• There has been a recent cluster of spammers accessing BARFer accounts and posting spam. To safeguard your account, please consider changing your password. It would be even better to take the additional step of enabling 2 Factor Authentication (2FA) on your BARF account. Read more here.

1-Day Civilian Motorcycle Class at Alameda County Sheriff's training center

ironmonk

ironmonk

New member
Joined
Dec 26, 2005
Location
East Bay
Moto(s)
Kawasaki Ninja 250R
In case any one is interested, it seems the Alameda Country Sheriff's Regional Training Center has resumed offering motorcycle class for civilian:

http://www.alamedacountysheriff.org/rtc/classes/evoc/1day_adv_civ_motor/class.htm

I tried to take it last year, but they stopped offering them. Just saw the classes got listed again on their website a couple weeks back. So I signed up. Today I got a response. So it looks like it is a go this time.
 
Coolness. I've seen the moto cops practice near Evergreen. It's a real sight to see. They twirl their heavy cruisers around like they're minibikes.

Looks like I'll have to pass their "basic" training first. Maybe if enough of us register, the LEOs will be off the streets on weekends...

Thanks for posting up on this. I did hear about the old program and was dissapointed that they stopped it for a while.
 
It's unclear from the page that this class is open to non-police. The class says it's for civilians, but the registration form asks for your agency and the name of your agency's traning officer.
 
I think the form asked you for your agency name because the same form is probably used for LEO classes too. I just fill in "N/A" when I registered mine.

I have not received any letter from the training center since the initial email confirmation. I called and left a message, just want to be sure that the class is still on.
 
I just took the two day classes. It was very intensive.

The first day is the basic lesson. There are 4 students. Two of them are deputies who are interesetd in becoming motor cop. They used the academy's Kawasaki 1000 police bikes. I was on my Ninja 250. The other guy was on his Ducati Multistrada 1000.

The second day just three of us, including the two deputies.

The only other motorcycle classes I have taken are the MSF Basic Rider course and the Experienced Rider class (ERC). This class is much more intensive than the MSF ERC class. The exercises are a lot more challenging. On the second day, we did 45mph emergency braking (MSF ERC only allow 30 mph emergency braking, if I remember correctly). Also did 45 mph brake and then swerve. We even did some dirt riding. I was surprised that I was able to climb a steep dirt trail, and then came back down, on my Ninja 250, twice!

The hardest part is U-turn on steep slope on a two-lane road. I did not try it because instructor did not think I was ready for it, plus did not want me to damage my bike. He was right. The two deputies are much better riders than me, and still they can not complete it. Both droped their bikes.

I also found that all the cops I met there are very friendly and helpful. I guess upholding the law means that they can not appear to be too friendly, at least not when on duty :)

In short, I learned a lot in this class. I passed the basic class, but failed the intermediate class. I plan to re-take the intermediate class. This is the class where I can practice some practical but slightly "risky" exercise. I may still drop my bike in the class, but I will have plenty of help to pick it up, :)
 
This should look familiar to you then. The back dirt trail is fun; did you get to take the ride up the steep embankment, along the hill, and down again along the back lot where they keep the training bikes? That was interesting on a KZ 1000.

Did you get to ride any of the cone patterns? The eliminator or the box?

2671368-img_0016__small_.jpg
 
Ahhhh,

The iron triangle. I got some great laughs watching my fellow classmates trying to make that u-turn, and puckering myself while trying to stay out of the gravel and out of the grand canyon ditches bordering the edge.


I was out there a few days ago. They have set up their cone patterns down by the hut where they store the bikes. Looks like they had the inmates sweep all the gravel away. The eliminator is no longer as much of a mindf$%k since it is no longer against the big cement wall.
 
Hi JPM:

Yap, this was where our class practise U-turn on incline.

I think we did the same dirt trail you described. We were doing "Follow the Leader" drill. When the instructor rode up the embankment, I was saying to myself "You got to be sh%tting me!". I could almost see my Ninja 250 and I tumbling down the embankment, and having to get a ride home. It actually went smoothly. Everyone went up and down without any mishap.

I could hardly believe it, and was thinking we just got lucky. The instructor must knew what I was thinking, because he took us back for a second serving.

I did try the Eliminator pattern. Can only finish 1/3 of it. The instructor tried the same pattern with my bike. He was able to finish it fine, but did comment that the Ninja 250 has limited steering range, which made the pattern too hard for beginners.
 
Hi silversvs:

They put the Eliminator pattern back to the cement wall when I was there yesterday. I even have the proof: I left some black paint chip from my bike's left mirror on the wall, :) Or if it is more convenient for you, you can checkout my bike's left mirror: it had some scratch left by that "mindf$%k" wall, :)
 
Ironmonk--
Thanks for your review of this course--I signed up for the April 14th Basic class.
We'll see how it goes, as it sounds pretty intense. I initially thought I'd do it on the VFR, but I think I'll take off my windshield and use the Nighthawk, as the possibility of dropping is there.
 
I am going to retake the class in April. This time I will use my dual-sport and hope to pass the intermediate class.

Actually the only portion of the class that there is a good chance of dropping bike is doing U-turn on incline. The instructor may suggest you not to do it if he thinks you are likely to drop your bike.

Also they may let you rent their Kawasaki Police bike. Just give them a call.

Enjoy.
 
A few months ago I signed up for the Intermediate class in May. But since I'm a newbie (but a very good newbie), I'm thinking maybe I should take the Basic course. Am waiting for a deputy to respond.

And I'm going to practice doing U-turns on a steep road. Sounds like FUN!
 
I signed up last month for the Intermediate and Advanced Classes. Sounds like I might be in for a more difficult time than I expected.
 
Signed up for April 14th, Basic.
Hope I get to go!

EDIT: NM $150 this better be a good course. WOW See you guys there.
Christian;)
 
Last edited:
April 14th

I just got the OK for the April 14th. On the email reply it cames as Advanced Training but on the scroll down selection it reads BAsic. Sheriff office has not replied to me yet. Anyone has asked them already if April 14th is Basic or Advanced? Thanks
 
Re: April 14th

meanstreak02 said:
I just got the OK for the April 14th. On the email reply it cames as Advanced Training but on the scroll down selection it reads BAsic. Sheriff office has not replied to me yet. Anyone has asked them already if April 14th is Basic or Advanced? Thanks
Click to expand...
I have a feeling it's Basic.....this was my e-mail response.

Date: 2-13-07

Presentation_date: Apr 14, 2007 (Basic)

See ya there.

Christian
 
Thanks Christian,

This is what I got from them:
#_#_#_#_#_
CLASS: 1-DAY ADVANCED CIVILIAN MOTORCYCLE

Presentation_date: Apr 14, 2007 (Basic)

Slots_reserved: 1
#_#_#_#_#_

First line says Advanced second line says Basic... :confused

I was just wondering but I will be there on the 14th with my Meanstreak anyway,
See you there

Charles
 
Dang, I tried registering for the April classes, and it's already full. :(

I guess I'll take it in June!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top