Volunteer Motorcycle Training Services
Information about Volunteer Motorcycle Training Services
Opening hours
Our safety and training course uyilizes the curriclum from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to properly train novice riders the basics of riding a motorcycle and provide experienced riders with additional training to enhance their skills to become more proficient and safe while riding a motorcycle.
We provide the necessary instruction and testing required to obtain a motorcycle license without further testing at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
We provide the use of a motorcycle and the student provides their own riding gear.
Our comment from DrivingSchools.Directory about Volunteer Motorcycle Training Services:
Welcome to Volunteer Motorcycle Training Services, where safety and skill development come first! Our passionate team offers a variety of motorcycle training courses for riders of all experience levels. With professional instructors like Tom, Gunny, and Doreen, you'll benefit from their extensive knowledge and patient teaching style. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive environment that helps students gain confidence and essential riding skills.
Highlights from customer feedback:
- Many students praised the knowledgeable and patient instructors who make learning enjoyable.
- Students frequently noted leaving the course with a newfound confidence and a solid understanding of riding techniques.
- The hands-on training and customized coaching received positive remarks, ensuring attendees felt supported throughout their learning journey.
- Many clients appreciated the well-organized classes and informative sessions that combined fun and safety.
While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, we acknowledge that some clients have suggested improvements in instructor communication and handling of beginner challenges. At Volunteer Motorcycle Training Services, we take feedback seriously and constantly strive to enhance our programs for all riders.
Whether you're a complete novice or looking to brush up on your skills, our courses promise a transformative experience. Join us and discover the excitement of riding with confidence!
Volunteer Motorcycle Training Services: Reviews
Fantastic experience: Learn to ride’s entire crew was very capable and professional! The admin sent out more than enough information prior to the event to ensure safe arrival and preparation. I felt very confident and comfortable from beginning to end. The instructor was top notch. Professional and knowledgeable. I walked away feeling more confident than I have in a very long time. Amazing experience! I would also like to add…take a serious look at what and where AD Russ ¥¥¥ has reviewed. Dude; you only like pizza and gaming and everything else is a blast of hate? I hope everyone sees how decent people looking to obtain real life experiences review this company and ignore the hate mongers like AD Russ. I’d like ta meet ya buddy. Maybe you just need a friend that calls you on your bs. ;)
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. We’re thrilled to hear that you felt confident and comfortable throughout your time with us. Our team works hard to make sure each student is well-prepared and supported every step of the way. We're proud to offer motorcycle training through the Basic RiderCourse and ADV RiderCourse here at Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville. We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to riding with you again in the future. Ride safe!
Fantastic experience: Man this was an awesome course. The instructor is super knowledgeable and not only explained the drill, he demonstrated what “right looked like”. I cannot recommend this course enough to Adventure riders of all skill levels. The muddy conditions made it even more educational.
We’re so glad to hear you had an awesome experience in the Adventure (ADV) RiderCourse! Real-world conditions like mud can definitely make it even more valuable, and we love that you embraced the challenge. Our goal is to make sure riders of all skill levels walk away with confidence and practical techniques they can use right away. Thanks for choosing Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville, and we hope to ride with you again soon!
Fantastic experience: Great opportunity to learn proper skills pertaining to ADV riding. Excellent, professional and patient instructor (Gunny Crawford). Thank you
Thank you for the great feedback! We're so glad you enjoyed your Adventure (ADV) RiderCourse and found it valuable for building proper riding skills. Gunny takes pride in delivering professional, patient instruction and will appreciate the shoutout. Thanks again for choosing Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville. We hope to see you on more adventures soon!
