MSF Experienced rider course
This past weekend I had an opportunity to take the Experienced Rider Course. This seems to be a yearly event in southern California where the California Motorcyclist Safety Program puts on what they call Free Ride. It's a week of free ERC classes in Verizon Amphitheatre parking lot.
I'm of the theory that any training is a good thing and I'm glad that I went. The only thing that I had a really hard time with was the dreaded box. I remember when I took the basic course to get my license; I didn't really have too much trouble with the U-turns. On my own bike though...oh lord that was tough. I'm happy that I didn't drop my bike unfortunately some others weren't so lucky. Here's the thing, in the grand scheme of life I'm not so sure that my ability to do a super tight U-turn without putting my feet down will save my life. I do think that practicing braking and swerving are hugely important and are things that every rider should do on a regular basis. The course is a great opportunity to practice in front of trained instructors and check on those basic building block skills that keep you safe on the streets.
One of the best drills that they do is where you ride toward the instructor and they signal for you to either swerve left, swerve right or quick stop. Of any of the drills, this one most closely simulates real life riding where you don't know what's coming. I like it better than some of the other drills because if I know what's coming like braking at a certain point, I'm already anticipating the action and getting ready to brake before I hit the mark.
Anything that I can do to increase my skills on the street is beneficial. So the opportunity to take this course free of charge is great. The next time this comes up I would strongly recommend grabbing the chance.
Ducati Desmosedici RR
Ducati has gone and done it.
They have created a street legal version of their blindingly fast Moto GP bike. Unveiled at the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello the bike promptly sold out its North America quota in less than 5 hours. It will have its American debut during the US GP at Laguna Seca.
The name Desmosedici comes from Desmo for the Desmodromic valves and sedici which means 16 in Italian, as in 16 titanium valves. The 989cc L-four will be putting out over 200 horsepower and come complete with a three year warranty. The entire package is draped in full Ducati Red carbon fiber bodywork. The bike is without a doubt a stunner.
Insane on the roads? Definitely.
Object of desire for countless enthusiasts? Certainly.
Do I want one?
OH HELL YES
[Ducati]
