| Author | Message | ||
     Xl1200r |
I just got an e-mail from a local school asking me if I'd like to become a rider coach (I had inquired about it last year but they weren't in need of any). The process sounds straight forward - audit a class, then help out with at least 3 full classes before taking the prep course. I should be all set and starting work by the fall, possibly sooner if my schedule allows. I'll be meeting with the guy in person in the near future to go over details - is there anything specific I should be asking? | ||
| Littlebuggles |
Find out how many hours you will be asked to teach per week/month. I eventually had to quit because of schedule conflicts with work/community reesponsibilities/family/personal riding time. It's a great job and you learn a lot teaching it. Your riding skills should hopefully improve a little at least, as you learn and demonstrate the various drills with proficiency. Congrats, enjoy it! I miss teaching and hope to do it again some day. | ||
| Ourdee |
Teaching others something you are passionate about is very rewarding and sometimes frustrating. | ||
| Jaimec |
Requirement here in NYS is now two classes per year for two years in order to retain certification. You also usually have one or two "mandatory" updates in this time period and you should also take some kind of class every two year (doesn't have to be motorcycle related) so you can experience "being a student" for yourself. I let my certification lapse. I've been certified since 1990 and I'm just TIRED. | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
Congrats! Coaching is a blast if you have the patience and the disposition for it. The MSF cert is a national certification, so it's handy to have if you are interested in coaching in multiple states. Depending on your school and the general economy, classes can be canceled so it's a tough gig in some places if it's your only income stream. Canceled classes may be less of an issue if the BRC is the only mechanism to get endorsed in your state. Questions for your new employer: How many students need to sign up for the class in order for it to be held? How much notice will I have if a class is canceled? How far in advance are schedules done? Will I need to sign a non-compete? Can I work for other schools or get certified to teach other curriculums (non-BRC) without a conflict of interest? Will I be classified as an employee or an independent contractor? Have fun and feel free to pm me if you have any questions. B. | ||
| Babired |
that's great benefits of being a RC gear and helmet discounts insurance discounts tax write off on all related materials and motorcycle training trips I've gotten to the point where I can write off a bike. Every 2 years you have to do an on-line process with the MSF to re up the certification then your state will require you to teach so many classes a year and attend an update. I've been teaching for 15 years now its been fantastic. you will find you have really good classes and other classes will test your patience. Go for it! | ||
| Xl1200r |
Good input so far, guys. I can answer some of them... well, one, at least. I will be hired as an indepedent contractor. I was going to ask how many classes per month I'd need to be available. Jaime, those requirements don't sound bad - I was hoping to teach about 2 classes per month if I can. Fltw - those are good questions. This particulr school is located about an hour away from me, which I don't mind, but there is one only 5 minutes that might be nice as well. I'll also ask the kind of clientelle they get and the cancellation stuff. I know the course that's near my house is filled up 100% and running every single weekend, so that should bode well for this other location I'd think. I'm interested in the tax bennefits - I know you can write off things like gas and gear, but would I also be able to write off repairs to my bike if needed? Bab - a whole bike?! Damn! Are the gear and helmet discounts something that the retailers offer? Keep the comments coming - I'm pretty excited about this. | ||
| Prior |
I've inquired about being a RC in NC, statement I got back from the state program lead was that they're having problems having enough classes in a given year to keep existing instructors certified (requirement here is 3 classes a year). Sounds like no dice for additional instructors here for a while. | ||
| Rkc00 |
I've gotten to the point where I can write off a bike. Nice. Now you can order the 1190RS | ||
| 86129squids |
I've got a good buddy who's been a longtime coach, now the coordinator of the local program at Smoky Mountain HD- his greatest "weapon" he says is his sense of humor, and I believe him (he's an old-school nutjob)- most folks who go through the MSF are noobs, pretty dang scared, and his ability to get them to laugh at him/themselves is key. Be prepared to give up the better part of the weekends when you coach, and endure the fluctuations of the seasons (including torrential rain, unless there's thunder and lightning)... Otherwise, most of the coaches I know really enjoy themselves! Keep us posted! | ||
| Babired |
yeah I wished! I'm still struggling trying to get my third Buell on the road! Yes the whole bike since teaching Total Control I use the Uly as a tool to teach with. Do you like shoei helmets try 50% off Olympia gear 20% off Bell helmets Icon, and other companies offer pretty decent discounts. There is a list we have in Maryland of gear discounts I'll have to dig it up for you. I write off all clothes as an indpendant contractor, motorcycle travel if it involves some sort of motorcycle related training, AMA membership, and road assistance. All mileage to and from any motorcycle training or work | ||