Fantastic experience: Whether you're new to riding or have some time on the road, training with Learn to Ride Tennessee is 100% worth the investment. The last time I rode a motorcycle was back in the late 80's, and I was a bit nervous getting back on a motorcycle again, but that quickly faded once we started the hands-on training. The instructor, Will, is extremely knowledgeable and is thorough in his teaching. He moved at a pace that everyone was comfortable with. No details were left out. The entire staff is super knowledgeable and friendly. Thank you, Will, Laura, and Gunny, for an awesome experience. I look forward to taking the BRC2 course with you guys next year!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re honored you chose Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville to return to motorcycling after all those years. It’s wonderful to hear that our team helped you feel at ease and supported every step of the way. Will, Gunny, and I all appreciate the kind words - and we had such a fun weekend! We look forward to seeing you again in the BRC2 when you're ready to keep building those skills. Ride safe and welcome back to the road!
Negative experience: The only good person from my experience with this course was Laura. The instructors who taught my class were extremely poor at coaching. If I remember correctly, the coaches were Tom and Mike. For starters, Tom was the main issue. He expects every beginner, who has never touched a motorcycle, to pick up all the information right off the bat. And would get angry if someone is holding up the class just because someone is having a hard time getting the lessons down. I shouldn’t be so angry at him or Mike, but it’s hard for me to shake off that experience, and to be honest, I really despise them for their behavior. IT’S A BEGINNERS CLASS! They get visibly frustrated when someone isn’t getting it down and tries to force them off the field and make them feel bad for not getting it down. They’re just in it for the money if they act like that. Not for the love of riding motorcycles. For $300 dollars, you would expect them to at least give it their all to do a better job with both communication and motivating their class members. Although Laura did make me feel a little better afterwards, I don’t feel comfortable going back to them to learn anything. Especially if those two so called “coaches” are teaching people. It’s false advertising if they don’t take the time to actually teach raw beginners. My advice? Get a motorcycle, and find an independent contractor who teaches new people. You’ll get better results than dealing with sorry coaches like Tom and Mike.
Hi Antonio,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I’m truly sorry to hear that your class didn’t reflect the kind of supportive environment we aim to provide, especially for beginners. We know how overwhelming learning something new can be, and our goal is always to combine clear instruction with patience and respect.
That said, safety is absolutely at the heart of what we do. Our instructors are trained to recognize when a student may be struggling in a way that could become unsafe—for themselves, or for others in the class. In those moments, a student may be counseled out, not as a punishment, but as a necessary step to protect everyone involved. This includes situations where a student is unable to balance the motorcycle or adapt to the foundational skills being taught. Even then, our door remains open for those who wish to continue their learning journey with additional support or private instruction.
I appreciate the kind words you shared, and I’m glad we were able to speak after your class. While I understand your feelings about the experience, I want you to know that your feedback is being taken seriously, and we are always working to improve.
Wishing you the best on your riding journey, wherever it takes you.
Fantastic experience: Amazing instructors. Very patient and so knowledgeable. I will be bringing my sons to go through the same course. Highly recommend.
Thank you so much for the kind words and recommendation! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a positive experience with our instructors. They care deeply about helping every student feel confident and supported. We're honored to know you'll be bringing your sons through the same Basic RiderCourse when they're ready. Thank you for choosing Learn to Ride TN here in Hendersonville, we look forward to welcoming your family back!
Fantastic experience: I really enjoyed the class I went into thinking i would feel out of place, but I enjoyed and would recommend this to all of my buddies who want to get a bike.
We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed the class and felt comfortable during your time with us! It means a lot that you'd recommend the Basic RiderCourse to your buddies; it’s a great way to start off on the right foot. Thanks for choosing Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville for your motorcycle training. Ride safe, and we hope to see you and your friends out on the road soon!
Fantastic experience: Great course! Learned a lot to stay safe riding
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We're glad to hear the course helped you build your skills and stay safe while riding. We're proud to offer motorcycle safety training through the Basic RiderCourse here at Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville. Ride safe and enjoy the journey!
Fantastic experience: Amazing instructors. I learned so much and feel confident!
Thank you so much for the great feedback! We’re proud of our instructors and love hearing that you left the course feeling confident and well-prepared. We're glad you chose Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville for your motorcycle training. Wishing you safe and happy rides ahead!
