[boulevardboy]

Hey guys

So, I took the beginner safety course about 1.5 years ago, but never took the intermediate course as I just had the Vespa and didn’t think it was appropriate.

I have now got a few hundred miles under my belt on the Boulevard and I can really appreciate its power, and although I am not going to be a freeway driver, I want the get as much experience so I can get the best out of my bike. I have looked for a few courses but have not been able to find any until the spring, what with this area not being too kind weather wise to bikers.

Has any body got any idea of a good intermediate course that I could sign up for before the spring as I intend to ride all through the winter. I live in Kirkland, which is east of the lake from Seattle.

Cheers

[megaspaz]

The only things I can think of as intermediate courses would be:

1. The MSF ERC course. But that’s geared towards those that have at least 1 years riding experience.
2. Novice track day.

The free things would be to find a parking lot and practice. The MSF BRC hasn’t changed at all in many a moon, so you can take what you learned at the MSF BRC and apply it to the parking lot. Another thing is to network. Find a motorcyclist forum in your area and join some rides or ask a local to mentor you. The other free thing to do is to just go out and brave the traffic on your own… You can’t get the best out of your bike or experience if you don’t ride it.

If you haven’t already done so, grab David Hough’s Proficient Motorcycling book. The MSF bases its course curriculum around this book anyways.

G’luck and happy motoring.

—
If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…

[eon]

Evergreen Safety Council holds the MSF ERC course over the winter months down in Renton (but they call it the Intermediate Rider Course). This course might be perfect for you. I haven’t taken it yet so I cannot comment on what level it is. WebBikeWorld complained this MSF class was like a compressed Basic class so that might be exactly what you are looking for? The next class is January 19th.

I’m pretty sure there is a track place nearby that teaches you how to handle your bike (not how to race). Cannot remember the name of it off hand. Don’t know if they do any courses over the winter months though. Once I get a bit more experience myself I plan on taking that course. Only got a few thousand miles under my belt just now.

[boulevardboy]

Thanks guys – very useful information. I have bene out riding my bike as much as I can and I am getting better at it all the time. I do think some time in a parking lot is a good idea as well – I remeber the very fun figure 8 that we did on the basic course. Also, I don’t suppose spring is too long to wait anyway, as it will give me plenty of time to get miles under my belt and all will be well as long as I take it easy, which is what I plan to do anyway.

[Author]

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