FEEDBACK
2015
"Don't get me started".....10 years later
That's right, its been 10 years since I took the most beneficial motorcycle training I have ever
received.
As a MSF and Harley Davidson instructor I regularly urge students to take more training courses. In every class I tell them
about going to Michigan to get the best training they can get at Midwest.
A couple months ago I realized that it had been 10 years since my training at Midwest and not just a couple years.
Needless to say, although I practice, I wasn't taking my own advice. My teaching schedule conflicted with
Midwest's full week course. I then notice there were private lessons available. I signed-up and had a private one on one lesson
with Doug Wolfe. Once again, "Don't get me started"
Under Doug's knowledgeable and critical eye, he identified my weaknesses and gave the proper solutions. He also gave me
advanced techniques to further my skills. The advice given for the slow cone pattern exercises were priceless for my skill levels.
The morning practice and advice lead to the most outrageous braking exercise I've ever seen let alone performed.
The exercise was called, "Evade and break exercise".
This braking exercise is much more involved then what I experience10 years ago with the brake and escape exercise.
Your not just braking but multitasking. From road speeds, braking, downshifting, checking your mirrors (looking for
orange flags) going into torque and escaping around the car or truck, etc...ahead.
What a challenge and pleasure to be successful at (much thanks to Larry for your advice and assistance on that exercise).
Thank-you so much Doug for your patience, advice and a truly real world potentially life saving program.
"Don't get me started".......again
Kit
Hi Kathy,
I wanted to share that coming into this police motor training I had only been on a dirt bike twice in my life, never a motorcycle, so I was pretty nervous. Doug and Larry were very thorough and informative teaching safety, operation and nomenclature of the motorcycle. When I started doing drills on the Harley I thought this will never work, I couldn't even count how many times I dropped the motorcycle. But with the best instructors in the business they instilled confidence in me and I was able to pass final road test with flying colors. In fact I was the first student to pass the road coarse without a single cone touch. That's how great the team is at Midwest Police Motorcycle Training!
After returning to my department and showing them what I had learned they were more than impressed!!
Jason Flick, New Buffalo Police Dept.
Hello Doug / Kathy,
Or whomever is reading this.. I hope that this email finds all of you well !! I am truly embarrassed as to the amount of time that has expired and my failing to "keep in touch". However, my personal training has continued (as a matter of fact, to an accelerated level), now that I have a true mentor in Doug.. A true inspiration to me since I have returned to Jacksonville FL..
Dear Kathy, Doug, Larry
Just a quick note of appreciation and thank you, to Doug ,Larry and his support staff for a great learning experience this past week.
Both Doug and Larry are the consummate professionals at their craft. They not only possess the skill and experience of Police Motor Officers, but the unique ability to instruct others at all levels, so that the student is able to grasp the concept and mechanics of what ever skill they are developing in that student so he or she can perform that desired skill to an advanced level. They both, along with the support instructors, take the time for each student to make necessary corrections either by demonstration, or a trained eye to make it all come together. That can only be accomplished by truly being passionate about what you do
I believe it was Plato who said " If what one does with consistency becomes known as excellence, then excellence is no accident, it becomes habitual" and that is what Doug and Larry bring to the table, Mid West Police Motorcycle Training is Excellence won by training and habituation.
A sincere and heartfelt Thank You,
Bob Sivori, Ret. NYPD
Semper Fidelis
Doug,
I have been working hard on my "civilian braking" and I can GUARANTEE you that when I arrive next year for Level One "completion" that you will see a whole new rider.. You and your entire program have truly been an inspiration to me, and very instrumental in taking me to "my next level". Whether it means anything to you or not, me not keeping in touch was a failure on my part and want you to know that there was not a "flash in the pan" student that you trained for 5 days in MI this year.. You have me as a student for as long as you choose to be my mentor.. As I mentioned, this is what I do, I am not a yard guy, I do not have a boat, don't golf, this is my passion and strive to be better and better every weekend, you have just put the icing on the cake for me.. For that I truly Thank You !!!
I am trying to get out to my range more than just Saturday and alot of times Sunday's but that does not always work in my favor being that I work 60+ hours / week.. But I do the best that my time allows.. Your training, tips/suggestions, and accelerated techniques have made all the difference in the world as I maneuver thru my now TWELVE exercises, soon to be THIRTEEN.... The WEAVE...
I could go on and on, but think of and speak about you guys on a very regular basis back home in Jacksonville.
