experienced riders course done!

Took all day, 9 - 5, was really hot toward the end. Fortunately they
designed the hardest stuff (for me:all the cone manuvering & weaving) for
the morning. Incredible, it was easier to weave thru cones using one hand
(throttle) with the left hand behind the back. You are forced to use the
rear brake and learn to keep the throttle constant. I had never done that
before, modulating the brake to speed the bike up or down and it is
especially useful if your bike has a throttle that is too sensitive ie:
very little movement causes big rpm difference. BMW is like that, any
little movement on throttle and can lurch either way. Much easier to hold
the throttle constant and work the rear brake. Didnt do this in the basic
class. Another good item was brakeing in a curve. We practiced making a
quick stop in a tight turn. You have got to straighten up the bike, cannot
brake hard while turning. The first time I almost dropped it as I was at a
slight angle when I locked the brakes and the bike popped to the left since
I was leaning to the left when I hit the brakes. Finally got it right and
was able to stay in the curve by the time the practice was over. I tried to
disable the antilock brakes, but could not remember how to do that. After
that exercise was over, another rider on a BMW GS1150 showed me how to
disable it. You have to hold in the ABS switch while turning and starting
the engine then release the switch. I would never have guessed that.
According to the instructors, the curriculum has drastically changed in the
last 3 years to where if you took the experienced course back then, you
would really notice a difference.

There were 4 students and 2 instructors, but another 3 instructors showed up
as they loved to ride. With this few students, we did not have to worry
about cross traffic as some execises required crossing paths with other
riders because of the layout of the track. It was really hot after about
2pm and we started doing one exercies then going back to the A/C classroom
then going back out for another exercise and I was thankful for that.

picture....http://tinyurl.com/26hc2

This place had a really huge range compared to where I went for basic
training. People were much more friendly and had a real interest in
students unlike my previous experience at Southwest here in San Antonio
where my wife got injured. All the instructors in the state of texas
qualify at this facility once a year. It was mentioned that the harley
dealer has a $299 program that is exactly the same as the $150 one at the
San Marcos school (basic class). But you get to ride buells (??) instead of
the small jap bikes. This course only cost $40 which is really worth it.
It aught to be mandatory, or at least get a big enough insurance break to
where the majority of riders would take it.

 

Glad you had fun. Yes it has chancged a lot. Some of it not for the
better. Listen to them try and explain cunter steering now. It's a dance
around the subject without ever mentioning the term. Very confusing.

Excercise #4 is one of fave's: U-turns with s-cuves inside the box.

Sadly all the local places have lost sight of the original intent of the
program (get people trained) and have jacked up the prices. We were told
it was because TX had stopped their safety training budget. Prices here
are now $80 for the ERC.

I'll be sure to mention that SA is still $40 so clearly the DPS safety
program is still on track.