Hey all,

Well, I just completed (and passed BTW) my local BRC last weekend! :smiley_th

I know there have probably been similar threads in the past, but I just wanted to share my experience and possibly encourage other new riders.

I had logged absolutely zero hours in the saddle before taking the course and was excited to get started. There were still a few "nerves" going on -- you know, thinking "Will I suck at this? Will I lay the bike down?"

First morning out on the range the weather was overcast and rainy. This is a "rain or shine" class, so we got our introduction to motorcycling in some rather adverse conditions. Our gear (helmet, jacket, etc.) helped shed most of the water so we ended up just a little damp around the edges. (That is until the torrential downpour soaked us to the bone and drove us indoors).

We just laughed about the uncooperative weather, made the best of it and figured if we could succeed under conditions we wouldn't normally volunteer to ride in, then we'd be okay in fair weather.

I won't bore everyone with a detailed play-by-play, but here's the point:

I feel that taking the BRC was the best way I could have begun my motorcycling journey. Even if you have zero riding experience, the instructors make it easy to learn and begin gaining confidence with a few new found skills. The time and expense involved was well worth it.

I now have a better understanding of my strengths and weaknesses as a motorcyclist and have gained more insight into my responsibilities as a safe rider.

I'm still very much a beginner -- a single weekend class does not an expert make by any stretch. I will consider myself a beginner for a very long time to come. But now I have a solid foundation from which to build my skills and grow into the rider I am to become.

I highly recommend the BRC and look forward to taking the Experienced Rider Course sometime in the future.

Thanks for reading. Have you taken the course or are thinking about doing it? Please share your thoughts.

John

Well, written, and in line with what many others have said about BRC. I'd like to suggest that new riders also do an online search for motorcycle safety tips (here's one such site: http://www.msgroup.org/), and read David Hough's book, Proficient Motorcycling. Learning from others is one of the quickest ways to gain knowledge. The better we become at riding, the better the overall experience.

I strongly agree that the BRC is the best choice for not just totally new riders, but for anyone. Many insurance companies now give discounts for those riders that take the course, so you not only save some money but might learn something that can save your life.


KM

i took the course with my wife and i had been riding for 10 years safety is always a good thing

I plan to take the advanced course in the future. Basic course was excellent ..instructor had over 30 years riding everything. Plus, he was a former Marine Instructor...got used to being yelled at real quick. Made me stronger though.
:)

i want to go to fl and take the ride like a pro course

Here`s a link to Liberty Pilots thread on "chair riding" practice when you can`t be on your bike. I have heard of everything from basketball teams to piano players using visualization to improve their performance. I recommend it, give it a try.
http://www.vn750.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9996

Definitely agree with taking the BRC no matter what level experience you "think" you have. I took mine early last Summer and it was well worth it. I plan on taking the ERC either later this yr or early next yr.

Based on my riding experience (having had both courses), I'd say you'd want at least 6-8k miles more riding, b4 you take the ERC. The point here is that you need some real riding time under your belt after taking the BRC, to really get a good return on your investment with the Experienced class.

Also: try to avoid climate extremes for your area when scheduling either class. I had to reschedule my BRC twice, because I took it in the fall and we were ducking hurricanes.