RIDE Day Program
Production Overview for Providers
- MOTO Intro for non-riders
- SKILLS Check for riders with previous experience
Feature Your RIDE Day Events on MSF Website
Submitted Events
MSF RIDE Day Program
Drawing a Crowd to Your Event
How an Experience is Different then a Class
MSF RIDE Day Program
Part I RIDE Day Webinar – April 23
RIDE Day. You’ve heard of it, why not host your own?
What could that mean to your training demand, your potential students, your overall training program?
Did you know?
- 28% of RIDE Day participants enroll in a BRC within 12 months.
- Another 24% say they intend to enroll in the next 12 months.
Not only will you learn how hosting RIDE Days can boost training demand in your area, you’ll learn step-by-step from experts how to host your own RIDE Day events. You’ll see how RIDE Day can kick start a lifelong love of riding and of motorcycle riding education. You’ll learn how you can tailor RIDE Day events to make them work for you and your unique schedule/school/situation.
Download RIDE Day Webinar #1 Presentation Slides
Drawing a Crowd to Your Event
Part II RIDE Day Webinar – May 14 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
Drawing a Crowd to Your Event
Getting the word out for your RIDE Day and hosting the right size event for your range. We will look specifically at the turnkey promotional assets and available and review promotions that have worked in promoting events in the past.
Our Guest, Jesse Ziegler from Digital Throttle will talk about how social promotions work and other easy-to-execute concepts for promoting your RIDE Day event.
- Guest Jesse Z. Digital Throttle
How an Experience is Different then a Class
Part III RIDE Day Webinar – June 4 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
How an Experience is Different then a Class
Using the tools available to you. From digital waivers, to marketing assets, range cards, and videos covering everything from event production to consumer promotions – the webinar will look at all of the options available for producing RIDE Days at your school.
- Large annual event, versus smaller, consistent activations
- Insurance, waivers and other needed elements…
- Guests: Kyle M and Andria Y – Presenting versus teaching
MSF-Provided Promotional Assets
What's Included
- MSF & RIDE Day Logos
- Event photos for use in social and other promotions
- Video assets – public-facing
- Video assets – overviews for your team and partners
- Templates for event fliers, posters, and social media
- Event Waiver – QR code for those over 18, hard copy for those under 18
- MSF insurance – contact Laurie Brehm at lbrehm@msf-usa.org
Downloads:
PUBLIC FACING PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS:
Coach/Provider Videos:
PROMOTE YOUR EVENT
Utilize Assets MSF Supplies
- Flier, poster, and social media post templates are customizable for your event information
- Work with local dealerships and businesses to reach potential participants
Event Marketing
Utilized MSF-Supplied Assets
- Use images and video to create social media posts for your and your partner channels
- Use built-in promotional tools to promote the event and grow social exposure
Give-Aways: Banners, Stickers, T-shirts, Hats/Caps
To order contact Corey Eastman ceastman@msf-usa.org
Program Defined
RIDE Day Program
Participant Benefits
- No-pressure, no-hassle environment to try a motorcycle or check your riding skills
- Appropriate motorcycle, range, coaching, helmet and gloves all provided
- An easy, fun way to get a taste of rider training
- On-motorcycle activities are run by MSF-certified coaches
- We recommend hosting RIDE Days as a free event for participants
Sponsor/Provider Benefits
- Promote your site, engaging with potential students and the motorcycling community (including clubs, groups) in your area
- Partner with local motorcycle dealer(s) and related businesses in your area
- Drive participation in upcoming MSF RiderCourse offerings
Watch Coach RIDE Day Overview
AN INVITATION TO YOUR OPEN HOUSE
Motorcycle Safety Foundation RIDE Day is an open house at MSF-recognized range locations. RIDE Day events feature two MSF-based features — MOTO Intro and SKILLS Check. These can be presented together (range space permitting) or as two separate RIDE Day events.
MOTO Intro is designed as a ‘first ride’ experience, allowing participants to try riding without any of the typical obstacles that make a first experience difficult. This is conducted by MSF certified coaches.
SKILLS Check is for current, licensed riders, on their own motorcycle, riding an MSF-based exercise. This allows them to evaluate their own skills and receive feedback from an MSF-certified RiderCoach.
Keys for Success:
- Conclude on-motorcycle activity with next steps for future rider training.
- Keep it casual, fun, and positive – allow the sampling of motorcycle riding and rider training.
- Invite local powersport businesses to put up motorcycle, gear, or other relevant displays.
- Consider music, food trucks to enhance the overall experience.
- Invite local motor officers, motorcycle clubs, and other relevant organizations.
Other elements such as music, food vendors, dealer displays recommended, but must be organized at a local level.
