WV Bikers

A hot weekend in August saw us traveling to the Charleston area where John was to help instruct an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Basic Rider Course. Instead of celebrating my birthday at home canning more green beans, I decided to go along for the ride.

To give you a brief idea, the Basic Rider Course (BRC) is designed not only for those who have never ridden a motorcycle, it is also geared toward riders who need to brush up on their skills. Besides, when you pass the course, you receive your motorcycle license endorsement without having to take the dreaded DOT skills test. According to the MSF, taking the course helps you become a better rider not to mention reducing the cost of your insurance.

Classroom instruction makes up the initial part of the course. Here, students are given their MSF handbooks, and participate in various activities

Then, it was onto the range to learn the actual riding skills. There were a couple members of the class who had never ridden a motorcycle, so it was a real thrill to watch these folks ride for the first time. Most students were there to achieve more skills and hopefully receive their endorsement.

Motorcycles and helmets were provided for each student by area dealerships. In the Charleston area, these were provided by Dohm's Cycles, Casto's Suzuki and Yamaha Powersports.

After learning about the motorcycle controls, all students lined up in preparation for their first hands-on excercise -- walking the bike with the motor running.

Within an hour, everyone was riding. It was pretty amazing. Even the ones who had never been on a bike before were zooming through the course.

Today was the big day. The end of the two-day class and the chance to prove their skills during testing. As I watched the riders, I was really amazed. Just one day earlier, some of them were doing this for the first time. And now, they were riding, leaning into turns, making figure eights, you name it! It looked a lot easier than the DOT skills test I took!

Instructors for the class were Dave (right) and John (left). If you take the MSF class in Charleston, you'll probably meet Dave, as he's a regular at that course.