Q. Do I need a motorcycle license to take the TCARC?

A. Yes. This course is for riders that already have a current, class "M" (motorcycle) drivers license. TCARC does not teach beginning riders how to operate or ride a motorcycle. This course is not associated in any way with any State or Federal agency, or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and does not prepare students for taking any driving tests for the purposes of obtaining a motorcycle license.

Q. Do I have to bring my own motorcycle to the class?

A. Yes. Students must provide their own motorcycles for the TCARC. Motorcycles used for the range exercises must be street-legal and have current registration. In addition, students must have a motorcycle insurance policy in force. Students must provide policy and registration numbers before taking the class.

Q. What kind of motorcycle do I need for the class?

A. Virtually any street legal motorcycle can do the class. We have taught students on a wide variety of bikes, from 250cc to +2,000cc, from sportbikes to cruisers to tourers.

Q. I ride a sportbike, what am I going to get out of riding in a parking lot?

A. More than you'd imagine. The range exercises are a laboratory where you can examine your technique under a microscope. You can improve your cornering technique in a reduced-risk, controlled environment.

Q. Is this a race or a racing school?

A. No. Motorcycles are never on the same course at the same time, there is no timekeeping, and it is not a competition. However, if you are interested in competition, this is an ideal course to prepare you for participating in a track day.

Q. I ride a heavy cruiser or full touring rig with floor boards. What can I expect?

A. The opportunity to expand your limits. Many touring riders fear dragging hard parts. Our cirriculum will show you how to use body position to avoid dragging. This means more options in an emergency situation.

Q. I've only been riding a short time. Can I take the TCARC?

A. The TCARC is for experienced riders. Our minimum requirement is 5,000 miles of street riding and one year of experience.

Q. What type of riding gear do I need?

A. Protective riding gear is required during the range exercises. Protective gear includes; a riding jacket (or mesh jacket), riding pants (leather chaps are OK), gloves, boots that cover the ankle and a DOT approved helmet (full faced helmet is recommended but not required).

Q. Do I need to do anything to my motorcycle prior to taking the TCARC?

A. Your motorcycle should be well maintained.

Q. How much of the TCARC is in the classroom vs. on the range?

A. The TCARC is 30% classroom and 70% range exercises. The classroom secessions are spread throughout the day. This gives riders a chance to rest, a necessity when the weather is hot.

Q. How is the TCARC class taught?

A. The TCARC consists of six modules. These exercises include; throttle/brake transitions, mental state, corner vision, corner entry and line selection, mid-corner body position & corner exits, corner transitions (figure 8's) and basic motorcycle suspension. There is a 10-minute break between each module and a 40-minute lunch break.

Q. What are the range exercises like?

A. TCARC range exercises are practiced on 40-foot circles. Two pairs of 40-foot circles (marked using small rubber traffic cones) accommodate six students each. New skills introduced for each exercise builds on the previous exercise. The first couple of range exercises are deceptively simple and form the basis for the more challenging exercise later in the day.

Q. What happens if it rains?

A. The TCARC class will be held in light rain. If several days prior to the class the weather looks questionable the class may be canceled. You will be called at the phone number you used for registration. If the class is canceled you will receive a refund or you can reschedule to a later class date.

Q. How long is the class and what about lunch?

A. The TCARC is an eight-hour course. Class starts at 8:00am and finishes at 5:00pm. A 40-minute lunch break takes place about noon. Please bring your own lunch and a snack if you like. Bottled water will be provided.

Q. How many students will be in class?

A. TCARC class size ranges from 6 to 18 students. The instructor to student ratio is one instructor for each group of six students. Only 12 students at one time are on the range, supervised by two instructors.

Q. What about liability insurance?

A. TCARC is insured by the United States Insurance Service. USIS is the insurance company that provides insurance for many of the MSF training facilities throughout the nation. This insurance is only for liability coverage for TCARC. You must have your own insurance policy for the motorcycle you are riding. Please have the policy number and name of your insurance company with you when you arrive at class.

Q. What qualification do the TCARC instructors have?

A. All TCARC instructors are certified and have received intensive training. In addition to the formal training, instructors are supervised by a master instructor until they comfortable with teaching the class by themselves. Instructors must have at least five years of riding experience. Refresher courses are given on an annual basis.

Q. Do Students get a certificate after taking the TCARC?

A. Yes. Each student will be mailed a certificate with their name on it after taking the class.

Q. When are the TCARC classes held?

A. It depends on the site: see the schedule page for specifics. Most TCARC sites hold classes from April through September, but sites in warmer climates may have winter classes.

Q. Can I bring my spouse/significant other as passenger? We'd like to take the class as a couple.

A. Yes, provided you and your passenger have already established comfort and trust. We have taught rider/pillion couples, and all the lessons apply equally to one-up or two-up riding.

Q. I loved the class. Is there a Level 2 available?

A. On a limited basis. This season (2008) we are doing "beta testing" at a limited number of sites to fine tune the program. Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic, Level 2 starts where the level 1 class left off. Included are more challenging exercises from the best-selling book Total Control plus some exciting new ones that will allow students to take their riding to a whole new level. Hard braking, trail braking, shifting, decreasing radius turns, bike setup and more will be featured in this follow-up to the most effective advanced riding curriculum on the market.

Here are some more highlights of the Level 2 cirriculum: