Any Bay Area MSF classes that favour the Ladies?

[Skyway]

I am looking for an MSF class for my wife who will be a new rider here soon. She is completely new to riding 2 wheels for herself, other than riding pillion with me for almost 8 years.

I know there are lots of female riders around the Bay, so I would imagine there would be a program somewhere that may be geared towards the ladies.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[stan23]

Correct me if i'm wrong, but all the MSF classes follow a standard curriculum.

I doubt there are any 'special' classes that cater to the ladies.

 

[santa]

The MSF class I took had about 50% women in it....

 

[nathan]

I don't get it. Are you talking about classes that teach how to put on makeup while riding?

 

[Skyway]

Correct me if i'm wrong, but all the MSF classes follow a standard curriculum.

I doubt there are any 'special' classes that cater to the ladies.

I believe this is true as well. I was hoping to find a ladies only class.

 

[slackjaw]

There were not so many women in my group, but there were 2 or 3 as I recall. Also, the bikes were all 125 ccs, so they were light enough and had low enough seat heights for even the most petite of women.

I have heard mixed reviews from women - some felt they were treated specially by the male instructors, others that they were treated too harshly. My g/f thought the instructors were fine, as did I. In fact, Dave (I don't know his last name) managed to impart the seriousness of the course and at the same time was hilariously funny (well, I appreciate dry wit).

Due to the serious nature of motorcycle instruction, instructors tend to be stern. Also, in order to be heard over the noise of the bikes and through helmets, instructors often seem to be yelling at students. Some folks take this personally, although they should not.

If you go in with the right attitude (i.e. Men - leave your ego at the door, and women - put on your "thick skin"), any MSF course is equally beneficial for both men and women. I would suggest that you take the course with her, even if you are an experienced rider. I did (took MSF with my g/f), and even after 5 years of riding, I found there was new stuff to learn.

 

[Skyway]

I don't get it. Are you talking about classes that teach how to put on makeup while riding?

I take it then your not a female rider? Or there is such a class? Are flip up helmets manditory?:laughing

 

[Skyway]

others that they were treated too harshly.

This would be one situation I'm trying to avoid.

 

[slackjaw]

This would be one situation I'm trying to avoid.

I suspect that in fact the women who felt put upon may have been too sensitive, as a result of feeling vulnerable. My g/f is basically fearless - the rock climbing, mountaineering, skydiving sort of girl - yet she was intimidated by the thought of riding a motorcycle (actually, she was not intimidated by RIDING, but rather, by PILOTING, though she LOVES it now!).

Another reason to take the class together. Having you there would likely help make her feel less intimidated - at least there would be the promise of one friendly face. Also, the instructors were not jerks or anything, and, there are women MSF instructors as well as men.

 

[Skyway]

All good points slackjaw. Since my SO has never ridden herself, I don't want her first experience to be negative.

 

[slackjaw]

All good points slackjaw. Since my SO has never ridden herself, I don't want her first experience to be negative.

Sure, I understand. You might consider heading out to the local MSF site some Saturday or Sunday and observing a class session.

Good luck!

 

[teslas]

The Instructor from my class really pushed the idea for there to be more women bikers. He is all for more female bikers. one of his teaching lots is at Mission College.

His name is Jim Pereyra, his class is the
S.C.O.R.E. his number is 1-800-799-8088

 

[Enchanter]

From a Site Managers point of view, it isn't easy scheduling a class of specific students (all female for example). I have taught all female classes in the past, but these were reserved in advance by a specific 'club' or business.

In the 15 years that I have been teaching, I can tell you that from my experience, the more involved the husband/boy friend is in their learning, the more difficult time the wife/ girl friend has in passing the course.

 

[scepter]

i hate when females think they deserve special attn. then complain that it's not fair this and that. dont get me wrong fair is good, but giving breaks on gender is not both ways.

 

[daventura]

Send a pm to mrtnz or Lisa on this board.
They are both instructors who happen to be female.
Perhaps your s.o. can get into one of their classes.

:teeth

 

[slackjaw]

In the 15 years that I have been teaching, I can tell you that from my experience, the more involved the husband/boy friend is in their learning, the more difficult time the wife/ girl friend has in passing the course.

Sure, keep in mind that you (the b/f) are there as another student and for moral support, but not to instruct. I know that my g/f appreciated having somebody to vent to, discuss with, and generally experience the course with, but I had to leave MY ego at the door and let the instructors do the instructing.

I suspect that Enchanter is referring to instances where this was not the case...

 

[Ian01]

Have your wife get her permit and start her off in the parking lot. Teach her the fundamentals and take it really slow. After she is a little bit comfortable- enroll her in the MSF. I took the MSF at Bethal HS in Vallejo. There were a couple females and they did better than some of the guys. The majority of the participants are nervous and would not be intimidating.

I don't think you want anyone "going easy" with her. If she can't handle the the little amount of stress.......how will she learn to deal with everday riding out on her own.

Practice in a controlled environment is the most important thing. My friend took the MSF class after riding for many years. He was appauled that they passed so many people that could not master the basics. After they told my friend that he had passed.....he took the instuctor to the side and pointed out a few people: he said, " I'll tell you right now, he's gonna die, he's gonna die, and he's gonna die because you passed them when they were not ready. You should be ashamed." I guess the instructor was stuck and didn't know what to say because he knew my friend had a lot of truth in his words.

My point is, the MSF is not hard to pass. You don't need an easier class for your wife......if she wants to ride, she will pass. I just hope you spend a lot of time practicing with her and teaching her what you know:thumbup

 

[Skyway]

Have your wife get her permit and start her off in the parking lot. Teach her the fundamentals and take it really slow. After she is a little bit comfortable- enroll her in the MSF.

This is the approach we are currently taking.

You don't need an easier class for your wife......if she wants to ride, she will pass.

I certainly want the class to be a challenge. I think I will pm the riders mentioned above.

 

[HellFyre]

Something about this request bothers me... So, if you find your SO a women-only class, does that mean she's only going to ride on women-only roads?

For reference, my SO took the MSF in Mountain View and passed with flying colors and she'd NEVER been on a bike before the class. The gender was ~30% women, 65% men, 5% other. :laughing

 

[AbeezieSoNeezie]

Skyway - your girl will be okay in an MSF class. it's a toss up on the people that are going to be there so you really won't know what you'll get but 9 times out of 10, the people will all be cool.

Have a friend take it with her. That way you'll feel safer plus it'll be more fun for her.

*edit*
my little sister is about to take it and big brother will be there on the sidelines making sure she is A-OK. she can take care of herself but our fam is kinda crazy like that. shoot, we'll be 3-deep watchin her :laughing (the crew is crazy like that too). .

so +1 on wanting to take care of your own.