Glad it turned out to be a less-than-stellar flying weekend, 'cause I spent the whole weekend taking an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Basic Rider course in Martinsburg. Excellent course! I was really impressed with the materials, instruction, and quality of the course. I recommend it to anyone thinking of getting their motorcycle license. In most (but not all) states, completing an MSF course satisfies the state riding test requirements, so after the course you can just waltz into a DMV and get your license. (Maryland, alas, does not accept MSF courses. Figures---they just have to be different!) You must have a learner's permit (and take the DMV written exam) before taking the course.
The two days of range riding and doing drills definitely improved my riding (and exposed my weak points to work on). I don't care how good a rider people think they are---taking one of these course should (in my opinion) be mandatory for anyone getting a motorcycle license.
So tomorrow I'm off to the (West Virginia) DMV to get my license, then more riding to improve my skills!
Scott
PS - Thanks to Holly for recommending I take the course! Cost was $100, but well worth the expense.
MSF Course
Moderator: CHGPA BOD
MSF Course
Maryland does indeed accept the MSF course - I remember well 'cause I
took it on a scorching hot/humid August weekend last year, and was
thereby able to get licensed without taking a practical test.
Put about 500 miles on the BMW this weekend, with paraglider bag on
the back. Some wind buffeting today on 95, but it was actually more
impressive on 3 East toward Taylor's Farm. At one point I was
leaning as if for a broad sweeping curve just to stay straight.
John Middleton and I met at Taylor's for paraglider kiting at the
bottom of the hill. It was blown out for attempting flights from the
top. What a gorgeous site! My first time there. We kited for
about three hours - or attempted to.
The 1991 BMW K100LT is officially for sale, by the way (although it
will hurt to give it up). Close to 65k miles, $3000. That and the
sailboat are on the block to hold the toy count constant as I have
committed to going in with a buddy on a light sport trike.
1978 CAL 25 Mk II - roller furling genoa; loose-footed, fully-
battened main; 4-stroke Yamaha outboard, autotiller, etc.; sleeps
4/5 - "well-equipped pocket cruiser" - $7500
Hugh
took it on a scorching hot/humid August weekend last year, and was
thereby able to get licensed without taking a practical test.
Put about 500 miles on the BMW this weekend, with paraglider bag on
the back. Some wind buffeting today on 95, but it was actually more
impressive on 3 East toward Taylor's Farm. At one point I was
leaning as if for a broad sweeping curve just to stay straight.
John Middleton and I met at Taylor's for paraglider kiting at the
bottom of the hill. It was blown out for attempting flights from the
top. What a gorgeous site! My first time there. We kited for
about three hours - or attempted to.
The 1991 BMW K100LT is officially for sale, by the way (although it
will hurt to give it up). Close to 65k miles, $3000. That and the
sailboat are on the block to hold the toy count constant as I have
committed to going in with a buddy on a light sport trike.
1978 CAL 25 Mk II - roller furling genoa; loose-footed, fully-
battened main; 4-stroke Yamaha outboard, autotiller, etc.; sleeps
4/5 - "well-equipped pocket cruiser" - $7500
Hugh