Leigh High MSF

[Kinipeli]

Anyone know who instructs the Leigh High School MSF course? Plus, anyone here doing the course June 16th-18th?

[Mortifer]

Are you lookin for names? numbers? address's? why would it matter who teaches?

Call them and ask. I'm sure they have a bunch of different coaches that rotate (work) weekends.

I've heard good things about the MSF there.:)

Good luck.

[Kinipeli]

Geesh, I was just wondering if anyone knew who teaches it. But it looks like your post states that it's a bunch of teachers who rotate. It doesn't matter who the teachers are, I was just asking a simple question, at least I thought.

[kentuckyfried]

There's this one British guy who heads up the field training.

The other guys are again, people in rotation. They're all really cool and professional.

Unlike some of the MVLA guys for which I will eternally hold a grudge against.


Is safetycenter still running any classes at Leigh? If they aren't, then disregard anything I said above.

[CeruleanSkye]

I took the MSF at Leigh High last summer. Not sure who is there now, but I had a great experience. All the instructors were kind, professional, and had the patience of a saint.

Not sure if that helps any, just sayin'...

[Enchanter]

Originally posted by kentuckyfried
There's this one British guy who heads up the field training.

The other guys are again, people in rotation. They're all really cool and professional.

Unlike some of the MVLA guys for which I will eternally hold a grudge against.


Is safetycenter still running any classes at Leigh? If they aren't, then disregard anything I said above.

The 'British guy' is the owner of the traing site. The Safety Center no longer has a hand in the site (it's better now that they are gone).

All MSF RiderCoaches are 'in rotation'. They teach when they want to, take days off when they want to. It's truly a great job.

Care to elaborate on your MVLA comment?

[kentuckyfried]

1) What's the British man's name? I can't remember it. He is awesome...friendly and patient. I had his office number on my cell but I erased it since I wasn't using it at all.

2) What was the arrangement between Safetycenter and the above gent? So he is running courses still by himself through Leigh High School? Is he running an experienced rider course, if any at all.

3) I know I've posted about the disastrous MVLA experience before, I don't feel like talking about it that much. I mean, who knows...maybe I had a bad day, and it would've come out beautifully the second attempt.

But the short story is that the end result was that I was so traumatized, I signed up and then summarily bailed out of the second attempt, and gave up the whole idea of riding a motorcycle until a friend convinced me to give it another shot with Safetycenter. Things could've gone south here too, but they went great. *shrugs*

[Enchanter]

1- Gerard

2- The Safety Center used to own the training site. Gerard now owns it. The training happens at Leigh, it isn't run through Leigh. It's a subtle difference.

3- I did a search looking for your past comments and wasn't able to find them. Not wanting to talk about it, except for the negative aspects is a bit unfair don't you think? Your second post was much more descriptive and fair.

Thanks for the reply.

[redline]

Originally posted by NEWBIEGRL
...Plus, anyone here doing the course June 16th-18th?

:laughing Since you announced you're going to be there, I suspect all single men are now signed up. Wait, I still need to sign up, too. ;)

Seriously, though, I've met some of the instructors at the Barf meets and they've been cool and attitude free. The course is supposed to be the same everywhere you go.

Also, driving the DMV circle on a modern sportbike can be nearly impossible. So, this is really your best bet as well as good practice dropping someone else's bike instead of your own. Have fun.

[280SQUAGGLER]

hmm i might have to request that weekend :teeth




.



I heard that the Mexican guy is an awesome teacher.... Hes sooooo awesome :teeth ;) :cool

[Enchanter]

Originally posted by 280SQUAGGLER
I heard that the Mexican guy is an awesome teacher.... Hes sooooo awesome :teeth ;) :cool

Yeah, too bad he likes boys.

[280SQUAGGLER]

Originally posted by Enchanter
Yeah, too bad he likes boys.

:laughing :laughing you aint right ....thats jacked up clown ...hahahhahahaha

Foolio

[chrono-X]

Originally posted by redline
:laughing Since you announced you're going to be there, I suspect all single men are now signed up. Wait, I still need to sign up, too. ;)

Seriously, though, I've met some of the instructors at the Barf meets and they've been cool and attitude free. The course is supposed to be the same everywhere you go.

