Advanced Rider Course-Sportbike Techniques (ARC-ST)

I just got back from Rocklin, Ca (just east of Sacramento) attending the RiderCoach prep class for the new MSF’s ARC-ST.  I was honored to be in this very first class offered for non-military use in California. There was about 20 hours of reading and homework BEFORE doing these 3 days of training and certification.

The course is practically identical to the Military Sportbike Course that was developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (and others) for the Marine and Sailors who ride sportbikes. The one difference for us, on the outside of the military, will be that this class will be offered to any rider, as the skills learned can be applied to all motorcycles. We had Goldwings, cruisers, dual-sports, supermotos, sportbikes, and even an old classic 1975 Norton 750 Commando being used during our weekend.

What is learned in the 3 hour classroom portion is the real eye opener! Check with your local MSF training site to see when this course is coming your way!

Baja Blitz DB30 Mini Bike aka Doodle Bug

I picked up one of these last week on Craig’s List. It is so new, it still has the protective plastic over the seat. Hopefully, when my grandkids come to visit next year, they will be able to ride it around and have some fun.

Mini Bikes were real popular back when I was a kid and rode many, but never owned one. These bikes are the only current ones being built and sold as new, although there are “kits” out there. There is a site called http://www.oldminibikes.com/ and it has so much information about people that collect and restore the old ones. Usually powered by a lawn mower engine, some were sold with small motorcycle engines. Because of the very light weight, not much power is really needed to make these go.

This one has a 2.5 hp engine and it takes a bit to get going with an adult on it. A popular, and relatively inexpensive, modification is to change the engine out with a 6.5 horsepower engine that is usually sold at Harbor Freight for around $100. Anyway, for the time being, I will just keep this one as new.

Hot September Days

This heat is not as bad as elsewhere in the country, so I am not complaining. I do want to say that you know it is hot when you crack open your face shield and it feels like a hot blast from an oven. I sure like my mesh jacket though, just wished the vents in the helmet would actually circulate over my wet hair. Anyway readers (and riders), take care and ride safe!