| Sometimes people may wonder what it is about | | | | motorcycling knowledge in an easy-to-digest |
| riding a motorcycle that makes it so | | | | manner. Most attending students have |
| compelling. Some people wonder why anyone | | | | absolutely no experience with motorcycles, |
| would want to take the risk of getting on a | | | | but the class is also excellent for returning |
| fast two-wheeled vehicle and apparently | | | | riders who may be getting back into the |
| putting their well-being in jeopardy. The | | | | sport. Also, the diversity in age among |
| fact is, riding a motorcycle may simply be | | | | students is very apparent, and a startlingly |
| the most thrilling experience you can ever | | | | increasing number of women are learning to |
| undergo, aside from perhaps piloting a | | | | ride motorcycles these days. When queried, |
| fighter aircraft (which normal people will | | | | most of these women say they're tired of |
| never get to experience). And it's not as | | | | riding on the back of a motorcycle as a |
| dangerous as some people might think-- as | | | | passenger, and now want to take control. Good |
| long as it's approached from a mature, | | | | for them! It's now well accepted that women |
| informed mindset! More than anything, it's | | | | can ride motorcycles as well as men, and |
| most important to take on the task of | | | | perhaps even more safely, since they lack the |
| learning to ride a motorcycle with a cautious | | | | testosterone-infused, ego-driven |
| approach. | | | | personalities of many "macho" males. |
| | | | |
| According to national statistics, more than | | | | The course itself usually consists of a day |
| ninety percent of motorcyclists involved in | | | | or two of classroom training, which covers |
| serious accidents are unlicensed and | | | | riding basics and motorcycle control layout. |
| self-taught. That fact alone should give you | | | | This classroom portion may consist of video |
| room for pause. Before you jump on to a | | | | watching and workbook exercises as well. |
| motorcycle and scream off into the sunset, | | | | Next, the fun part begins. A day of two of |
| make sure you are properly trained and | | | | actual riding on an enclosed lot finishes up |
| licensed! For more than three decades, the | | | | the training. For those of you have never |
| Motorcycle Safety Foundation has been | | | | ridden a motorcycle before, this part of the |
| providing high quality training and riding | | | | training is an absolute blast. You'll usually |
| education for budding motorcyclists of all | | | | be provided all necessary equipment such as a |
| ages. It's the perfect way to go from zero to | | | | helmet and gloves, and of course the actual |
| knowledgeable motorcyclist in a matter of | | | | motorcycle, and friendly and knowledgeable |
| just a few days. With branches in every | | | | instructors will teach you firsthand how to |
| state, it's a no-brainer to attend an MSF | | | | start, operate and ride your first |
| rider course if you intend to pick up the | | | | motorcycle. Chances are, after this first day |
| sport of motorcycling. | | | | of riding--and personally realizing just how |
| | | | fun riding a motorcycle is--you'll never look |
| The basic rider course doesn't take much time | | | | back. |
| at all, and will give you a wealth of | | | | |