Also, driving the DMV circle on a modern sportbike can be nearly impossible. So, this is really your best bet as well as good practice dropping someone else's bike instead of your own. Have fun.

yea Vic...Mr. Riding-an-R1-that-never-took-the-MSF....gosh you're such a squid :twofinger

ps...i'm not gonna make your Mt. Ham ride.

[Cheung]

Good place, took my MSF there, had a blast, just try to remember to get one of the nighthawks they use, not the red hondas heh, those where so beat-up... Also they have some reble 250s there, wanted to ride one of them to see what it was like, but they only had 1 running at the time, and other had to do the running start thing which was a pain in the butt.

Anyways, have fun, you'll meet some cool people there from all walks of life there :)

[Eisernkreuz]

At Leigh High, my housemate's brother teaches there, his name is Chris Grigsby, he's a Barf member, too. Awesome guy.

[redline]

Originally posted by chronoxdragoon
yea Vic...Mr. Riding-an-R1-that-never-took-the-MSF....gosh you're such a squid :twofinger

ps...i'm not gonna make your Mt. Ham ride.

Oh, busted! :cry In my defense, I didn't take the MSF becasue they would've tried to talk me out of buying an R1 :laughing (not my 1st bike)

...besides, I signed up for the experienced rider course for this weekend. Will I see you there ChronoEXCUSE! :twofinger
:laughing

[Kinipeli]

Woot woot, I passed my MSF class! :cool I am so giddy right now. Now all I have to do is wait for my DL form to show in the mail!

A quick question though, do I have to wait for my DL paperwork to ride on the freeway & at night?????

[kentuckyfried]

^ Congrats!

There's a few things you need to do if you haven't already done them

1) Take the driver's license written exam if you haven't taken it within the past...2 years(?)
2) Take the written motorcycle exam at the DMV

If you have that DL489 form and you've passed the two written exams, you're ready to be endorsed on your license.

You're technically are not supposed to ride on the freeway or at night without getting your license upgraded first. The motorcycle permit, I'm not sure about freeway, but you're definitely not supposed to be riding around at night.

But hey, people do it anyway. Just don't get busted on the back streets, run over, run other people over, or hit anything while you're touring around at night. ;)

[Enchanter]

Originally posted by NEWBIEGRL
Woot woot, I passed my MSF class! :cool I am so giddy right now. Now all I have to do is wait for my DL form to show in the mail!

A quick question though, do I have to wait for my DL paperwork to ride on the freeway & at night?????

Congratulations!

You must have a Motorcycle Drivers Licence before you can ride at night or on the freeway.

[Kinipeli]

Originally posted by Cheung
Also they have some reble 250s there, wanted to ride one of them to see what it was like, but they only had 1 running at the time, and other had to do the running start thing which was a pain in the butt

First day on the course, I got stuck w/the red CB125. Not a bad bike, the clutch was slipping a little and the clutch handle was a little sitcky even after they lubed it!:( It was a fun little bike other than the small probs and I was comfy on it. It felt really weird getting back on my bike though! :laughing

Originally posted by Webberstyle
At Leigh High, my housemate's brother teaches there, his name is Chris Grigsby, he's a Barf member, too. Awesome guy.

Chris was one of the instructors on my second day. He seemed like a nice guy, didn't really chat with him though. Actually all the instructors were really nice Mark & some other guy (sorry if you're on here, I forgot your name) were there the first day and then the final day it was Mark & Chris. I liked Mark's SV1K.

[cyberjamin]

I heard there were some upset riders in that class...heard they got "bumped"

[cyberjamin]

Does anyone know why they cut 8 hrs out of the lecture part of this class?

It used to be Friday night lecture/video, Sat 4 hrs lecture / video, 4 hrs parking lot, Sun 4 hrs lecture / video, 4 hrs parking lot.

Now it's only Fri lecture / video and Sat / Sun 4 hrs each in the parking lot.

And the price went up :wow

They also messed me up with the new Mon / Tues sessions. I completely missed that when signing up a friend of mine. Now she has to wait-list another weekend for the parking lot portion. She couldn't get anyone without a job to switch with her...even with a bribe.

[Kinipeli]

I know when I arrived on Saturday, there were a group of 4-5 people who were sent to Leigh because of a rain out (??) and they were sent home because everyone who was signed up and were supposed to be there were present. I don't know of any other bump other than that.........

Originally posted by cyberjamin
I heard there were some upset riders in that class...heard they got "bumped"

[Enchanter]

Originally posted by cyberjamin
Does anyone know why they cut 8 hrs out of the lecture part of this class?

