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Friday, April 18, 2014
DrivewayCanada.ca |
Richmond Review · Page 11
Welcome to the the driver’s seat
There’s no better time than now to embrace your inner motorcyclist and have the time of your life. Alexandra Straub
Feel the rush of riding on two wheels If you have ever looked longingly After getting your “L” permit upon a motorcycle as it whizzed by, you might have been bitten There are two steps in acquiring by the bike bug and didn’t even your full motorcycle license. First, know it. you’ll have to pass the MotorIf you have always dreamed of cycle Skills Test portion of the getting on two wheels but didn’t process. Then you’ll have your full know how to go about it, you road test. I absolutely, have been bitten by the bike bug. Riding training If you are contemplating a perfect 100 percent without I absolutely, 100 per cent without time to do it, the answer is now! a doubt recommend a doubt recommend going to a With spring-like weather manigoing to a good professional school to learn how festing itself and more and more professional school to to ride. I’m not saying your bff motorcycles appearing on the who has selflessly volunteered to learn how to ride. roads, it’s time to stop dreaming teach you everything you need to and start doing. Alexandra Straub know about riding isn’t qualified But where do you start? How do or unfit for the task, but they you go about it and what steps do might not be a “teacher.” Sure you need to go through? they have the skills, but can they communicate Over the next few weeks, we will feature a effectively the points that you need to be safe? four-part series on motorcycling. It will cover If yes, then go for it. everything from schools, to gear to buying a But professional schools have professional teachbike and more. As I said, there’s no better time ers. They also know the ICBC system and will than now to embrace your inner motorcyclist teach you above and beyond what you’ll need to and have the time of your life. execute in order to start riding on your own. And Take the test more importantly, to be safe! In order to get your learner’s license in BC, you They will also help build your confidence and try will need to take the ICBC Motorcycle Knowlto help you eradicate bad habits that you may or edge Test. To attain the handbook that you’ll may not know you are forming. need to familiarize yourself with, you can either Granted, most courses aren’t cheap. But they’re download it from the ICBC website, or visit a worth it and so is your safety. Check out regional branch in person to pick up a hard copy. schools or save up to come to the Lower MainAfter you have studied it from cover-to-cover, land. I wouldn’t have done my license any other you’ll need to take and pass the test at an ICBC way. branch, which will then give you your L. Some schools to check out are: Pacific Riding Visit www.icbc.com and type in “motorcycle” School, V-Twin Motorcycle School, the Justice into the search bar. That is the easiest way to Institute of BC, High Gear Motorcycle Training get you to the pages you’ll need to work with. (private lessons) and more.
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You don’t have to start on the road Many of the top road racers in the world didn’t start on the pavement. They started in the dirt. Why? Because it teaches you how to control a bike in less than ideal traction environments. Also, if you fall, it doesn’t hurt as much! You can certainly get your feet wet when it comes to learning clutch and brake control on a “softer” surface, too. Furthermore, you don’t need a learner’s permit if you are riding off road. When and if you want to transition to the street riding, you’ll need it for that. Check out Popkum Motor Park’s Lessons/Training (www.popkummotorpark.com) program for all ages, as well as the BC Off Road Motorcycle Association’s website (www.bcorma.ca) for upcoming MSF Dirt Bike Schools. Another perk to starting to build your bike confidence on the dirt, training programs aren’t as expensive. So, this is me, the little white angel on your shoulder whispering, “Go on, get on two wheels!” But remember, safety is paramount. Take the test, go to school and thank me later. alexandra.straub@drivewaybc.ca
Question of the week: Driveway writer Alexandra Straub begins a four-part series on the joys of riding a motorcycle. If you don’t already ride, are you now tempted after reading her introduction to life on two wheels?
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Please explain why you have made that decision.Go to DrivewayCanada.ca QUESTION to submit your answer and you could OF THE WEEK! win a $100 Safeway gift card.
Safety Tip: The Easter break can be a dangerous time on our roads. If you’ll be travelling, plan for your trip at DriveCanada.ca and be realistic about travel times – weather conditions are unpredictable at this time of year across the province.
Confessions of a Curber... Meet Walt. He lives with his wife and two teenagers in a quiet neighbourhood. Walt goes to work every morning, provides for his family and chats with his neighbours. Walt has a secret. He’s no Walter White from“Breaking Bad.” But, his love for quick cash and high profits drive him to a sideline that makes us all a little less safe and costs some their savings. Walt is a curber.
It’s a Harley with a lien this week…
Buying used? We’re looking out for you. Find out how at WatchoutforWalt.com