In my last post, I mentioned that I had just completed a basic rider's training course. For my fellow Canadian beginner or would-be beginner riders out there I wanted to give a brief summary and review of the course - what I learned, my thoughts, impressions and so on.

For those of you thinking about taking the course this post will give you some idea of what to expect as well as what questions you might like to have ready for the instructors, who are an excellent resource for you, as a new rider, to take advantage of. To my non-Canadian readership, my guess is that, regulatory matters aside, much of the content and format concerning the basics of riding will likely be the same or similar to rider training courses where you are.

Gearing Up is the name of Canada's national motorcycle training program. Offered in most provinces, the course generally is run on a series of weeknights or over a weekend. Fees will vary depending on the province in which you do the course, from about $350 up to around $675, at the time this was written. I did mine in Ontario and the course was a modest $415 which included the Ministry-approved examination at the end of the weekend which entitles you to move up one license class (M1 to M2) upon successful completion.

You will be required to bring your own riding gear to the course. This will include:

-a DOT-approved helmet
-sturdy, above-the-ankle boots (no running shoes)
-a protective leather, denim, or ballistic nylon jacket
-full-fingered riding gloves that cover your wrist
-protective pants (generally, denim)

You don't necessarily have to go out and drop hundreds of dollars on new riding gear (although there were those in my class who obviously did). I picked up a decent, used denim jacket at the local second-hand clothing store. I wore my old, Nirvana-era Doc Martens on my feet and borrowed the helmet from my dad, a now ex-biker.

In addition to your riding gear you'll also want to bring plenty of water, snacks and/or lunch for weekend courses, your motorcycle rider handbook, a notebook and pen, any personal effects you might need (e.g. glasses, medication), and your valid beginner's motorcycle license! My weekend course started at 9am, necessitating for me, a large, caffeinated beverage. This last item is a matter of personal choice and is considered nonessential (but is recommended).

The first session is completely in-class. You'll cover the basics and probably watch several videos, PowerPoint presentations, etc. in doing so. Some of the things you'll cover include:

-Parts of the motorcycle
-Your pre-ride check
-Basic riding technique
-Lane positioning
-Defensive riding principles
-Various riding scenarios and how to handle them

This is an ideal time to pick your instructors' brains about any questions you might have about riding before you get on the bike and on the road. Remember that everyone in the class with you, regardless of outward appearances, is a beginner too. Don't hesitate to ask a question because you think it's stupid. Dropping your brand new Honda or ending up in the back of an ambulance because you were too embarrassed to ask something important will feel, at the very least, far more stupid. I guarantee it. Leave the fool's pride at home - it may save your life.

Your first on-bike session will start with the bare basics - orientation to the controls, pre-ride safety check, starting the motorcycle, walking with it, balancing the motorcycle. Following that your instructors will show you what, much like learning to drive stick in a car, tends to be the most challenging part of riding a motorcycle: moving into first gear from a standing stop. This on its own our class probably practiced for the better part of an hour.

The class does a great job of slow, progressive skill development and there is a strong emphasis placed on "just learned" techniques. I don't think anyone in our class of about 15 found that the instructors went speeding ahead (forgive the metaphor) with material or skills before they were ready. The course tends to have, sometimes literally, plenty of hand-holding.

Subsequent sessions move from slow speed skills and exercises to more advanced skills: use of the transmission, negotiating corners, braking techniques, counter-steering. Again, make sure you clear up any concerns you have as they come up so you can benefit from as much practice as possible before the test at the end of the course. The helpful instructors will be there every step of the way with advice but don't expect them to be psychic. If you have a question that isn't being answered, ask!

The last session of the course involves the test portion which, pending successful completion, entitles you to move up a license class. Prior to testing you will have the chance to do plenty of dry-run practice of the test components. You won't be asked to do something you haven't practiced or been prepared for. Instructors give you clear, detailed instructions before you complete the test components. Some of these components are timed. While you won't have to perform any of these at what could be considered high speeds, your bike will have to be moving faster than you would walk after Thanksgiving dinner.

While the actual test components may differ slightly between schools and jurisdictions they will more than likely cover some of the following:

-Slow speed manoeuvers
-Emergency braking
-Braking while turning
-Counter-steering

I have to say that despite being pretty confident throughout the entire weekend course I was a little unnerved come test time. I guess it was knowing that if I did screw up that it would be another weekend of my time doing the same thing and another $400 out of my bank account. Thankfully, I passed with flying colours.

The Gearing Up course is one that, having taken it, I would wholeheartedly recommend to any new Canadian rider. It is an excellent introduction to motorcycle riding and the hands-on instruction is invaluable.

To find out more about where to take the Canada Safety Council's Gearing Up motorcycle training program visit the web address below.

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