Fantastic experience: I had a great time. Instructors were awesome and very patient with everyone.
We’re so glad to hear you had a great time! Our instructors work hard to create a patient and supportive environment for every rider. Thank you for choosing Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville for your motorcycle training. Wishing you safe and confident rides ahead!
Fantastic experience: Very well organized. Coaches were great and patient. Was very nervous about getting on a motorcycle before this class. Now I have the skills to go and practice to be a safe rider.
Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re so proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on the challenge. Our coaches are dedicated to helping every student feel supported and confident, and we’re thrilled to hear you left with the skills you need to ride safely. Thank you for choosing Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville for your motorcycle training. Ride safe and enjoy the journey ahead!
Fantastic experience: Great patient instructors. Need to be in shape ladies it is exhausting. Had a great time doing it!
Thank you so much for the review! We’re glad to hear you had a great time and felt supported by our patient instructors. It’s true, riding can be physically demanding, especially when you’re learning, but it’s so rewarding too. We’re proud to offer motorcycle training here at Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville that empowers riders of all backgrounds. Ride safe, and thank you again for joining us!
Fantastic experience: Had a total blast with this course. Instructors were great and very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend anyone that rides or wants to ride take this course
We’re so glad to hear you had a blast in the course! Our instructors work hard to make sure every rider feels supported and informed, and it’s great to know that came through. Thank you for recommending the Basic RiderCourse here at Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville. We’re proud to support new and experienced riders across Middle Tennessee with quality motorcycle training. Ride safe!
Fantastic experience: Wonderful people. Great instructors. Would highly recommend to anyone!!!!
Thank you so much for the kind words! We're proud to have a great team of instructors here at Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are so glad you had a positive experience with our motorcycle training. Ride safe and stay in touch!
Fantastic experience: As a rider with zero experience prior to the course, this was empowering and really built my confidence. Tom was very patient and a great instructor!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We love hearing that the course helped you feel empowered and confident, especially as a brand new rider. Tom truly is a patient and dedicated instructor, and we're proud to have him on our team. We’re glad you chose Learn to Ride TN here in Hendersonville for your motorcycle training, and we wish you safe and confident rides ahead!
Fantastic experience: Such a fun weekend course!
Thank you! We’re so glad you had fun during your weekend Basic RiderCourse with us here at Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville. We love helping riders across Middle Tennessee build skills and confidence. Ride safe, and we hope to see you again down the road!
Fantastic experience: Tom was an amazing instructor! He was kind, patient, and very encouraging. I would not have learned these skills without his excellent guidance. Great place to learn for beginners. (The classroom also has air conditioning.)
Thank you so much for the kind words! We're so glad to hear that Tom's guidance helped make your Basic RiderCourse experience a positive and encouraging one. He truly cares about helping every student succeed, especially those just starting out. We’re proud to offer beginner-friendly motorcycle training here at Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville, and yes, that air-conditioned classroom definitely helps on those warm Tennessee days! Ride safe, and we hope to see you again!
Fantastic experience: Such a fun class!! I never felt unsafe and the pacing was perfect. Tom made sure we knew what we were doing without getting too far behind, and the time flew by! Would absolutely take another class!
We love hearing thi! Thank you so much! We’re so glad you had a fun and safe experience in the Basic RiderCourse. Tom will be happy to know his coaching helped keep things clear and well-paced. We work hard to create a supportive training environment here at Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville, and it means a lot to know you’d come back for another class. Ride safe, and we hope to see you again soon!
Fantastic experience: Riding coach Tom was great. Highly recommend taking the course!
Thank you so much for the kind words! We're glad to hear you had a great experience in the Basic RiderCourse and that Tom helped make your training a success. We appreciate you choosing Learn to Ride TN here in Hendersonville for your motorcycle training. Wishing you safe and confident rides ahead!
