Touring News

Why should you encourage a new rider to take a motorcycle training course? So that he or she will be able to ride with you for a very long time!
I’m not sure how many other courses are out there, but I can vouch for the Canada Safety Council’s Gearing Up motorcycle rider training program, having been an instructor myself. Offered since 1974, more than 325,000 people have gone through this course. It’s the only national course of its’ kind, and has a great reputation for taking new riders from basic skills like braking techniques, clutching, to controlling a bike at slow speeds. By the end of the weekend course, the new rider will have learned defensive driving, from obstacle avoidance, to emergency braking and counter steering techniques.
Motorcycles are supplied at each location, so a novice just has to show up with the proper riding gear, which can usually pulled together with the help of friends. Plus… most insurance companies offer a discount to riders who have graduated from this course.
Prices seem to vary widely from province to province – about $400 in Belleville, Ontario, to about $700 in Kelowna, BC - and you do have to pre-register, usually quite early on as these courses fill up quickly.You get all the details by e-mailing the Canadian Safety Council at: