MSF Course

I got a motorcycle. Have never ridden one in my life. But one day, after my better half decided he didn't want me riding bitch on his anymore, suggested I learn and see if I wanted to get my own.

So I signed up for the MSF Course. It's a motorcycle safety class that is offered nationwide. Some are free; some charge a fee. They teach you the basics of bike safety and handling. Excellent for a new rider.

Its a 2 & 1/2 day course. The first 1/2 day is spent in the "classroom" studying motorcycle safety and handling. The next two days are spent actually riding. They supply the bikes, helmets, etc. It's usually held in a large parking lot. For me it was at a college parking lot in Columbia SC. They use cones and markers to lay out various "obstacle" courses. They start you out from the most basic of how to start the bike and how to mount/dismount. Then they progress to how to make the bike actually mobile. Throw in turning; stopping; swerving; and variations of all the afore mentioned. At the end of the two days there is a written test and a "road" test (held in the same parking lot) to test your learned knowledge and "skills". As long as you don't have a dink for an instructor or just plain suck at riding, you pass.

Passing means you get a certificate; basically stating that you are safe to attempt road riding. It also entitles you to a discount on insurance with most companies. Although for me, it was a whooping $10 annual discount (Statefarm just LOVES its clients). Wooo-hooo...

BUTTTT - I passed and I got a bike!!! YEA!!!