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Taking the BRC Class this Weekend

I am taking the BRC class this weekend to get my license. Wish me luck! I have only been riding a few times on my boyfriends bike in the parking lot in the past couple months. I was just wondering if anyone had any pointers going into the class? How about the skills test? I heard the figure 8 box is rather difficult. Any tips on it? I was very nervous when I first got on the bike. Now I'm starting to think the bike is my friend and now I appear to be more calmer than I was. The hardest part for me is shifting but my last time out. I was able to shift up and then downshift from 2nd to 1st no problem.

Comments for Taking the BRC Class this Weekend

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Jun 13, 2011

WOO HOO!
by: Sandra

I KNEW you would!! Now you can master those figure 8's that had you psyched before you ever set foot in class at your leisure in a parking lot with no pressure - because now there IS no pressure - now you ride for FUN! Hit the parking lot and master the skill...you will be all the better rider for the extra time you put in.

GREAT JOB!!

Jun 13, 2011

CONGRATS!!!
by: Noelle S

You did it! What a feeling of accomplishment, huh? I passed the class last August a week after my then boyfriend and i broke up! I was on such an emotional roller coaster that I almost cancelled taking the class. I'm so glad I didn't! I passed and have a new bf who assisted me in buying my first bike, a Honda Shadow 600 vlx in April. It was slow and frustrating to start. But as the time and miles go by my confidence continues to grow! Be safe, be smart and remember you don't have anything to prove. I initially thought once I was riding I would love to pass my ex-bf on the road so he could see how great this adventure turned out for me. Now I just revel in riding side by side with my bf or friends and getting some wind therapy! Enjoy! PL&H

Jun 12, 2011

Congratulations!
by: Wanda

You've just opened a new door for adventure! Congratulations. Ride often and be safe.

Jun 12, 2011

I Passed!!!!
by: Stacy

Soooo I took the course this weekend and I passed....barely but still passed. The figure 8 killed me. Anyway I am super excited and looking for my first bike :) Thank you all for the support!

Jun 10, 2011

Course is this weekend!!!!
by: Stacy

The course is finally here. I am nervous but pumped and super excited. I hear the figure 8 is the hardest and almost everyone gets points for that. I wonder how the rest of the course is. Like I said I only have been practicing a few times in the parking lot on my boyfriends 1000cc bike. Im hoping the bikes they give us in the class are easier although Ive gotten use to his kinda. For me the issue is shifting since I don't know how to drive a manual vehicle. Shifting on the bike is new to me but I feel like I am grasping it and my last time out I was able to shift to second and downshift. Ohh the anticipation. I hope I pass!!!! I usually put so much pressure on myself but I know the key is to relax :)

Jun 10, 2011

Training Course
by: Stacie

It rained for my entire class (and it was a whopping 39 degrees), but I wore the right clothes and I was warm and dry. Trust me, you're so intent on learning the skills, the weather will be an afterthought. There were a few skills we had to put off 'til the second day when there was less water on the course. But my instructors' opinions of the rain was that they'd rather our first rides in the rain be supervised and on the training course than out on the open roads.

As for the bikes they use for the course, they are usually 250s and the "cruiser" style. Very low - everyone can put their feet flat on the ground. The biggest problem I had after my class and learning on those small 250s was getting used to my own bike that is much heavier and taller (I can't flat foot on my bike). So, depending on the type of bike you will actually be riding after the class, I think those 250s in class instill a false sense of security because they're so easy to handle.

Good luck, have fun and let us know how your class went!

Jun 09, 2011

Another One
by: Anonymous

I'm another "if I can do it, YOU can do it!" Taking the MSF course was the greatest feeling of accomplishment I have had in years! Relax and enjoy yourself! You'll pass with flying colors!

Jun 09, 2011

Thank you for the advice!
by: Stacy

I wasn't sure if my last post went through :)

Thank you all for the good advice and words. I will definitely use this this weekend.

I did hear that it might rain but I wont let it get me down.

Does anyone know what type of bikes they might use? I heard cruisers. I am taking the BRC class in NY. Which ones might be easier to use? Thanks!!

Jun 09, 2011

Thanks for the good words :)
by: Stacy

Thank you everyone for all your good words and advice. I will definitely use them this weekend. It might rain a little but I am hoping that doesnt get me down at all nor ruin my good time :)

Also what types of bikes should I expect that they will use? I am taking the BRC class in NY. I heard they are cruisers. Any bike which might be easier to use?

Jun 09, 2011

BRC Class
by: Stacie

The nice thing about the course is that the curriculum and skills you learn slowly build upon each other. You start out very simply - they're not going to throw you into a figure eight right away. By the time the class schedule gets to the figure eight, you'll be ready based on the skills you've already mastered in the class.

I will admit that I have test anxiety. I did great on all the skills throughout the class, but when it came time to do the actual test, I got nervous and of course I screwed up a little bit. I put my foot down during the figure 8, after having done many many figure 8's perfectly before the test!! But, it only cost me a couple of points. I think you have to royally screw up to fail the test. Everyone in my class passed, and not everyone was perfect. Actually, I learned a valuable lesson from my nervousness in the test that I can translate into my everyday riding - just be confident in your skills, don't let nervousness overtake you and you'll be fine.

Jun 09, 2011

Have Fun!!
by: jp

I agree with the other comments. But, I add, ENJOY.

I was 53 when I took my first class and if I could do it then you can too.

The instructors want you to pass and they will help you.

Jun 09, 2011

Don't Give Up
by: Lynn - Florida

Whatever happens, just don't give up. During my class our coach was a retired Marine drill sergeant. Need I say more? At first he scared me, but then I knew he was being firm for our own good as he wanted to make sure we not only learned riding skills but drilled in defensive riding techniques. 3 years later and I still remember his instruction. I'm sure you will be fine. Even if you get tired, press on!

Jun 08, 2011

Good Luck!!
by: Sandra

I'm sure you will do great! Pay attention; practice every moment you can...and if a certain maneuver really trips you up just remember: one mistake will NOT fail you; but if you let your mistake rule you and make more mistakes, well...the worst is that you would have to either repeat the class or practice on your own and just take the driving test at your DMV!

But really, if you are excited and feeling good about learning to ride, you will be licensed in no time!

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