Fantastic experience: Excellent instructors and a great time
Thank you so much! We’re glad to hear you had a great time and enjoyed working with our instructors. We’re proud to provide quality motorcycle training here at Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville, and we appreciate you being part of it. Ride safe and we hope to see you again!
Fantastic experience: The coaches were PATIENT, kind, and thorough, throughout this informative, well-structured ERC course. The ERC was way more fun than the BRC because there was no pressure to pass/fail the course— we were just there to refine skills and get more comfortable on our bikes. The only suggestion would be to put up a shade tent by the staging area where we can gather during instructions and breaks.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you found the ERC both informative and fun—and that our coaching team helped make the experience feel patient, kind, and supportive. We agree that the ERC is a great opportunity to relax, focus on real-world motorcycle skills, and really connect with your own bike.
We’re proud to offer rider training like this here at Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville, serving the Middle Tennessee motorcycle community. And thank you for the excellent suggestion about the shade tent! Goodness knows that sun can be brutal. Ride safe, and we hope to see you again down the road!
Fantastic experience: ERC is an absolutely phenomenal class. Both instructors Will and Tom were very patient and thorough. I feel very confident in my ability to apply the safety techniques they share in real world environments.This is my 2nd class with Learn To Ride TN. I attended their BRC1 (Basic Rider Class) back in May shortly after purchasing my first bike. This time, I was able to really bond with my bike and take away some very valuable insights to continue progression as a motorcyclist. Thanks again, and I’ll be back for your ARC as soon as the new season starts!
Thank you so much for this amazing review and for coming back to train with us again! We’re thrilled to hear that both the Basic RiderCourse and the ERC helped build your confidence and real-world riding skills. It’s great to know that Will and Tom made a positive impact. They both care deeply about creating a supportive and meaningful learning experience for every student.
We’re proud to offer motorcycle training here in Hendersonville through Learn to Ride TN that helps riders at every stage grow their skills and stay safe on the road. We can't wait to see you again for the Advanced RiderCourse next season. Until then, ride safe and keep enjoying that bond with your bike!
Fantastic experience: Can't say anything about the other coaches but William j head was very thorough and explained a lot I feel like was a great coach
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with Will during your Basic RiderCourse here at Learn to Ride TN in Hendersonville. Will brings a calm, detailed approach to coaching, and we’re proud to have him on our team. Our goal is always to give students the tools and confidence they need to ride safely, and we’re so glad that came through in your training. Ride safe and thank you again for choosing us for your motorcycle training!
Fantastic experience: Very good class
Thank you for the great review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the class and chose Learn to Ride TN here in Hendersonville for your motorcycle training. Wishing you safe and confident riding ahead!
Fantastic experience: I just participated in the riding course this past weekend and had a great time, as well as picking up some pointers. I also realized that I had some bad habits that I need to eliminate. There is always room to grow and learn something new or better in your riding. The instructor, Will, was great. Will took the time to explain the exercise, the requirements, and he would demo the exercise so you knew what was expected of you. Will would use different bikes to demo the course exercise to show that once you know the skill, you can do it on any bike. At the beginning of the course, we had two instructors, Gunny was the other instructor, and his knowledge was very beneficial to the course and the students. Both of these instructors take their training seriously; they know that riding is fun, but can also be dangerous, and they want each student to be the best they can be at the end of the training. They are both very patient and honest with their approach to training. I appreciate both of these trainers and highly recommend the course and the investment in yourself....Take the course.
Thank you so much for this incredible review! We're thrilled to hear that your experience with the Basic RiderCourse was both enjoyable and eye-opening. It means a lot to know that our instructors helped you identify and improve riding habits in a way that felt supportive and practical. We’re especially proud of the way our team—here in Hendersonville, TN—strives to balance skill-building with safety, always with the goal of helping riders leave more confident than they came in.
We appreciate your kind words and your recommendation, and we’re honored to be a part of your motorcycle journey. Ride safe, and we hope to see you again!
