I have a dilemma...

[Doc]

So I REALLY wanna take a MSF instructor course. The Army is willing to pay for it and I would be teaching alot of military folks the BRC course up here in Vermont. I think it may even parlay into a side job in the future.

I am the President of our Motorcycle mentorship Program club and have been pretty active in motorcycle safety.

The problem is the class dates at this point conflict with 2 race weekends. This is on top of the 2 other race weekends I will be missing because of military commitments. I am hoping they get changed but I doubt it.

If I do this I will only be able to make 1/2 the races (that is IF I am not instructing on a race weekend when I become certified).

What would you do? What do you think I should do? Why?


Thanks in advance.

[TheIglu]

Racing is a hobby. Do which ever one you want.

I missed two race weekends last year, one for a wedding and since we had just bought the house. I know there will be more racing to be had in the future.

[OreoGaborio]

+1

I'm considering becoming an MSF Rider coach as well.
Dunno if i wanna instruct at Cycles 128 though (closest location). That I'll have to look into.

[Doc]

So you are saying you would miss 2 race weekends to be an MSF coach?

On top of the 2 you will already miss?

[eboos]

I would miss the races for something that will be an investment in your future. You could always travel a little further from your home court to run races when it fits in your schedule.

[Ken C]

I have to agree with these guys. Take the MSF RiderCoach course. Two race weekends will go completely unnoticed in the big picture and becoming an instructor is a life-changing experience (for many).

I say this assuming you know what you're getting into. Are your sure you want to devote the necessary time and energy to become a Coach? It's rather tough to get through and it's not for everybody.

Then, as you say, it takes some weekends to actually do the teaching (unless you can manage to teach mid-week courses, which are rare).

Good luck.

[Doc]

I am kinda aware of what it takes. We are looking to get a good core of instructors to teach the military riders up here primarily.

Some of those people could be taught mid week... Most would be weekends....

[butcher bergs]

Yeah Doc, I agree with the majority here.

Take the course and spread the word of rider safety....that, to me, could save at least one life and keep at least one person from landing in the hospital.


In the mean time, I'm willing to handle the races you'll be missing......I can't guarantee a podium but I can guarantee a finish.

[smf]

hrm... these days I pick racing over pretty much anything else.

it sounds like either way you can "do the other thing later" right? why does the MSF course have to happen now? (or why does the racing have to happen now?)... so it's a matter of what you want more at this point in your life.

other thing... if you don't think you'll be going EX after this season you can race a 1/2 season, gain experience, have fun and help your fellow riders by doing the MSF instructor course this year. THEN have an assault on the ULSB AM "achievement award" next season ...have your cake and eat it too

also, if you do the MSF instructor course I'd be happy to ride that duc of yours on one of the missing weekends. if you can't race the bike still should

[Doc]

This MSF instructor thing has to happen now because we don't have any instructors on the Army side up here and I have been wanting to be that guy and tryin gto get funding for the last 2 years.

This is the first course being taught and if I don't take it I will not be the #1 guy for this.

That said I have been REALLY looking forward to the 6 weekends I will be able to attend, That will dwindle to 4 IF they don't change the course dates (I am trying to work something out).

I am NOT working towards going expert next year. I think 2 years as an AM is the smart way to go. Your AM ULSB campion argument next year is a good one since YOU will get it this year.

[eboos]

This MSF instructor thing has to happen now because we don't have any instructors on the Army side up here and I have been wanting to be that guy and tryin gto get funding for the last 2 years.

This is the first course being taught and if I don't take it I will not be the #1 guy for this.

It sounds to me like there is no question what the right course of action should be. Do the instructor thing, or else you will regret not taking advantage of this oppertunity.

[The Crashing Tomato]

Racing = $$$$ out and possibly you out

Teaching = $ in but even more in satisfaction

sonds like it's a no brainer

[richw]

MY brother is an MSF instructor

He quit shotly after and disagrees with a few of their teaching
no help but I can't stop myself

[Cheese]

How about finding a buddy to take the course with? At least that way the two of you could alternate teaching duties and have a lot more time to ride/race when you want. You may also want to talk to other MSF instructors and some X-MSF instructors. Just to get some input as to why they like it or in the latter case, why they didn't. I've heard it's very structured with little room for personal input and beliefs. That can be difficult for certain types of people.

[Doc]

Got point Rob. We would have a couple other guys that would be instructors as well. I am thinking since I would be teaching military folks it might be a little more lax.

The Instructor trainer is the guy I took my ERC from and that class wasn't bad at all. I should talk to others though.

[McBiggity]

So you are saying you would miss 2 race weekends to be an MSF coach?

On top of the 2 you will already miss?

I did it. Was well worth it. racing is money spent. Teaching the MSF courses is money earned and alot of fun. Wouldn't trade it for anything

[KB]

Save the cash racing and take the trophys earned from the folks who say thank you for teaching them how to ride.

KB

[Doc]

You guys just don't want me at the track!!

[The Crashing Tomato]

Racing = $$$$ out and possibly you out

Teaching = $ in but even more in satisfaction

sonds like it's a no brainer

I did it. Was well worth it. racing is money spent. Teaching the MSF courses is money earned and alot of fun. Wouldn't trade it for anything

Save the cash racing and take the trophys earned from the folks who say thank you for teaching them how to ride.

KB

there's three

say Doc what are your good reasons for not doing this?????? other than missing a race weekend....

[Doc]

I will get no additional money for teaching (It is an Army thing)

I will miss race weekends, therefore wasting money because my racebike will NOT be being used.

It will be additional time away from my wife when I have to teach every weekend.

Reasons to do it.

I will be an instructor and this WILL help when I retire to be employed in the industry.

I will be the "go to" guy for the Army National Guard in Vermont.



I have put my name in as tenative... still hope the dates get changed.

Thanks for the advice guys, I think I am gonna do it.

[eboos]

Maybe you just need to ask yourself how badly you want to do this.

[Doc]

Bump for Oreo.

[OreoGaborio]

I read it the first time

But thanks

[Doc]

I tried to change the title to MSF duscussion.

I have my application in.

[OreoGaborio]

Cool, cool.