The ERC class

Yesterday was the ERC (Experienced Rider Course) program run by the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation), through PENNDOT (Pennsylvania Dept. of Transportation). In the State of PA you pay an extra $5 every time you renew your motorcycle licence, this $5 goes towards the paying for BRC (Beginners) and ERC. Its a sweet deal because when you sign up for the class you pay nothing. PA is also doing something new in that you can get your licence through the ERC. The idea is that it may attract experienced riders who have simply been renewing their permits instead of getting licenced.

This was the first time that the new curriculum was used in the State, so our group got to be Guinea pigs and there were a ton of extra trainers there getting trained on the new curriculum. Fun stuff, the trainers were nice and a really good mix of different types of riders. They would demonstrate the different activities for us on their own bikes and they were good.

Our group is a band of loosely organized BMW riders called the MAC-PAC mac pac does not mean anything its just the name. We mostly ride to places to eat or work on our bikes. Its pretty cool though in that the group owns a tire changing machine and any one in the group can use it to change their tires. There are other guys and gals in the group that will help you out as well. All this with no dues and no president or Charter. We are listed with the BMWMOA, but thats about it.

I think that we represented ourselves very well as a group. Knowledgable and very willing students. We asked questions and took critique well. We were also well outfitted and everyone had all of the right gear for the day.

The day was glorious in that it was sunny and close to 80 degrees. Some of us actully got some sun on our balding heads.

The activities were well done and and designed to help you concentrate on things that you already do, just helping you do them better. I can honestly say that I did not really learn anything new, but I did get a lot of reinforcement of the things I have been doing. Hey, I spent the entire day riding and practicing skills, nothing bad can come of that. I really recommand this class for anyone who has been rding for a while. Even if you have taken the ERC before, this one is all new, and fun, and if you are in PA its free. What more can you ask?