Day 1 of instruction began with a morning classroom session focusing on the motorcycle skills we would use during the afternoon range session. Prior to riding over to the range the instructors walked the students through very detailed T-CLOCS of each rider’s motorcycle. This was very informative as the instructors touched on many points that would otherwise be overlooked during a normal inspection. One example was upon examining motorcycle tire manufacture dates derived from a code embossed on the tires that one of the student’s tires were sixteen years old. The tires had been on the bike for four years, but due to the age the instructors recommended immediate replacement of the tires prior to performing the road portion of the course. Day 1 focused on low speed cornering and higher speed corner techniques. The instructors would explain the next task, demonstrate the task, and then the students would perform the task. The instructors were extremely competent and able to provide the students immediate corrective feedback to technique. This proved extremely beneficial because the students were able to receive the coaching, perform the task and immediately see the results.
Day 2 of instruction began with a review of Day 1’s video and photos taken of the students’ rider form. This visual feedback was very useful and helped students actually see why an instructor may have suggested a specific change to their riding form.
This remainder of the morning classroom session focused on maximum / threshold braking techniques, recovering from a braking mistake, braking in a curve, and swerving. Although all of these tasks are taught in the MSF BRC, this course focused on performing the tasks as higher speeds. Braking at higher speeds helped many riders gauge their street speed braking ability and provided instructors the opportunity to coach riders on better braking.
Day 3 of instruction began in the classroom with another video and photo review of the previous day’s range session. This was followed by a detailed ride brief and the expected goals of the ride. The ride route passed through residential and mountainous rural areas on both paved and gravel roads. The route was chosen for its many tight turns where application of proper advance street skills riding techniques would need necessary. The graveled portion was chosen in order to give street bike riders the opportunity to experience non-paved driving situations. The latter portion of the day focused on higher speed cornering techniques on paved roads passing through mountainous rural areas.
Instructors took numerous opportunities to pull off the road and mentor the riders on various techniques used during that stretch of road. After a few iterations, the instructors began turning over the mentoring discussion to the riders to provide mentoring points to their fellow riders.
Day 4 of instruction began in the classroom with another video and photo review of the previous day’s road session. This was followed by a detailed ride brief and the expected goals of the ride. The ride route was comprised entirely of pavement riding on a 150 mile route through the mountains, rangelands and mountain canyons. This day focused heavily on using vision techniques to set up for corners. The instructors let the riders perform most of the mentoring observations for the route. There was a marked increase in the confidence of the students while facilitating mentor discussion. Instructors also went into greater detail about group riding considerations in remote areas; specifically medical and commo PACE plans.
Day 5 of instruction began in the classroom with a quick video review of the previous day’s road session. Next the instructors helped the students review the installation and 10th SFG(A) motorcycle mentorship program policies. Much discussion was given to both policies and about what changes mentors may be able to suggest to their command. This classroom session ended prior to noon.
The class adjourned until dusk meeting at Fort Carson’s Gate One. At dusk the instructors gave a quick route brief to the students for a night ride. The route was about 50 miles and passed through city, residential and rural areas in the greater Colorado Springs area. After the ride the class linked-up in the Safeway grocery store parking lot in Fountain. A ride debrief was conducted, thank you’s and farewells were exchanged and the group was released from training.
I was very pleased to have had the opportunity to attend the course. I definitely feel I have an increased margin of safety while riding, specifically in cornering situations. The course helped several riders in the class increased their riding experience level as well. I fully recommend further courses with Puget Sound Safety. They provide other levels of instruction and different types of courses. I recommend exploring those courses as well in order to further develop safe motorcycling skills in our riders.
From Where I Sit... 