Fantastic experience: these are amazing people who are very patient with you for being a beginner
Thank you so much for the kind words! We know starting out can feel a little intimidating, so hearing that you felt patience and support from our team means everything. We’re so glad you had a positive experience, and we wish you the very best as you continue your riding journey. Ride safe!
Fantastic experience: This is hands down the best motorcycle safety school in Tennessee! Gunny is an incredible instructor patient, knowledgeable, and makes every student feel confident. The whole team truly cares and is always willing to help, even after you graduate. I left with the skills, confidence, and ongoing support to ride safely for life!
Thank YOU so much for the awesome review! We’re thrilled to hear that your experience with our team left you feeling confident and supported. Our coaches work hard to create a learning environment that’s patient, encouraging, and focused on helping every student build solid, lifelong riding skills. It means the world to know you left with not just the tools to ride safely, but the ongoing support you need as you continue your journey. Ride safe, and we’re always here if you need us!
Fantastic experience: I had an amazing experience taking the Basic RiderCourse. Tom was my coach, and he was fantastic - super patient and full of helpful, practical advice. His assistant was Jordan, who brought some peppy energy to the class. They really helped me work through my nerves, especially when it came to leaning and looking through turns (which I was pretty intimidated by at first). I left feeling much more confident, and had a fun time in the process. As a woman, I was grateful that I felt welcomed by my instructors and had a great time with my peers. Highly recommend this course to anyone, especially people who are brand new, who wants to build solid riding skills in a supportive environment.
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! I'm so glad to hear you had such a great experience in the class. Tom and Jordan will be thrilled to know their support made a real impact, and I love that you mentioned working through your nerves with turns. That’s such a big step for so many riders, and you should be proud of yourself for pushing through it!
It means a lot to hear you felt welcomed and supported, especially as a woman stepping into this space. That’s exactly the kind of environment we aim to create, and your feedback reminds us why we do what we do. Thank you again for the kind words,and ride safe out there!
Fantastic experience: I took the BRC course with no absolutely no experience other than being a passenger on a motorcycle. The teachers were absolutely amazing! I have learned so much and had an amazing time. I would recommend this place to everyone. The teachers give you great tips and discuss everything you learn from riding after each exercise. They go above and beyond for their riders and teach good riding habits. I started nervous from being a new rider and left feeling more confident. I can’t wait to practice everything I’ve learned. I will definitely be back for the next class after I have been riding for a bit. I have recommended the course I took to my friends and family. It is worth every penny and I would happily pay it again and again for the valuable lessons and experience that I have had here. I had such an amazing experience! Thank you all so so so much!
Thank you so much for this amazing review! We’re so proud of you for stepping into the course with no prior experience and giving it your all. It’s completely normal to feel nervous at first, and hearing that you left with confidence and excitement to keep riding is exactly what we hope for.
Our instructors work hard to make sure each student feels supported, and it means the world to hear how much you appreciated their coaching and feedback. We would be thrilled to have you back for the next course when you're ready. Thank you for recommending us to your friends and family, and for trusting us with your first steps into the world of riding. Ride safe and keep in touch!
Fantastic experience: Had a great time at brc. Coaches were knowledgeable and easy to work with. Laura was great at coordinating everything. Overall even though it was a hot day and we got poured on, it was a lot of fun. Highly recommend going to anyone wanting to get licensed or just improve their skills.
Thank you so much for the kind words! We're so glad you had a great experience—even with the heat and that surprise downpour! Our coaches work hard to make sure every student feels supported, and it means a lot to hear that came through. We’re especially happy to know you had fun while learning—because that’s what it’s all about! Thank you again for the recommendation, and we hope to see you back on the range someday. Ride safe!
Fantastic experience: First let me say if you are serious about learning to ride then this is your school the instructors are top notch Laura is great at getting you ready to start the class I am not a beginner by far I have been riding all my life but I learned things this weekend that I never knew so even if you know how to ride go get a little refresher it's well worth your time
Thank you so much for sharing this! We're really glad you joined us for the BRC--even with years of riding experience, there's always something new to learn, and it means a lot to hear that the class brought fresh insight and new skills for you. Our instructors truly care about helping every rider grow in both skill and confidence, whether it's their first or their hundredth ride.