Doug, my time spent in MI this summer was (unmatched), and I am taking you up on your offer "if you really want to go to the next level", I (Doug) will take you there".. I am accepting that offer and look forward to next year's training.. Take Care and Ride Safe All !! See you at the end of the month..
Jim Burgess
Transportation Manager
Ryder Integrated Logistics, Inc.
Hi Kathy,
It's Sam Smith from Kingston, Ontario. I took the Primary Training in October 2010 and the Refresher course in April of this year. Please pass this on to Doug.
I received what I consider to be a great compliment earlier today. I was at a nearby parking lot at St. Lawrence College, practicing low speed maneuvers; in the adjacent parking lot, the instructors were setting up for the M2 Motorcycle Training Course. As I was leaving, one of the instructors waved me over; he had been watching me practice and had mistaken me for a motor officer from the Kingston Police Dept. Made my day.
Thanks again, to you and your instructors, for for providing such an outstanding training course for civilians. I'll look forward to taking the Advanced training some time in the future.
Sam
Don’t Get Me Started
Don’t get me started is what I usually respond with when asked about the Midwest civilian police motorcycle course. I considered myself a good rider until I took this training. I’m a Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified instructor and Harley Rider’s Edge instructor in Ohio. I practice riding skills a lot in parking lots and on the street. My peers considered me to be an excellent rider with good slow maneuvering skills and braking skills etc.
After taking the Midwest course I couldn’t believe the difference in my skills. Imagine my excitement when, after this training, I was able to reduce my braking distance by 30-40%. Yes I do actually measure my braking distance. They teach you how to achieve maximum braking, and knowing you’ve achieved it, without locking up the tires. That was worth the cost of the training in itself.
Watching the instructors demonstrating each exercise was like watching poetry in motion. It didn’t matter if they were just riding extremely slow or quick braking they demonstrated total control and smoothness. An absolute treat to watch.
This course was the highlight of my riding and training experience. There’s not a ride I take that I don’t reflect on techniques I learned at this course. In any type of riding conditions, either slow or fast, straight or tight turns, I feel in total control. Even in an 18’ u-turn or tight circle I don’t even have an urge to put a foot down. Thank you for the Torque technique. What control at slow speeds that gives you.
Make sure you regularly practice what they teach you. Your riding will be so much more fun, in control, and life saving. I wish the MSF would adopt some of these techniques.
They advertise that you’ll learn how to ride like the “top 2% of riders.” If you practice what they teach you, you truly will. Don’t get me started.
K. Hedges
Hi Kathy
I was planning on attending a class before the end of this season but time
is running short. Is there a class in Oct?
BTW, earlier this year I made a trip to Italy and along with another rider, rented Harley Electra-glide Classics from the Florence Harley Dealer and
toured parts of Italy and France. On the way through the mountains of
France my training from Midwest came in handy. We were riding in the rain through the tight switch backs. My riding buddy was struggling with the 180 degree turns while I simply used the techniques Doug and Larry taught to me
and cruised right around the turns. Attached is a photo of a typical switch back in the mountain north of Nice, France. Take note, my brake like is
on!! Thanks for teaching me how to do it!
Hope to see you soon and hope all is going well.
Al Iaconis
Hello Doug & Larry;
I would like to thank you both for sharing your techniques and insights and training tips this past week end with the “da New Yorkers” of Al, Doc, Mike and Preacher Wrongturn. In spite of my fall, while I am still in pain, I have no regrets riding the 12hours out there and spending 4 intense days with you and improving my skills. I had my doubts on Thu, then Fri but had a breakthrough on Sat ..especially when you guys gave me the “Most Improved Rider Award”…that really meant a lot. But as fate would have it, somehow the gods were not with me.I will take back the life saving skills with me and practice them with Al and Doc. I even had to use some of them in the rest of my journey back home to NY.
While I did not “pass/complete” the course I passed the lessons of life and I am alive to learn and improve. When I finally got home from Pittsburgh and back to NY, I had ridden on this trip- 1, 741 miles. Not too bad for a beginner. Lol.
Carlos, NY
Hi Doug-
I wanted to say "thanks" for the course last week. I got a lot out of it and came away with several things to work on and integrate into my riding. It was definitely time well spent.
I did appreciate you and Larry taking the time to diagnose my countersteering. That was probably a little frustrating for all three of us, but it's not something I would ever have noticed on my own. That and getting my braking technique right are the big things on my list now.
Best wishes,
Charles
That's right, its been 10 years since I took the most beneficial motorcycle training I have ever
received.
