For those with little or no experience riding motorcycles, the Basic Course is the perfect place to start. Even people returning to the sport after a long absence will find the Basic Course a useful refresher.

Classroom Portion:

In the classroom instruction, students are introduced to the controls of the motorcycle and some of the theory behind their operation. Also discussed: bike selection, safety equipment, road, traffic and weather hazards. Perhaps the greatest emphasis is placed on the importance of proper rider attitude. The classroom section concludes with an exam covering all topics discussed. This is a good time for students to have questions answered on a wide range of subjects, as the on-bike portion of the course is devoted mainly to riding.

Motorcycle Portion:

The first section is concerned with the absolute basics: getting on and off the bike, pushing, parking, starting up and shutting down. This is followed by moving off and stopping, slow-speed riding and shifting up and down. The second section is done using exercises which make up the foundation of operating a motorcycle, students learn techniques needed to execute manoeuvres at low and intermediate speeds. Emphasis is placed on smooth machine control. The third section is similar training to the police and EMS using scenarios, we use this same technique to help with bike control in emergencies and the decision making process needed in these situations. The students are taught collision avoidance, controlled optimum braking and controlled braking during this section and are also given time to practice and reinforce these skills. Students who are deemed by our instructors to be ready for the road take part in the fourth section which takes the student on a controlled group ride with our instructors. Ride lengths and durations are dependant on the students in the group and their skill levels. The ride tries to cover all types of conditions beginning with slower, low-traffic residential routes and working up to major roads.

Course Requirements:

-If you are attending the Gold or weekend Silver courses please bring a lunch each day.

-Class 5 or 7 (minimum) Operator's License.

-Waiver of Liability. To train on our bikes you will be expected to sign our waiver of liability. While we strive to keep our training as safe as possible and pride ourselves on our safety record, the risk of injury cannot be completely eliminated.

-Suitable apparel, safety gear.

-We recommend that you have your own, properly-fitting, DOT approved full face helmet for the course (helmet must be a full face or we will provide one)

-We also expect students to provide their own sturdy leather gloves, though we can provide these as well.

-Leather boots should cover the ankle and have any laces tucked in to avoid snags. Steel toes and leather-soled cowboy boots are discouraged and the lower the heel the better.

-A sturdy jacket is a must with denim being the minimum required and motorcycle-grade leather or synthetics being preferred. Jeans are acceptable but leather or texttiles are better, however you may also consider Draggin Jeans

-All safety gear must be worn when riding in our closed course or on the road ride - even if it's hot!

-Ability to ride a bicycle. If you can't ride a bicycle or haven't been on one in a long time, we strongly recommend you start with or get back on a "pedal bike" before trying a motorcycle.

-Mental and physical stamina. Riding a motorcycle is a sport and learning it from scratch can be a real challenge. You should be prepared to make an intense, sustained effort, and at the end of the day's training some students may be fatigued. Some students find learning this stuff easier while others find it more difficult. We will be patient with you; and you need to be patient with yourself! And you have to want to do it. People who take this challenge on because someone else wants them to ride may discover it's more than they bargained for.

-Please bring water, snacks and rain gear for yourself as these will not be provided.