It used to be Friday night lecture/video, Sat 4 hrs lecture / video, 4 hrs parking lot, Sun 4 hrs lecture / video, 4 hrs parking lot.

Now it's only Fri lecture / video and Sat / Sun 4 hrs each in the parking lot.

And the price went up :wow

They also messed me up with the new Mon / Tues sessions. I completely missed that when signing up a friend of mine. Now she has to wait-list another weekend for the parking lot portion. She couldn't get anyone without a job to switch with her...even with a bribe.

I'm not sure what you are talking about. There was a change in the curriculum (in CA) a little over 2 years ago. It went from approximately 7hr in the classroom and 9hrs riding, to 5hrs in the classroom and 10hrs riding.

As for the cost, 2years ago it was just over $200, then it dropped for 2 years to $190, then it went back up. The drop below $200 was (some say) a political move. The fact was, that the 2 years below $200 severely strained the training facilities. It was too low to survive on.

[cyberjamin]

Originally posted by Enchanter
I'm not sure what you are talking about. There was a change in the curriculum (in CA) a little over 2 years ago. It went from approximately 7hr in the classroom and 9hrs riding, to 5hrs in the classroom and 10hrs riding.

As for the cost, 2years ago it was just over $200, then it dropped for 2 years to $190, then it went back up. The drop below $200 was (some say) a political move. The fact was, that the 2 years below $200 severely strained the training facilities. It was too low to survive on.

I took the class last October (at Leigh, with Mark and the really kewl mexican guy :teeth ) and it was $195. We went for Friday night and the whole day Sat and Sun at the split I mentioned above. We got a lunch break between sessions. We took the written test Sun morning and the driving test Sun afternoon.

[cyberjamin]

Originally posted by NEWBIEGRL
I know when I arrived on Saturday, there were a group of 4-5 people who were sent to Leigh because of a rain out (??) and they were sent home because everyone who was signed up and were supposed to be there were present. I don't know of any other bump other than that.........


The ones you are referring to are probably the same. My understanding is they thought they were guaranteed a spot, but when they got there, they were told no. One guy (and his wife) in particualr did not take it well and gave the instructors a hard time about it.

Anyway, it's good that you got yours done and are now able to ride like the wind. Congrats to you :teeth I'm just as new as you, but with about 700 miles on the road now. My co-worker was in class with you...she rode a scooter in...she passed as well. I'm glad to see more girls taking in the two wheelers.

[Enchanter]

Originally posted by cyberjamin
I took the class last October (at Leigh, with Mark and the really kewl mexican guy :teeth ) and it was $195. We went for Friday night and the whole day Sat and Sun at the split I mentioned above. We got a lunch break between sessions. We took the written test Sun morning and the driving test Sun afternoon.

In January of 2006 the MSF signed a new contract with the CHP. One of the many changes was the maximum amount facilities are allowed to charge for the class.

There are at least 2 different class schedules that facilities can use when conducting a class. It's a bit too complicated to go into here, but regardless of that, students spend the same amount of time in the classrrom and on the bikes (+ or - an hour or so). There isn't an 8hr difference as you suggest.

[cyberjamin]

Originally posted by Enchanter
In January of 2006 the MSF signed a new contract with the CHP. One of the many changes was the maximum amount facilities are allowed to charge for the class.

There are at least 2 different class schedules that facilities can use when conducting a class. It's a bit too complicated to go into here, but regardless of that, students spend the same amount of time in the classrrom and on the bikes (+ or - an hour or so). There isn't an 8hr difference as you suggest.

I looked up my class and you are right, there isn't that much of a difference (my bad) :cool

the classes are now:


Fri - classroom 5:30 - 10pm (4.5 hrs including written test)
Sat - on bike 7 - 12 (5 hrs)
Sun on bike 7-12 (5 hrs - including drving test)
price $235

total classroom 4.5 hrs
total on bike 10 hrs


Here is the confirmation from my class last yr:

Class: Motorcycle Basic Rider Course - San Jose Leigh High School Schedule B

Starting Date: Friday, 9/16/2005
Fri 6:30pm-9pm - classroom 2.5 hrs
Sat 1:15pm-6:30 - on bike 5.25 hrs
Sun 8:45am-12:00pm - classroom 3.25 hrs
Sun 1:15pm-6:30 - on bike 5.25 hrs
price $198

total classroom 5.75 hrs
total on bike 10.5 hrs

[reckless.ninja]

I was one of the rainouts in this Leigh class.

