Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. -- If a Marine or Sailor wishes to ride a motorcycle, or even obtain a motorcycle license, he must first complete the Basic Rider’s Course, which covers all that needs to be known to ensure the safest motorcycle riding experience.
After completion of the BRC, the rider must then take the Advanced Rider’s Course, which is geared toward riders with more experience.
“The motorcycle rider has 120 days after completion of the BRC to attend the Advanced Rider’s Course,” said Linwood E. Mclawhorn, motorcycle safety instructor aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River. “This rule only applies if they own and operate a motorcycle. If they do not own a motorcycle, they have 120 days from the day they purchase one to attend the ARC.”
The ARC is designed to further educate and advance the skills learned in the BRC
“Special emphasis is given to self-assessments, risk management and rider behavior,” said Mclawhorn. “We take a more individual approach with the advanced course to ensure that the riders have progressed appropriately.”
Riding strategies and skill progression are also observed and noted during the course to correct any possible riding deficiencies or bad habits that may have developed.
“We perform a lot of the same drills that were presented to them in the BRC,” said Mclawhorn. “We increase the speed of these drills to ensure they can handle them appropriately.”
The ARC also covers more advanced information not found in the BRC and provides riders an opportunity to meet other enthusiasts.
“The class is very informational and helpful,” said Master Sgt. Kenneth Diehl, 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liason Company communications chief. “We all share past experiences that we have had while riding and how we dealt with them and ways that we could have possibly handled them better. It is a good time for camaraderie and informational exchange.”
To learn more information about the ARC or any other motorcycle courses, visit http://www.navymotorcyclerider.com.