I'm still very new to this forum, but have noticed a LOT of posts with MSF and other "schools" listed. Seems that people here take great stock in the fact that someone took and passed the course.

Now, before the flames start, I think it's a great idea to take those courses, not only as a beginner, but as a refresher course.

That being said, would yourefuse ride with someone unless they had their "red card" or other certificate showing they passed the courses? Even though they may be a long time rider with more experience on the road than even the instructors at some of those courses?

I haven't seen anything like that, but it does seem that a lot of people put a lot of emphasis on those courses. I'll admit, I've never taken one. But then again, I was licensed to ride at 14, and I'm 49 now. They didn't even have these courses back then.

Just wondering what your views are on it.

 

That wouldn't be a discriminator for me. Attending an MSF course doesn't make anyonea safer rider any more than watching a few porno flicks,changing your name to Buck Naked, and spending some quality time with yourself,would make you a sexpert. It just opens up your mind for new possibilities and opportunities.

 

Courses allow you take on things in a very controlled manner, it exposes you but practice makes you better. That's way I like the porno reference. Practice makes perfect.

 

I will take the rider with time in the saddle anytime. Nothing beats real world experience and practice. A new red card doesnt give you experience any more than spending 30 years riding down to bike night once a week at the local watering hole.

 

They whole idea of a course, is to teach you tools to use while riding. Time in the saddle using those tools gives you experience. When I started riding back in the late 50's. We didn't have those schools, they have come along since. I will from time to time take a course just to refresh my mind.

For new riders, I highly recommend. Maybe they won't become one of the statistics.

 

I've been riding for many years and have beenthinking about taking the course(s).

Not having the "Red card" isn't the reason people won't ride with me.

 

I normally only ride with people I know. But then when I'm on the interstate... maybe that's why I ride defensively. Good question but that piece of paper doesn't mean a lot to me.

 

In regards to riding with someone who has years, or course certificates, I'll trust the years a little more but trust neither totally until I watch that rider for while. So get up in the front, way up and over and ask me after a hundred miles.

In regards to the porno example....what in the "****" are you talking about?

 

No. There are a lot of veteran riders out there that don't have cards. Motor cops don't have MSF cards either. Most folks just need towatch someone ride for about 10 mins to get a general idea of what kind of how safe of a rider they might be. When I teach MSF I usually tell the graduates that all they are really certified for is to ride 125s at speeds no greater than 20mph, around little cones in a parking lot with no cars, pedestrias, or traffic.

 

The reason we put stock in the MSF course thing is because its for your own good, but it dosent mean its a must to have the person as a ride partner. It's just a good tool to better yourself. (The **** example was good)