I had to crash five different sessions to get into it, including two 6.45am morning classes, two classroom sessions (which I had to leave 3 hours early from work to get to), and one afternoon class. It got a little bit frustrating, b/c people who hadn't even started the class were getting into it, while all the rainout people who had already paid and just needed a second day to complete had to hang around for spots to open up.

However, I got in, I learned a lot, I had fun, and I passed. Therefore, I am happy
:p

NEWBIEGRL, what group session were you in?

[Kinipeli]

Glad to hear that you got into a class and passed. I was in the A group this past Sat & Sun. Most likely I was in the class you were trying to get into. I will tell you that the instructors went as far as offering a full refund to everyone to allow someone else to take their spot, nobody wanted to budge though......

Congrats on passing the MSF and have fun & be safe riding :)

[Ryan D]

Does anybody have any way to reach the group? I've already found the (408)244-0197... I took the class with Gerard and Mark ~2 years ago (Mark's the one who signed me off! I'm saving the card in case his autograph is worth something someday..), but never got around to getting the M1.

I'm able to go and do that now, but I don't know if the pink slip expires after a given amount of time or anything. If it does, I'm out of luck. If it doesn't, I'm hoping to track down whichever company with the records of me having completed the class and get them to send me another. I called Safetycenter's number, and they can't find their SJ records, since no classes are being offered there by them. I dropped by the June 10th weekend class @ Leigh and spoke to Mark about it, and he suggested I try what I'm going about doing.

Yeah, wierd first post, I know.

[Enchanter]

Originally posted by Ryan D
Does anybody have any way to reach the group? I've already found the (408)244-0197... I took the class with Gerard and Mark ~2 years ago (Mark's the one who signed me off! I'm saving the card in case his autograph is worth something someday..), but never got around to getting the M1.

I'm able to go and do that now, but I don't know if the pink slip expires after a given amount of time or anything. If it does, I'm out of luck. If it doesn't, I'm hoping to track down whichever company with the records of me having completed the class and get them to send me another. I called Safetycenter's number, and they can't find their SJ records, since no classes are being offered there by them. I dropped by the June 10th weekend class @ Leigh and spoke to Mark about it, and he suggested I try what I'm going about doing.

Yeah, wierd first post, I know.

The DL398 doesn't expire. You are going to have a tough task getting the Safety Center to respond to you with the correct information. Yes, the Safety Center. They are the ones that have the record of you passing the class. It is possible that they misplaced their files, it is even more likely that the person you spoke with doesn't want to go look for them. Ask for a supervisor.

[tiggertrance]

To get a replacement DL389 you generally need
a) A request to reissue the certificate
b) A reason why the reissue is necessary (lost, stolen, destroyed)
c) The exact location where you took the course
d) The date of your original course first session
e) The address you used when you registered for the original course
f) Your current address where the new certificate should be sent (if different from above)
g) Your printed name as it appeared on the original course registration.
h) Your hand written signature

We get people calling all the time at our site that they lost there DL389 and thats what we ask them to send us.

[CeruleanSkye]

Not sure if any of this will help you, but I still have my Rider Course card and there's some info on it. I took the MSF at Leigh HS.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Street, Suite 150
Irvine, CA 92618-3806

MSF number: 800-446-9227

Any lead is better than nothing. I hope this helps. Good luck!

[Enchanter]

The request must go through the organization that conducted the course. The MSF main office will not be able to reissue the DL389.

[Kinipeli]

Woo hoo, one more step and I have my M1! I received my certificate yesterday and will either stop by the DMV sometime today or if I can find one open tomorrow! Yeah! (*Sorry, I'm a dork!)

[Ryan D]

Thanks guys, I think this is enough ammunition to figure out exactly what needs to be done. And congrats newbiegrl - sorry for the mini-hijack. :D If you're at the Los Gatos DMV sometime next week you might see some of my friends getting their M1 written tests, rofl.

I got a call back from Gerard, who managed to explain everything to me roughly exactly as was written in this thread. That guy really is rather awesome for the exact opposite reason big companies tend to suck to work with.

So the Safety Center gave me a number to reach a supervisor... it's apparently a home number, since a teenager picked up saying his dad wouldn't be home until 5. Oops. This'll be fun.