Training
To get good at anything you need to train.
I looked around for some lessons and came across the Star Rider program which is run by Fingal CC.
I booked the silver star course which costs 250 Euro.
The course consists of 12 hours of training and brigs you to a standard above that required to pass your driving test. That works out at just over 20Euro per hour which is half the price of private lesson.
Day one:
The course takes place in Swords Co. Dublin.
I met the instructors at 9 am. There were 4 instructors present which was surprising.
Now this starts looking live very good value for money.... These are the same instructors that give private lessons but now I get 4 of them for half the price of one.....Fair play to them and to Fingal CC.
The course starts with an introduction to the other bikers, there was 6 of use in total. 1 Beginner, with no riding experience, 2 like me with about 2 months riding experience, and 2 who were returning to biking.
We started with a demonstration of all the parts of the bike and safety checks that should be carried out on your bike. There is ample time to ask questions during which time the other instructors are checking out your bike and they give you feedback.
Next we all mount and do some basic start offs and turning. The idea of this is to use correct procedure. I found that my low speed control improved almost straight away with their guidance.
I should mention that the beginner got 1 to 1 tuition from this point on.
The next exercise was low speed slalum between cones followed by a figure of eight. This helps your control and use of the back brake for stability. Two hours before this I would have put my foot down now I can complete the figure of eight with ease.
The next task is an all important break for a cup of tea over which they talk to you about the gear that you should use. It's an opportunity to ask about gear from experts. They also can point you in the right direction so that you don't get ripped off.
Next a demonstration of braking from a decent speed (50Km) speed. Each rider tires after the demonstration. This gives you visual feedback on the difference between back and front braking.
Opinion so far: Excellent, My control has improved immensely in only 4 hours.
Day Two:
Another 9am start and straight into right and left hand turning. Again this is procedure based and is easy to pickup but very effective. After practice we went on a ride out to the local spar to have a coffee.
In the car park we kitted up with ear pieces and went in groups of 2/3 with an instructor. We did laps of Swords using the new techniques that we had learned all of this was with his commentary on ear piece. Each rider gets the opportunity to lead. During your lead you get a running commentary of your performance. This is an excellent method of correcting your mistakes and learning technique.
This on road ridging lass an hour and is very enjoyable.
Opinion so far: Superb, These guys are great riders and I feel much better about my road position, presence, awareness, and control.
Day Three:
Day Three, another early start, I'm beginning to like early weekend mornings ;)
We spent the entire time out on the road. We practiced what we had learned in real life situations. We used the radio contact again.
Following that we did some country driving around st Margaret's / swords and Ashbourne.
A brilliant course, well done to everyone who is involved with it.
After four hours in the Saddle I made a 2 hour trip west making it a great day.
I feel much more confident on the Bike now at low and high speeds.
I feel better about cornering and my overall awareness.
Recommend this *****
I looked around for some lessons and came across the Star Rider program which is run by Fingal CC.
I booked the silver star course which costs 250 Euro.
The course consists of 12 hours of training and brigs you to a standard above that required to pass your driving test. That works out at just over 20Euro per hour which is half the price of private lesson.
Day one:
The course takes place in Swords Co. Dublin.
I met the instructors at 9 am. There were 4 instructors present which was surprising.
Now this starts looking live very good value for money.... These are the same instructors that give private lessons but now I get 4 of them for half the price of one.....Fair play to them and to Fingal CC.
The course starts with an introduction to the other bikers, there was 6 of use in total. 1 Beginner, with no riding experience, 2 like me with about 2 months riding experience, and 2 who were returning to biking.
We started with a demonstration of all the parts of the bike and safety checks that should be carried out on your bike. There is ample time to ask questions during which time the other instructors are checking out your bike and they give you feedback.
Next we all mount and do some basic start offs and turning. The idea of this is to use correct procedure. I found that my low speed control improved almost straight away with their guidance.
I should mention that the beginner got 1 to 1 tuition from this point on.
The next exercise was low speed slalum between cones followed by a figure of eight. This helps your control and use of the back brake for stability. Two hours before this I would have put my foot down now I can complete the figure of eight with ease.
The next task is an all important break for a cup of tea over which they talk to you about the gear that you should use. It's an opportunity to ask about gear from experts. They also can point you in the right direction so that you don't get ripped off.
Next a demonstration of braking from a decent speed (50Km) speed. Each rider tires after the demonstration. This gives you visual feedback on the difference between back and front braking.
Opinion so far: Excellent, My control has improved immensely in only 4 hours.
Day Two:
Another 9am start and straight into right and left hand turning. Again this is procedure based and is easy to pickup but very effective. After practice we went on a ride out to the local spar to have a coffee.
In the car park we kitted up with ear pieces and went in groups of 2/3 with an instructor. We did laps of Swords using the new techniques that we had learned all of this was with his commentary on ear piece. Each rider gets the opportunity to lead. During your lead you get a running commentary of your performance. This is an excellent method of correcting your mistakes and learning technique.
This on road ridging lass an hour and is very enjoyable.
Opinion so far: Superb, These guys are great riders and I feel much better about my road position, presence, awareness, and control.
Day Three:
Day Three, another early start, I'm beginning to like early weekend mornings ;)
We spent the entire time out on the road. We practiced what we had learned in real life situations. We used the radio contact again.
Following that we did some country driving around st Margaret's / swords and Ashbourne.
A brilliant course, well done to everyone who is involved with it.
After four hours in the Saddle I made a 2 hour trip west making it a great day.
I feel much more confident on the Bike now at low and high speeds.
I feel better about cornering and my overall awareness.
Recommend this *****
posted by Kevin at 5:03 AM
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