We appreciate your recommendation!! Ride safe and enjoy every mile.
Fantastic experience: I recently completely my BRC course with Learn to Ride TN. Gunny was my instructor for private lessons. Laura answered every question I could think of leading up to class. Prior to this course I had essentially zero experience on a motorcycle, only a little dirt bike time under my belt. I took private lessons because the timing worked best for my schedule. Private lessons gave me extra time with each exercise. I cannot express enough gratitude for everything I learned! This course is easily worth double the fee they charge. I am so much more confident on my bike, I understand better how to work with my bike rather than against it. Gunny did a great job correcting mistakes I was making. This is why I took the course, I wanted someone to correct my mistakes to keep me safe on the road. He was always respectful in his critiques, even though I made the same mistakes multiple times. For this group, it is not just a paycheck, they genuinely want us to be safe out there. And heads up: as a lady - with limited upper body strength - you can do it, but be prepared to work, bikes are heavy!! Ride Safe!
Thank you so much for this incredible review! We're honored you chose Learn to Ride TN for your training, and we're especially glad the private lessons gave you the time and support you needed. It’s wonderful to hear how much your confidence has grown and how the course helped you connect with the bike rather than feel at odds with it—that’s such an important shift for every rider. And we love your encouragement to other women—yes, it takes work, but it’s absolutely doable, and we’re proud of you for showing up and putting in the effort. Ride safe, and thank you again for being part of the Learn to Ride TN family!
Fantastic experience: I started out a very irresponsible rider. I wrecked pretty badly. I am took time off riding out of fear. I recently have wanted to get back to riding. I found this course through a friend and it being most reasonable pricing with great reviews. I HIGHLY recommend this course. I feel wayyy more safe and responsible. I feel more comfortable as a rider now. The instructors are great and very knowledgeable and answer all questions! If you are looking for the right course, this is it. I plan to return after some time to do their experience course. This allowed me to navigate and learn the bike and my own capabilities I was not aware of prior. DO IT!
Thank you for sharing your story—we’re truly honored to be a part of your return to riding. It takes real courage to come back after a tough experience, and we’re so glad the course helped you feel safer, more confident, and more in control. Our instructors work hard to meet each student where they’re at, and it means the world to hear it made a difference for you.
We can't wait to see you again! Ride safe, and stay proud of the progress you've made!
Fantastic experience: I highly recommend taking this MSF COURSE! 100% worth every penny paid! I started off with kind of slow but made great progress each day and started to trust the bike. Everything is pretty straightforward, my instructors were amazing . Now I can ride along side my dad with confidence and the knowledge to tackle any obstacle that comes my way as a motorcyclist.
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that the course helped build your confidence and gave you the skills to ride safely—and even better that you get to share the road with your dad now!
We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to the instructors. Ride safe and enjoy every mile!
Fantastic experience: I firmly believe that the skills that Steve and Melanie taught me in August saved my life the other night when I had to execute a swerve at high speed to avoid a car who turned out in front of me. Had I not taken this class, I don’t doubt that I would have sustained serious injury when that happened. I cannot recommend this class enough. For those people that say the coaches are rude, I can assure you, they are not. They are firm with you because they want to see you succeed and survive. I wish I could give more than 5 stars!!!
Thanks Jason. I am glad the skills you learned have served you well. There is no substitute knowledge, hands-on practice and experience. Continue to be vigilant as you ride. And ride as though you are invisible. Four wheel drivers are not out to get you, they just don't see you and are distracted more today than ever.
Fantastic experience: Had a fantastic experience learning from Rider Coach, Mike. I appreciated the patience, quality advice and comraderie very much. Thank you!
Thanks Adam. Congratulations on earning a completion certificate so that you can get you motorcycle license. Ride safe.
