Sue,
This is one gripe (OK just a wish) that I have with the MSF courses: they don't mention what to do when starting up on hills. Of course the first place I went after I took the course was a place that required me to make a sharp right hand turn up a hill. Granted it's a little hill - I live in Illinois
but I remember thinking at the time, that this was something that should have been covered in the beginner's course. If I didn't have quite a bit of behind the wheel time in manual transmission cages I would have been in trouble right off the bat.
However, what I was referring to was a state of mind that some people seem to find themselves in that causes them to be constantly having "scary" or unpleasant moments. You've probably talked to them or read their posts. When I had three scary moments in a week, I got to thinking that it was a bad thing and did some reading (
Proficient Motorcycling, More Proficient Motorcycling) and determined to take the experienced rider course this spring. I think these two things really improved my state of mind and how I looked at other vehicles and road situations. Haven't had a "scary" moment since. Yeah, people still pull out in front of me, yeah, sometimes I come up on intersections that are covered with spilled gravel or oil, or broken glass (the latest), things happen, but I'm already reacting before anything bad happens, so nothing does. I credit the books I've read, the ER course and a determination to keep the rubber side down. I'm thinking now that next I may take a couple of track days, I don't know that they'll help me think my way through street situations, but they might give me some additional skills.
starmom wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:06:We did all the exercises that those who take the course do. only thing is it was all in a flat parking lot like when you take the course.
I have spent time in the hilly neighboorhoods practicing just this manuever, yes i was not in first gear HUGE ERROR! I have now learned.