort Lauderdale Harley Drill Team, yeah pretty good riders! :shock: Full lock circles...No problem for these riders.

Since I took the course in October of last year, I haven't thought much about practicing or the skill set that I learned. Last night showed that as well. Yep I dumped it in the small box, nothing major mind you a dump at 3 to 5 mph. More hurt to my self-esteem than the bike.

I did learn one invaluble lesson, and that was the proper way to right the bike after a spill. Hope I never have to do that again, but ya know saying that I probably will.

I've decided that the thing to do is to find a parking lot and practice, practice, practice. Once you have the skill set down pat and you and the bike are one, riding is just that more fun.

[dpearly]

I did learn one invaluble lesson, and that was the proper way to right the bike after a spill. Hope I never have to do that again, but ya know saying that I probably will.

kudos to ya both.

hey gazer, i know how to right the bike and have done so to an Ultra Classic before (Gonzo saw me) of course, my legs hurt super bad for 3 days.

[Gazer]

I did learn one invaluble lesson, and that was the proper way to right the bike after a spill. Hope I never have to do that again, but ya know saying that I probably will.

kudos to ya both.

hey gazer, i know how to right the bike and have done so to an Ultra Classic before (Gonzo saw me) of course, my legs hurt super bad for 3 days.

I can believe the super bad hurt, and a helping hand should never be denied. :wink: :)

[Gonzo007]

I did learn one invaluble lesson, and that was the proper way to right the bike after a spill. Hope I never have to do that again, but ya know saying that I probably will.

kudos to ya both.

hey gazer, i know how to right the bike and have done so to an Ultra Classic before (Gonzo saw me) of course, my legs hurt super bad for 3 days.

I can believe the super bad hurt, and a helping hand should never be denied. :wink: :)

I did watch her pick the bike up..We weren't allowed to help..Part of the training..I never felt so useless watching my buddy D struggle with that big Harley. I convenced myself that I helped her with my brains..Like Kreskin

She did a fine job however..As did the rest of the girls as well. They asked us big strong guys if we wanted to try..We did not. We did not want to fail after all the girls suceeded :lol:

I also learned myself after my bike dropped by itself in my driveway..FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 2 DAYS... That sheer anger is very helpful in picking up a 750 lb bike..(I think I could have picked it up over my head at that time)

[TomCat101]

I took the MSF ERC about 2 years ago and was considering, taking it again. I remember when I completed it that I truly felt like I was twice the rider as I was going in. It was probably the best "bike related" money I ever spent.

[kbobb]

Indeed...took the ERC on the 750 Shadow in '05...I felt pretty good about my technique after not riding for 20yr...until i watched this guy on his GoldWing...made me feel like a rookie...

contemplating joining the Rider's Edge Class one Sat...

Note: The MSF was supposed to start a 'two-up' rider's course...