Fantastic experience: Steve and Andy are phenomenal coaches. I have been riding on and off for years and after taking their class my confidence in my riding skills gas improved. They were great at teaching old riders new tricks and made people who have never touched a motorcycle look like pros. All in all I would highly recommend VMTS to anyone who is looking to get their motorcycle license. Could not have asked for better trainers. 5 stars all the way
Thanks Cory. Andy and I had fun working with this class. We had some challenges with the weather but everyone did a really good job.
Ride safe and have fun.
Fantastic experience: I had complete confidence leaving my grandson in their care for a safe, fun, basic training course!
Thanks Sharen.
Fantastic experience: One day down ..one to go
Awesome. I hope you are having fun.
Fantastic experience: Very knowledgeable awesome class for anyone thinking about wanting to ride a motorcycle
Thanks Brendan. I feel that Michael and Doreen are among some of the best RiderCoaches. They have a truly deep desire to make sure everyone has a positive experience. I am gald your experience was good. Ride safe.
Fantastic experience: Very impressive motorcycle riding class. As a beginner, this course gave me the knowledge and skills I was looking for to grow my confidence to get out on the roads. Highly recommend!
Thanks Matt. Ride safe and have fun.
Negative experience: I would not recommend Volunteer Motorcycle Training Services to a beginner. The initial overview of the manual and the first test went smoothly, but things rapidly went downhill once we started riding the motorcycles. Don’t be fooled by the Instagram photos; half of the bikes look like they’ve pulled out of a junkyard. When someone pointed out the condition of the bikes, one of the instructors responded with, “Well, this is what you get if you’re only paying $220.” It set the tone for the rest of the experience to be mediocre at best. Before taking the Basic RiderCourse I, I had never been on a motorcycle. Many of the other participants were much more experienced and the class was set to match their pace. If a skill wasn’t mastered by the first or second attempt, the Ridercoaches became visibly frustrated. Mike was particularly rude when giving instructions and was ultimately the reason why I decided to leave the course. I thought I was paying for someone to teach me, but instead, I got sarcastic remarks, eyes rolls, and mocked when I didn’t do something correctly. It became exceedingly difficult to perform the exercises once I was anticipating a negative reaction. I was also having issues with not being able to get my bike into neutral, which resulted in me having to hold in the clutch the entire time. I tried to discuss the issue with both coaches, but I was shrugged off and told to stay in 1st gear the duration of the class. That hindered my ability to use the clutch properly while riding, which then spiraled into the instructors being annoyed. I was genuinely trying my best to learn, but I was told that I was holding the rest of the group back. Since the group was fairly large, I don’t think the instructors wanted to take the time to work one-on-one with someone who didn’t have as much knowledge. If they thought that I was doing a poor job or was doing something unsafe, I wish that they would have just said that instead of trying to push me to quit the course. Overall, I got to ride enough to learn that I will enjoy riding a motorcycle once I receive the proper training. I am just disappointed that VMTS could not provide that.
Karlee, I am sorry you did not have a good experience. Motorcycling is challenging both physically and mentally. A rider has to have both physically and mentally prepared to ride on the street; automobile drivers expect us to be at the "top of our game" when we share the road with them. Most students come to class with no experience, meaning they have not been a rider but could have been a passenger, and are generally successful by the end of class. Each rider assumes total responsibility for riding there motorcycle, RiderCoachs provide on the spot correction as needed, and it is up each rider to put it to use. Riding exercises are completed at a quick pace but students are given adequate time to learn the basic skills.
As for the condition of the motorcycles, yes they don’t look like new right out to the dealership. As you might imagine, they have been dropped and abused by many new riders. While they don’t look as nice as a new bike, they do run and operate very well; we conduct a TCLOCS before every class.
