Think you got what it takes to ride like a motorcycle cop?
The RCMP and ICBC are putting riders’ prowess to the test, at the North Shore Motorcycle Skills Challenge Saturday (June 11) in the parking lot of Capilano University’s North Vancouver campus.
North Vancouverite Michael Brennan, 57, took the challenge Saturday morning, saying the skills course made him “crazy nervous.”
“Was it the six or so RCMP officers watching me, or the other fellow motorcycle riders? I’ve been riding for 30 years and the course gave me butterflies in my stomach,” he said.
The BMW r1200 GSA sport-touring bike that he rides is made for this kind of course, he said, and so he had high expectations for his circuit.
The course starts off with a couple of right and left turns, Brennan said, and then straight into the Snowman, which is a hard right 360 to a hard left 360 to a smaller hard right 360.
“If you make it through this, you’re pretty much golden,” he said.
The greatest fear of most motorcyclists is dropping their bike in front of an audience, Brennan said.
“But respect goes out to all of those riders today on extremely large bikes, pushing their limits, sometimes picking them up, but ultimately building skill and confidence.”
That fear and nervousness suddenly leaves you when you realize you’re surrounded by fellow motorcycle enthusiast and volunteers who are there to support you, he added.
Brennan managed the course without incident.
“A big thanks to the RCMP and all the volunteers who put this together,” he said. ” I truly enjoyed myself.”
The challenge continues to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Organizers of the event are reminding motorcyclists to wear their riding gear.
North Shore Motorcycle Skills Challenge
When: Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Capilano University North Vancouver Campus, at 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver
Cost: free
