Rider's Edge Class Recap - Day One

by Carla

<< The Start

DAY 1
Tonight was the first classroom time for the Rider's Edge course. It was mostly spent getting to know our instructor (who is great) and the other class members. There are 10 in the class: 6 men, 4 women. Ages and experiences vary widely...a few have never driven a bike, a few own several.

We did some getting-to-know-you exercises (randomly paired off to do interviews and introductions of each other). Then we read through the first 25 questions in the back of the class book, mostly about risks associated with riding and the SEE (search, evaluate, and execute) strategy of riding. We talked about crashes we've seen or heard about and what could have prevented them, went over the gear we'll need at the range, and discussed what will happen in the class. We also discussed what to think about when buying a bike, and the instructor even admitted, if you are pressed for cash, don't buy a Harley. He rides a Yamaha "long- rice burner," as he puts it. :)

I think tonight was meant mostly to get everyone comfortable with each other, the instructor, and the fact that we'll be riding motorcycles soon. Everyone seems ready and excited, though a couple are a little nervous. We were given a cute little riding journal to keep (has sections with riding basics, milestones, national park rides, maintenance log, etc.).

Whole thing lasted 2 of the allotted 3 hours, so we were out of there pretty quickly. He told us that tomorrow night will start off with a tour of the dealership and the chance to buy gear if we are lacking anything for the class. We'll get the 10% off that others have mentioned. But they're also going to feed us and we'll go over a little more in the book. So yes, there's blatant Harley marketing, but he's not beating us over the head with it. And there's free food and coffee!

I was worried about not having a helmet for the range days, but it turns out they have 10 extras out there, so I can borrow one. That makes life easier. >> DAY TWO

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