040608 MSF Exp Riders Course

MSF Experienced Riders Course, April 6, 2008

Ride led by Mike Reiker Photos courtesy of Mike Rieker

Threatened by inclement weather and the usual heat and humidity, 21 of FBACC HOG’s finest met the challenge of the MSF Experienced Riders Course. Even though this group’s combined road miles must be in the multi-millions, there is always room for improvement.

            Gathering at Fletchers and leaving about 8:10 we traversed the roadways to south St Pete weaving through very light traffic and arriving at SPC at 8:45 where we met our riding coaches for the day. After signing all the waivers and forms that seemed to include donating our carcasses to science should anything go wrong, we mounted up and started the exercises that would make us better riders.

            The exercises are maneuvers we do everyday in our riding but we probably do most only close to the right way. Here we learned the proper method of braking, swerving and turning in a close radius, or what is commonly known as the ever popular and highly dreaded, dare I say it, “U” turn..

            Upon completion we received our cards and headed to our respective homes to find that although we had escaped the rain during the course, it was waiting just up the road for us. Terry Getz and I found Glo Walsh under a bridge donning her gay apparel so we did the same. Rubber booties, Frog Togs and face shields snapped in place we headed north on 275 to find the rain had stopped. Go figure.

            All in all a good day and a real learning experience for many of us.

            My thanks to all who participated and a reminder that there will be another class in the future for anyone who was not able to attend this one.

Mike Rieker