MOTO Intro FAQs
MOTO Intro EXPERIENCE
- A first-ride experience in 30 minutes or less
- Minimum range size of 80×100
- Motorcycle, helmet, gloves, range and coach provided
- Coach to participant ratio: 1 to 1
Drill 3, adjust to allow 20 feet of run-off space.
Watch Coach MOTO Intro
A free, 30-minute, event giving those curious about riding, a first-ride experience in a controlled, low-risk, and positive environment.
The overall aim is to have participants briefly experience their first motorcycle ride under the guidance of a MSF-certified coach. The MOTO Intro is a “First Experience” and exposure to proper rider training, not a learn-to-ride course.
- Free!
- A non-pressured, non-hassle, supportive environment to try motorcycling.
- Encouraging, positive and compassionate interaction with training professionals.
- Everything is supplied: Motorcycle, Gear, Coaches.
A session is about 30 minutes.
Session includes registration/waiver, gear-up, introduction and instruction, a riding experience, gear-down, and next steps.
Each event utilizes a set-up area for registration, a range, a gear-up and down area, and next steps area.
Depending upon Site/Sponsor preference, the event may be three-to-five hours, or all day.
A training motorcycle is recommended for use. Look for
- good size, seat-height, and weight for newcomer participants
- to allow participants to support the weight of the motorcycle
- passing of a Coach T-CLOCS inspection
Not for MOTO Intro
Similar to a BRC and DBS, range management and coaching/tutoring principles apply. However, little or no front-loading of controls, directions, or evaluation points occur.
MOTO Intro models DBS Ex #03 Action Step #04 for delivery, then quickly moves to Ex. #06. We introduce and instruct basic hand controls, then immediate application.
Unlike BRC or DBS, MOTO Intro does not address foot controls, sequences of procedures, or most coach signals.
For a one-to-one ratio, one coach per motorcycle/participant.
It is recommended to have at least four to manage corners as participants begin riding. Best practice is at least one additional coach beyond participant maximum.
Dependent upon the size of the MOTO Intro layout and design. There may be room for only one platform, while other sites may be able to establish two on opposite ends of a training range.
The platform is similar in layout to BRC Ex.#03, however can be smaller in size.
When established, a checklist and assessment form will be implemented.
Yes. Adequate insurance must be provided to protect all parties involved. Sites/Sponsors should consider comprehensive, collision, medical (personal injury protection), and general liability, to exceed minimums required by the state and MSF. Program entities, participants, Coaches, and equipment must be adequately insured.
Ranges that use MSF insurance can contact Laurie Brehm at LBrehm@MSF-USA.org for insurance options and information. If you use another insurer, contact them directly about special event coverage.
By design, no painting is needed. Layout and cone placement can be paced-off to fitting and suitable dimensions allowing for an oval design, with multiple start/stop points, run-off, and staging area.
Yes. Cones and signage to identify registration area, MOTO Intro area, and SKILLS Check area. Paperwork: Incident Reports and Waivers (General Release & Indemnification, and Covid). Protective Equipment: DOT-compliant helmets, and a recommended selection of loaner footwear, gloves, and eye-protection.
QR Code to allow for online registration and waiver completion (participants over 18)
Typically standard 2″ or 3″ cones are used for start/stop points. Some points may work better if using two or three cones to mark the visual cue, such as end turn points.
Larger traffic cones may be needed to separate areas.
Sites/Sponsors can request support anytime. Support can include marketing materials and collateral, conference/video calls to discuss event needs and best practices, and possibly personnel to help with initial launch.
This is for the state/site/sponsor to decide and provide. Suggestions include a pin, magnet, completion sticker, “next step” info, discount coupon for a class, or other promotions to cultivate excitement.
COACH
Successful MOTO Intro Coaches are:
- compassionate, considerate, and have a sensitive social approach
- balanced in humility, confidence, and resolve
- sincere and empathetic in their desire to help others
- calm and courteous, and enthusiastically provide encouragement
- inspiring, reassuring, patiently professional and polite
- compassionate in giving direction and timely tips
- creative and patient while engaging to motivate and reassure
- able to meet riders where they are (emotionally and physically) without pressure of a “pass vs fail activity” mindset
- able to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills: verbally helpful, tolerant, with active listening skills to be a patient help-agent
Yes. Like other MSF programs, the same principles of SAM (Safety and risk management, Adult/Accelerated learning, and Motor skills development) are honored.
The layout is of similar pattern to BRC Exercise #03.
Coaches often assume they must conduct all of BRC Exercise #02 and #03. However, the MOTO INTRO experience, by design, does not address many of these controls or processes.
Not at this time.
Top of Mind Considerations
- Be a welcoming, personable, friendly, and responsive coach
- Understand that participants may have had past experience(s) that were challenging or discourteous
- PATIENCE! PERSISTENCE! CALM-TUTORING! TOLERANCE!
