06-04-2007, 10:16 AM
I was fortunate enough to get myself into the Apex morning class this past weekend at GMU (aka Fairfax on their website). If Roe or Steven are lurking, IÔÇÖd like to thank them for making the class as interesting as possible for someone who wasnÔÇÖt ÔÇ£brand newÔÇØ to a motorcycle.
The reason I had to take the class again a Virginia DMV technicality. I got too many tickets during the duration of holding a license and as the DMV lady said well you have take the written test to get your license back. Well I did, just not the motorcycle written test which I didnt know I needed to do and the M disappeared.
So IÔÇÖve been riding around illegally and legally with the learners permit. Fortunately I have two roommates that are licensed so I was actually riding legally more times than not. But I decided that I should go get the license again.
The Apex class started off with 3 hours or so of classroom/DVD instruction on Friday night. They did a pretty good job of getting people to talk, introduce each other, etc. It was informative. As a group we went over the entire Apex book, laws, how to ride, and range rules. I left the classroom around 10pm and headed home, trying to figure out what I would need for the next day.
When I got home I decided to pack a small cooler with about 10 water bottles, a 4 pack of Redbull, a couple of candy bars, and two small bags of chips. Me being a smoker I also brought an extra pack of smokes! I chose to bring my own helmet and gloves and not use the ones provided. Prepping to go to the track over the years has taught me to be over prepared. And it worked out well!
Saturday morning started at 7am. Afternoon showers were in the forecast, it was supposed to be HOT all day, and the weather man well they got the HOT part right. Two Redbulls, a candy bar and a smoke for breakfast  Its a great way to start off the day.
Its time to pick out bikes my bike of choice a beat to hell, no mirrors, Ninja 250 in Kawi green no less! The class starts off slow. Power walking, riding across the range in a straight line, stop, neutral, walk the bike around to U turn it rinse repeat! And thats where I nearly met Jesus! As I was riding across the range I hear from the right side Clutch in! Clutch in!  I looked over immediately and find a Honda Rebel coming straight into my path with NO rider! Early practice for the emergency braking drill!
We finally got up and moving, using the whole range to do big NASCAR oval rides. During these drills is when it really sank in even after someone shooting their Honda Rebel at me there are A LOT of people in this class that have never been on a motorcycle! It was hot, we were moving really slowly, people were stalling/stopping/unable to start or ride up a little hill and it restricted our ability to do several drills consistently.
At the end of the day, they gave us a test to take home and the warning that if you struggled today, there are going to be issues the next day because they were going to build on the skills we learned today. That was enough to ward off the guy that tried to kill me with his Rebel he was missing on Sunday.
Sunday was test day everyone knew that. People were nervous. We all got together, got our pep talks, geared up and the rain starts! We start doing all our drills in the rain just a constant drizzle to solid rain. And I have to commend my classmates this didnt seem to faze them even the ones that had never ridden before.
My entire class passed the test well everyone that was there on Sunday. We got free graduation shwag all the paper work to get the M (other than taking the written test for motorcycles). Other than the slow start I really was able to enjoy myself. My instructors (Roe and Steven) were really helpful, theyd answer any question you had, and they gave out great advice
If you are planning on taking the class go in with an open mind, try to enjoy your time there, and dont get too frustrated with the people that are slow to learn and bring snacks and water because the HOT days get real hot when you are straddling a 125cc heater on the black asphalt!
oh yeah... after my trip to the DMV today... i'll be legal again.
The reason I had to take the class again a Virginia DMV technicality. I got too many tickets during the duration of holding a license and as the DMV lady said well you have take the written test to get your license back. Well I did, just not the motorcycle written test which I didnt know I needed to do and the M disappeared.
So IÔÇÖve been riding around illegally and legally with the learners permit. Fortunately I have two roommates that are licensed so I was actually riding legally more times than not. But I decided that I should go get the license again.
The Apex class started off with 3 hours or so of classroom/DVD instruction on Friday night. They did a pretty good job of getting people to talk, introduce each other, etc. It was informative. As a group we went over the entire Apex book, laws, how to ride, and range rules. I left the classroom around 10pm and headed home, trying to figure out what I would need for the next day.
When I got home I decided to pack a small cooler with about 10 water bottles, a 4 pack of Redbull, a couple of candy bars, and two small bags of chips. Me being a smoker I also brought an extra pack of smokes! I chose to bring my own helmet and gloves and not use the ones provided. Prepping to go to the track over the years has taught me to be over prepared. And it worked out well!
Saturday morning started at 7am. Afternoon showers were in the forecast, it was supposed to be HOT all day, and the weather man well they got the HOT part right. Two Redbulls, a candy bar and a smoke for breakfast  Its a great way to start off the day.
Its time to pick out bikes my bike of choice a beat to hell, no mirrors, Ninja 250 in Kawi green no less! The class starts off slow. Power walking, riding across the range in a straight line, stop, neutral, walk the bike around to U turn it rinse repeat! And thats where I nearly met Jesus! As I was riding across the range I hear from the right side Clutch in! Clutch in!  I looked over immediately and find a Honda Rebel coming straight into my path with NO rider! Early practice for the emergency braking drill!
We finally got up and moving, using the whole range to do big NASCAR oval rides. During these drills is when it really sank in even after someone shooting their Honda Rebel at me there are A LOT of people in this class that have never been on a motorcycle! It was hot, we were moving really slowly, people were stalling/stopping/unable to start or ride up a little hill and it restricted our ability to do several drills consistently.
At the end of the day, they gave us a test to take home and the warning that if you struggled today, there are going to be issues the next day because they were going to build on the skills we learned today. That was enough to ward off the guy that tried to kill me with his Rebel he was missing on Sunday.
Sunday was test day everyone knew that. People were nervous. We all got together, got our pep talks, geared up and the rain starts! We start doing all our drills in the rain just a constant drizzle to solid rain. And I have to commend my classmates this didnt seem to faze them even the ones that had never ridden before.
My entire class passed the test well everyone that was there on Sunday. We got free graduation shwag all the paper work to get the M (other than taking the written test for motorcycles). Other than the slow start I really was able to enjoy myself. My instructors (Roe and Steven) were really helpful, theyd answer any question you had, and they gave out great advice
If you are planning on taking the class go in with an open mind, try to enjoy your time there, and dont get too frustrated with the people that are slow to learn and bring snacks and water because the HOT days get real hot when you are straddling a 125cc heater on the black asphalt!
oh yeah... after my trip to the DMV today... i'll be legal again.
#99 - 2000 Civic Si (Future H2 Car, Former H1 car)
IPGparts.com, AutoFair Honda, Amsoil, QuikLatch Fasteners
NASA-MA Tech Inspector (Retired)
IPGparts.com, AutoFair Honda, Amsoil, QuikLatch Fasteners
NASA-MA Tech Inspector (Retired)