| 86129squids |
+1 on the taxes thing, forgot about that! When I was writing articles for a local biker rag, got to write off a trip to Cherokee NC to cover the rally, which included the night's concert with Motorhead... fun! | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
one of the best things I can tell you to do is teach with as many coaches as you can. Pick up the good habits... disregard the bad. Teach as many classes as you can the first few years and then scale back a little. You don't want to get burnt out. As soon as it starts to become a "JOB" your students will pay the price. I have a ton of fun teaching but I hope to pull back a little this year. There is a lot of Buell, Jeep, fishing, dog... stuff I want to do this year. | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
"one of the best things I can tell you to do is teach with as many coaches as you can. Pick up the good habits... disregard the bad". +1 As a peer, you can learn something from almost any coach. Sometimes that something is "what not to do". Try to work at different ranges. Don't be intimidated by modified ranges, they are wealth of info for seeing different theories in practice. | ||
| Babired |
yes! when I became a rider coach I taught all over the state of Maryland you get different types of folks as students and learn from different coaches teaching the same stuff in different ways. Don't get stuck at one center. I teach on average 18 to 20 classes a year last year I think I did 22 classes. always take a vacation for yourself from ALL JOBS you hold the same time keep your fire going by taking motorcycle trips and classes you being the student. and even out your schedule, I like teaching every other weekend so I have weekends off for home time, fun etc. another thing I like to do is teach around the holidays if you work 40 hours a week the Monday off is really nice, you can relax at home and catch up. Sometimes I have classes and the next day I'm in my office with a coffee cup glued to my lips, they can wear you out mentally and physically. | ||
| Jaimec |
If you plan on writing off the bike on your taxes, I think you need to PROVE you've taught the ARC or the BRC2 (in which you USE your own bike). The BRC requires that you use the school bikes, so it would be hard to prove you required your motorcycle to teach that. Heck, about half the Coaches I've worked with show up by CAR to teach the BRC... | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
"Heck, about half the Coaches I've worked with show up by CAR to teach the BRC..." Jaimec-small world, we must have worked with some of the same coaches! Personally, I think it gives you more credibility as a coach when you show up on a bike. Bonus points for showing up in crappy weather in appropriate gear with a big smile on your face. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Olympia gear 20% off I wouldn't suggest Olympia gear to even my worst enemy! But discounts are always cool. When you say you write off clothes - are you talking about riding clothes specifically? Personally, I think it gives you more credibility as a coach when you show up on a bike. Bonus points for showing up in crappy weather in appropriate gear with a big smile on your face. The range where they're looking for coaches is a little over an hour from me. For the past couple of years, I've not been able to ride to work as I only live 1.5 miles from my office, so I'm looking forward to have a reason other than "I want to" to ride somewhere on a regular basis. I'll be showing up on two wheels as often as I can. I have all the gear to stay warm and dry, there's no reason not to. | ||
| Jaimec |
Not to veer completely off topic but... I have a pair of Olympia winter gauntlets that I've had for YEARS. Haven't found a better pair from anyone else. On the other hand, my girlfriend has what is supposed to be a waterproof riding suit from them, but she got SOAKED in a rainstorm in Quebec many years ago. My Roadcrafter suit (which Aerostich says right out is NOT as water-tight as a rainsuit) kept me perfectly dry. | ||
| Xl1200r |
can't comment on the gloves, but I have an Olympia suit as well touted as waterproof. I'd stay drier if I wore nothing but a wash cloth, and that's not any kind of exaggeration. Coupled with the awful fit (seems built for an "American", not indenting to offend), and completely rude customer service I got from the owner of the company personally on the phone, I will never, ever recommend them to anyone, ever. The gear is crap and the guy that runs the company is a total jerk weed. I now rock a Joe Rocket Survior that costs less, looks and works better, fits like a glove and keeps me much drier (it's not 100% but it's damn close). | ||
| Babired |
first time I hear some negatives on Olympia its interesting. I've been riding with Olympia gear for a couple of years now rain or shine and loved it. Anyway whatever clothes you show up to teach in the classroom or range MC safety with. If you use them they MAY be considered uniforms. Most of my pants are jeans from HD all of the Buell shirts I have bought, socks, like basket ball socks, shoes, caps, all motorcycle gear. I just picked up a Bates Textile jacket at the IMS in NY the receipt went into a 2012 tax folder to claim at the end of the year. You're going to have to spend some money if your employer gives you a 1099, which means they don't take taxes out on your pay. That's as far as I can go in detail about that, somebody else help me here! | ||
