Does riding on the road after the MSF Beginner course scare you? (Ride with ease)

Does riding on the road after the MSF Beginner course scare you?

You are not alone! The MSF Beginner course is meant to give a general overview of motorcycling for a large group of riders in very 'safe' conditions. If all you wanted to do in your life was ride a tiny motorcycle around a parking lot in 1st and 2nd gear, then the MSF Beginner course would be all you need. But let's get real, shall we?

I have helped many riders, most of them female, progress from being unable to ride a motorcycle to being prepared for the MSF Beginner course to being confident in the real world. What do I find that beginner riders have the most anxiety over and trouble with?

Traffic lights. The stress of being at a light with cars behind you and your hand on the clutch, just worrying that you will stall the bike or even drop it in the turn is frightening!
Corners. Do you travel in a low gear and way too slowly in corners? If a corner of any sort is not producing a state of bliss and amazement at how well you took that corner, then you need to learn the proper techniques. This should be the best part of motorcycling, but for many it is the most anxiety-producing.
Highways/heavy traffic. These conditions are not the most romantic for riding, but should not be cause for stress either. The reality is that you are entitled to as much room as a car and can maneuver in that space much better than a car can, with quicker stops and starts. I will teach you how to 'play chess' with the traffic by thinking three steps ahead, predicting which vehicles are likely to become a problem and avoiding that space.

Me and my BMW.

What is the secret? There really is none, except that in order to properly ride a motorcycle your thinking brain needs to take a back seat and your muscle memory needs to take over for the most part. My technique is to teach your hands how to work the clutch and brake, your head and eyes how to look at where they need to go, not where they need to avoid, and your mind to (mostly) relax and let the body and the motorcycle become one.

Are you ready to take your riding in the real world to the level where you are confident and comfortable riding? Call me to set up one-on-one training in my area (I live on Rt. 219 by the Barkhamsted Reservoir - one of the best roads in the state to ride on) or a CT, Western MA or Western NY place of your choice.

What do you need?

A CT Motorcycle learners permit or license.
A motorcycle with valid registration and insurance.
A helmet and reasonable riding gear - same as in MSF courses.

I will work with you according to your specific areas of concern. I can also help you feel comfortable maintaining and doing some repairs on your bike. Part of riding is knowing when something is wrong with your bike. I can help you understand the art of troubleshooting your bike and taking care of many issues yourself.

What is the cost?

For my lessons I charge $50 for the first hour, $40 per hour thereafter including any commute time getting to your area if desired, or $250 for up to eight hours (full day). You decide the pace and the amount of time you need.

Other services offered:

Basic to moderate maintenance lessons
Help deciding on the best bike for you
Personal assistance shopping for/testing used motorcycles with you
Help planning for trips

What is my experience?

I am educated in Elementary Education. I have two young children that both ride with me and my wife. I have been riding since I was 12 and am now 38. I have never been in a motorcycle accident and have never had more than a minor injury from a motorcycle. I have ridden over 100,000 miles on motorcycles all over the US and Canada. I have spent most of the warmer months in the past decade commuting on motorcycles. I have owned and ridden everything from 50cc scooters to a 1200cc Goldwing. I currently have a 1997 BMW R1100RT and a rare 1984 Honda NH125 scooter (hop-up toy), and my wife rides a 1986 Honda Shadow 700. I dream of riding a Kawasaki Concours 14 and a BMW F800GS. My wife and I rode from CT to the Rockies and back for our honeymoon on the Goldwing, each taking turns riding after I taught her to ride just the year before!

So why not call or email now to find out more or set up a lesson?

Chris Gorski
860-738-1193
seekerhiker@hotmail.com

My wife Victoria next to her Honda Shadow.

My daughter Brianna and her friend David during a lunch stop on a summer ride.

Here is a blog of one of my most enjoyable riding trips (Yellowstone National Park and surrounding states):
http://wy2006ride.blogspot.com/

Ride confident, ride safe!

Chris Gorski
860-738-1193
seekerhiker@hotmail.com