Rider Management Tips
- Less “is” more. Use fewer, better words.
- Do not say “PULL” (brake or clutch) as riders often pull on bar.
- Terminology impacts understanding and performance:
- Clutch “EEEEEAAAAAZE” to friction point
- Throttle “ROLL-ON” / “ROLL-OFF” “Roll-On to GO/Roll-Off to SLOW”
- Brake “SQUEEEEEZE” Squeeze-in fingers: 1, 2, 3, 4 (vs grab) “PUT BRAKE AWAY” When not in use.
- Never run in front of rider or try to “catch” them
- “SQUEEZE the Clutch!” if uncomfortable/out-of-control
- BRAKE: a smooth “SQUEEEEEZE” then “Put Brake Away”
- Tutor ‘lessons of opportunity’: Too much front load of techniques/strategies hinders experience.
- No details of shifting, posture, or countersteer
- Pull them out of path of travel if you need to talk to them
- At end of session, stop riders in straight line
- Coaches shut off bike. Ask riders to squeeze brake and dismount
- Coaches then move bike to start point ensuring in neutral
SKILLS Check FAQs
IMPROVING CURRENT SKILLS
- A skills check experience in 30-minutes or less
- Minimum range size of 80×100
- Participant rides their personal motorcycle
- Two coaches can manage multiple riders
*Not intended for a novice rider who is learning how to ride for the first time.
Watch SKILLS Check Coach Video
A free event giving current riders the opportunity to try and practice some MSF curricula components in a controlled, positive environment. This is not a course or class. This is an opportunity to ride under the guidance of a certified coach.
A common outcome may be a humbled realization that the rider isn’t as skilled, or has lost some proficiencies.
To provide a controlled, enjoyable practice session of multiple components of MSF curriculum; enabling the participant to realize the benefits of additional coaching or practice.
Riders who have some experience or who have completed a Basic RiderCourse, on their own street-legal motorcycle.
- Free!
- A non-pressured, non-hassled, supportive environment to assess their riding skills.
- Encouraging and positive, interaction with training professionals.
- Camaraderie with like-minded riders in an enjoyable setting.
Personal street-legal motorcycles are suggested for use. Each motorcycle will be checked by a Coach before the event/session begins via completion of a T-CLOCS Pre-Ride Inspection checklist.
*If you doubt a motorcycle is safe, it can not be used. Training motorcycles may be provided for use.
Different motorcycle types may be used, such as 3-wheel or 2-wheel. However, motorcycle types will not be mixed within a single session.
Similar to a BRC, range management and coaching/tutoring principles apply. Brief riders to the components and path-of-travel.
Minimal front-loading, other than component name and explanation along with the path-of-travel, allow riders to attempt (and sometime struggle) with techniques and strategies.
Demo rides may be provided. After the circuit is running have riders join in when they are ready. The circuit begins at one of the start-gates for the U-Turn. Unlike a BRC, SKILLS Check does not focus on points, procedures, or signals. This is not a course.
Recommendation of at least two Coaches–to–Riders.
Yes. Adequate insurance must be provided to protect all parties involved. Sites/Sponsors should consider comprehensive, collision, medical (personal injury protection), and general liability, to exceed minimums required by the state and MSF. Program entities, participants, Coaches, and equipment must be adequately insured.
Ranges that use MSF insurance can contact Laurie Brehm at LBrehm@MSF-USA.org for insurance options and information. If you use another insurer, contact them directly about special event coverage.
Yes. Minimum age is 16, under 18 requires parent/guardian waiver.
Possible, however, not for the first few (screening) laps.
*Any doubt of rider skills or passenger risk, then a passenger will not be allowed.
Yes. A DOT-compliant helmet, eye protection, long-sleeves, long pants, full-fingered gloves, and over-the-ankle footwear required.
None. The MSF RIDE Day SKILLS Check are conducted only at MSF recognized ranges.
Yes. Signage and Cones to identify registration area and SKILLS Check areas. Paperwork: Incident Reports and Waivers (General Release & Indemnification, and Covid). Cones to set-up circuit as designed. Training motorcycles, if interested in providing.
Typically standard 2” or 3” (small) cones are used directional markers/lanes, where (large) cones are used for Start/Stop and Pause-N-Go points. Larger traffic cones may be needed to separate activities.
This is totally up to the State/Site/Sponsor to provide. Suggestions include a pin, magnet, completion sticker, Next Step info, discount coupon for a class, or other promotions to cultivate excitement.
COACH
As these one-to-one experiences are much more intimate than a course, character traits of successful MOTO Intro Coaches personify:
- a compassionate, considerate, and sensitive social approach
- a balance in humility, confidence, and resolve
- a sincere and empathetic desire to help others
- calm and courteous, enthusiastically provide encouragement
- being inspiring, reassuring, patiently professional and polite
providing compassionate control, direction, and tolerantly timely tips - creative and patient engagement to motivate and reassure
- ability to meet riders where they are (emotionally and physically) without pressure of a “pass vs fail activity” mindset.