Small displacement motorcycles are difficult to get into neutral sometimes. The only time we teach and advocate shifting the bike to neutral is during the start-up procedure, FINEC. Shifting a motorcycle to neutral while waiting for your turn to go is like shifting the bike to neutral while waiting for the traffic signal to turn from red to green. I know riders do that but is highly dangerous and is not a good practice. Mastery of the friction zone and throttle control is critical; it is arguably the most important skill motorcyclist must obtain when riding a manual shift motorcycle.
There are motorcycles on the market that don’t require shifting and therefore does not require a clutch lever; they are fully automatic. If clutch/throttle control is a challenge, I would suggest researching some of the Honda models that are DCT (dual-clutch transmission) like the Honda CTX 750. Unfortunately, these are too large for use in a Motorcycle Safety Foundation beginner course.
As for the rudeness of the RiderCoaches, it is their responsibility to see that the student learn skills and sometimes that means being stern; but I assure you they are not rude. Your safety is their main concern. If an exercise is not clear after the instructions are read and seeing the demo, the RiderCoaches ask if anyone has questions. It is at this point, they assume the students are ready. But even if the student makes mistakes, and that is expected, they provide coaching and hope the students will correct the error before they are allowed to move to the next exercise; that is standard procedure.
The RiderCoaches were surprised when you dropped out. While you were challenged with some of the basic skills, they didn’t think it warranted counseling you out or you deciding to discontinue.
Motorcycling is not for everyone, and for some people, it takes more than one class to gain the skills necessary to be safe on the streets.
Again, I am sorry you did not have a good experience.
Fantastic experience: Highly recommended to anyone wanting to get their motorcycle license or wanting to refine their riding skills. Doreen and Ross were excellent instructors. They were very friendly and helpful every step of the way. After taking the course, I feel much more confident and prepared to hit the road. It was a great experience.
Thanks Derrick. Glad you had a good experience. Ride safe.
Fantastic experience: I just completed the Beginner Rider course with Steve and Michael. As a new rider, this course was a perfect fit for me. While it was challenging at times, the RiderCoaches were very helpful, informative, and always reminded us to have fun. This class was a very positive experience for me and my classmates and I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking of learning to ride. I am very appreciative of the RiderCoaches for sharing their time, experience and patience with me this weekend.
Thank you Jaime. Congratulations and ride safe.
Fantastic experience: Great course and coaches! Coaches braved the storms and conducted the course to keep us in the building during the bad weather. Once the rain subsided we were on the bikes and rolling. Coaches did a great job of describing the exercises, explaining the purpose, and providing a demo. Ross and Doreen worked well together and provided tips or instruction to individuals as needed to improve the rider's performance. Classes fill fast, don't wait! **Corrected language per the response from the owner**
Thanks David. It is always good to hear positive feedback. One point of correction though. The RiderCoaches din't actually modify the course. They do have flexibility in changing up when to conduct classroom versus riding, but I understand what you mean. The curriculum is the same for everyone.
I hope you will consider the next levels of safety courses to continue life-long learning. I encourage everyone who has completed the course to get their motorcycle license and go ride as soon as possible.
Fantastic experience: Joe was awesome. I learned a lot and had fun at the same time.
Thanks Allison. I am really happy you had a good time learning from Joe. It is a realy true pleasure to here from students. Our goal is to show riders how to ride more safely and how to manage risk.
Ride safe. Consider the next level class, the Basic RiderCourse. It is an extension to thwe Basic RiderCourse.
Fantastic experience: Awesome location to get your beginner MSF training. The coaches were firm but not overbearing on us students (Just make sure to ask questions if you don’t understand the exercise before beginning it). My coaches were Ross and Doreen. They both were excellent teachers and even cut me some slack when I was 30 minutes late the second day. I would highly recommend getting your training here if you’re in/around the greater Nashville area.
Thanks Caleb. Our goal is to make sure students learn the proper techniques of riding, and while we like to have fun, we have to take this seriously; our lives depend on it. Ride safe. Cionsider the next level class, the Basic RiderCourse II class. It is an extension of the Basic RiderCourse.
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