| Xl1200r |
Bab, even in light rain my Olympia would leak on me. What's funny is three other riders I personally know all use their stuff and never had any issues. I think the nail in the coffin for me was when I was on a trip to the sticks of Ohio staying in a friend's cabin with no internet. I called Olympia to see why my suit was leaking on me, and while on the phone with the owner he told me to look at the website. I explained where I was and that I didn't have internet access. His reply was to, "Find a friend who does." rather than try to help me. At that moment I decided I'd slap this douche in the face if I ever met him. From my perspective, his products are complete garbage and his customer service techniques lead me to believe that he doesn't much care to sell a damn thing, so I do my best to make sure that's exactly what happens. I'm glad you like yours, truthfully, I know there are plenty that do, but my experience was nothing but bad with that company. | ||
| Babired |
well i know its a little off topic its amazing how we rely on the internet, and if you did have internet then you would have probably had to spend some time navigating thru the guys site for some kind of customer action. I've been eying up the REV-IT gear and don't now if they offer an instructor discount. Olympia got my money since they had good practical women's gear. | ||
| Xl1200r |
I have read that the Rev'It stuff is very good, but I know the $1000 suit they have that's supposed to be totally waterproof doesn't quite live up to that. | ||
| Jaimec |
Back to the topic at hand: My fair-skinned, blue-eyed blonde friend recommends sun screen, liquids (Gatorade or water) and COMFORTABLE BOOTS!! You're going to be spending a LOT of your time walking, standing, and running around on the range. Boots that are perfectly good for riding duty may not be the best for running around on the range. I recommend either the Aerostich Combat Lite boots, or the boots sold by Cruiserworks. Both are excellent for on and off the bike. I also find plain water (not Gatorade) to be sufficient, especially in hot weather with no shade. Due to my skin color, I'm usually not bothered much by the sun. Long-sleeved, white shirts work best, also. The MSF specifies long sleeved shirts OR jackets when on the range. Standing around in a jacket on a sunny, 95+ degree day gets old real fast. When you're not wearing a helmet, a wide-brimmed hat comes in very handy too. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Long sleeves are required? Yuck. At least the range I'll be at is up north in the mountains... I already got myself some boots that better for off the bike - I went with Bates - super comfy to be on your feet all day (I wore them for the NYC bike show to make sure). | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
Regarding the tax thing: if you are being 1099-ed, you might want to consider incorporating. As far as gear write offs, check with an accountant if you are not sure. One of my former colleagues would write off everything he used while coaching, including gatorade and sunscreen that he used. In our brutal FL summers, you are using plenty of both. Many schools provide a shirt, taking in consideration the areas typical weather conditions. My primary FL school has us wear button fishing-type UFP 35 or 50 sun protection and also provides wide brimmed hats. MN uses long sleeved t-shirts and safety vests or long sleeved hi viz shirts, which worked really well on those foggy Duluth days. In addition to what Jaimec suggested, add lip balm with an spf. You'll only get sunburned lips once. It really sucks. Separate boots for coaching versus for riding is good. Replacing walking around & doing demos coach footwear every 4 - 6 months, (averaging 5 but up to 9 classes per month) it does not make financial sense to wear out $150 riding boots on the range. Black boots suck in the hot sun. | ||
| Jaimec |
You don't need long sleeves to stand around and talk, but if you get on the bike you do. Instead of putting on and taking off a jacket all day, I wear a white or light gray long sleeved shirt. Not only does it keep the sun off of you, but the light color reflects the heat so you stay cooler as well. These are things you learn as you go along. In other words, the WORST choice are those stereotypical black biker T's... the black soaks up all the heat from the sun and will make you MISERABLE. | ||
| Babired |
getting sun burned ears suck too, it happened to me once. I always put sun block on before I leave my house and carry extra with me, with the chapstick. I use a 2 liter camelbak as well, I don't teach without one. tuck in a protein bar or some nuts in the little pocket for a pick me up. a light white long sleeve shirt will actually keep you cooler than having a sleeveless t on. Bandanas are good to wipe sweat away or dry a seat off during a rainy day. I dilute the heck out of the low calorie gatoraid. like one 20 oz bottle in my 2 liter camelbak. In Maryland we are required to put on a riding jacket to ride the demos, which really sucks, last year they started requiring it, I got pinged by the QAS for wearing long sleeves while riding the demos. Another training center in Maryland wants you to wear full face helmets while riding demos. I wear a half helmet when teaching on the range, ride with full face to and from the training center. | ||
| Jaimec |
Babired: That's one of the reasons I wear modular helmets. I can ride the demo, then flip open the front to talk to the students. |