- the ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills: verbally helpful, tolerant, with active listening skills to be a patient help-agent.
BRC Exercise #09 is the starting point. Other components may be added to the circuit. Always maintaining a 20’ buffer between components. The SKILLS CHECK experience, by design, does not address many of the processes or evaluation points. This is a ‘practice’ and not a ‘class’ or ‘course’.
Compact, Full-Size (partial), or Full-Size (complete range) circuits of typical curricula components have been designed and tested for effectiveness of rider experience and low-risk efficiency, and may include: U-Turn, Pause-N-Go, Slow-Ride, Curve, S-Turn, Weave, Turn-From-A-Stop, etc.
Not at this time.
It is possible. If a participant is a danger to themselves or others, has insufficient aptitude, or a tendency to panic, counseling out is suggested. Any counsel-out should be dealt with timely, with a concern for their safety and self-esteem.
Top of Mind Considerations
- Be a welcoming, personable, friendly, and responsive coach
- Understand that participants may have had past experience(s) that were challenging or discourteous
- PATIENCE! PERSISTENCE! CALM-TUTORING! TOLERANCE!
Rider Management Tips
- Coaching situational awareness: focus on (i) rider coming toward you; (ii) other riders, (iii) your Co-Coaches.
- Providing timely tips, “Less is more. Fewer, better words.”
- Tutor ‘lessons of opportunity’: stalling, grabbing front brake, eyes down, head-turns, use of rear brake, etc.
- Too many tips of techniques/strategies hinders the experience.
- Our goal is to entice and encourage the benefit of additional classes to become a life-long learner.
- If needing a “chat” with rider, pull them out of path of travel.
- Remember, being chatty… delays ride time and spoils experience. (Participants learn best by doing… not listening.)
Event Production Timeline
STEP-BY-STEP ACTIONS
- Prior to promo start
Partner & Plan
- Present event idea to your team and get their support
- Find partner(s) — local m/c dealers or others with an interest in riding Select date(s)
- Gather promotable database from partners, agree on event specifics to promote
- Divide tasks and costs
- 30-days out
Promote
- Local event listing, integrate into normal promotions, news release to media, local clubs, police departments, others
- Place posters, fliers, banners where people can find them
- Social media: Post through your business, partners’ business, personal channels — make it easy to share
- Paid promos: social, local, however you can connect with relevant audience
- Week out
Logistics
- Waivers/QR codes for sign-in, other logistic items
- Other event features — food truck, bike displays, club displays, what can you add to engage people?
- Reminders to local clubs and others
- Check to ensure insurance, other elements in place
- Supply list and schedule: Who is doing what — check-in, MOTO Intro, SKILLS Check, etc.
- RIDE Day
Produce
- Check range, set up drills
- Set up registration, loaner gear area
- Water, refreshments ready
- Team meeting for final review
- Coaches help greet participants until needed on range — whole team to keep every element positive
- Thank you and offer options for next steps
Team Roles
Showing Participants a Good Time
Your team for RIDE Day activations can be a combination of MSF-certified RiderCoaches, DirtBike School Coaches and non-coach help. Key is to ensure everyone is friendly, welcoming, and ready to show participants a good time.
| FUNCTION | # OF STAFF | ROLE |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome/Waivers | 1-2 | Welcome guests, sign waivers, book time if needed, direct them to next step |
| Gear Up/Down | 1 | Help MOTO Intro participants with helmet and other gear |
| Traffic | 1 | Optional, but helps to engage participants and direct them |
| MOTO Intro | 4-6 | Coaches (RC or DBS) work 1-on-1 through on-motorcycle experience |
| SKILLS Check | 1-2 | RiderCoach(es) run SC drill |
| Next Steps | 1 | Dedicated team member to share upcoming courses, manage sign-ups and answer questions |
Event Checklist
Covering All Elements
- Review the full document
- All RIDE Day producers are welcome to use the event Checklist to help define roles and responsibilities among your team.
Follow-Up
Tracking & SHaring
- Let Corey Eastman at the MSF ceastman@msf-usa.org know how many participants attended and which activations they participated in
- Have participants fill out post-ride survey
- Event hashtags #MSFRideDay #motorcyclesafetyfoundation
- Include the database information into your regular communications plans
- Follow participants on your social channels
- Share participant database with partners after the event
- Offer options for training at the RIDE Day event
- Follow up with participants with a thank you email or phone call
- Answer their questions
- Offer additional training recommendations
- Let them know when additional RIDE Days are happening and ask them to share the information