As a MSF and Harley Davidson instructor I regularly urge students to take more training courses. In every class I tell them
about going to Michigan to get the best training they can get at Midwest.
A couple months ago I realized that it had been 10 years since my training at Midwest and not just a couple years.
Needless to say, although I practice, I wasn't taking my own advice. My teaching schedule conflicted with
Midwest's full week course. I then notice there were private lessons available. I signed-up and had a private one on one lesson
with Doug Wolfe. Once again, "Don't get me started"
Under Doug's knowledgeable and critical eye, he identified my weaknesses and gave the proper solutions. He also gave me
advanced techniques to further my skills. The advice given for the slow cone pattern exercises were priceless for my skill levels.
The morning practice and advice lead to the most outrageous braking exercise I've ever seen let alone performed.
The exercise was called, "Evade and break exercise".
This braking exercise is much more involved then what I experience10 years ago with the brake and escape exercise.
Your not just braking but multitasking. From road speeds, braking, downshifting, checking your mirrors (looking for
orange flags) going into torque and escaping around the car or truck, etc...ahead.
What a challenge and pleasure to be successful at (much thanks to Larry for your advice and assistance on that exercise).
Thank-you so much Doug for your patience, advice and a truly real world potentially life saving program.
"Don't get me started".......again
Kit
Hi Kathy,
I wanted to share that coming into this police motor training I had only been on a dirt bike twice in my life, never a motorcycle, so I was pretty nervous. Doug and Larry were very thorough and informative teaching safety, operation and nomenclature of the motorcycle. When I started doing drills on the Harley I thought this will never work, I couldn't even count how many times I dropped the motorcycle. But with the best instructors in the business they instilled confidence in me and I was able to pass final road test with flying colors. In fact I was the first student to pass the road coarse without a single cone touch. That's how great the team is at Midwest Police Motorcycle Training!
After returning to my department and showing them what I had learned they were more than impressed!!
Jason Flick, New Buffalo Police Dept.
Hello Doug / Kathy,
Or whomever is reading this.. I hope that this email finds all of you well !! I am truly embarrassed as to the amount of time that has expired and my failing to "keep in touch". However, my personal training has continued (as a matter of fact, to an accelerated level), now that I have a true mentor in Doug.. A true inspiration to me since I have returned to Jacksonville FL..
Dear Kathy, Doug, Larry
Just a quick note of appreciation and thank you, to Doug ,Larry and his support staff for a great learning experience this past week.
Both Doug and Larry are the consummate professionals at their craft. They not only possess the skill and experience of Police Motor Officers, but the unique ability to instruct others at all levels, so that the student is able to grasp the concept and mechanics of what ever skill they are developing in that student so he or she can perform that desired skill to an advanced level. They both, along with the support instructors, take the time for each student to make necessary corrections either by demonstration, or a trained eye to make it all come together. That can only be accomplished by truly being passionate about what you do
I believe it was Plato who said " If what one does with consistency becomes known as excellence, then excellence is no accident, it becomes habitual" and that is what Doug and Larry bring to the table, Mid West Police Motorcycle Training is Excellence won by training and habituation.
A sincere and heartfelt Thank You,
Bob Sivori, Ret. NYPD
Semper Fidelis
Doug,
I have been working hard on my "civilian braking" and I can GUARANTEE you that when I arrive next year for Level One "completion" that you will see a whole new rider.. You and your entire program have truly been an inspiration to me, and very instrumental in taking me to "my next level". Whether it means anything to you or not, me not keeping in touch was a failure on my part and want you to know that there was not a "flash in the pan" student that you trained for 5 days in MI this year.. You have me as a student for as long as you choose to be my mentor.. As I mentioned, this is what I do, I am not a yard guy, I do not have a boat, don't golf, this is my passion and strive to be better and better every weekend, you have just put the icing on the cake for me.. For that I truly Thank You !!!
I am trying to get out to my range more than just Saturday and alot of times Sunday's but that does not always work in my favor being that I work 60+ hours / week.. But I do the best that my time allows.. Your training, tips/suggestions, and accelerated techniques have made all the difference in the world as I maneuver thru my now TWELVE exercises, soon to be THIRTEEN.... The WEAVE...
I could go on and on, but think of and speak about you guys on a very regular basis back home in Jacksonville.
Doug, my time spent in MI this summer was (unmatched), and I am taking you up on your offer "if you really want to go to the next level", I (Doug) will take you there".. I am accepting that offer and look forward to next year's training.. Take Care and Ride Safe All !! See you at the end of the month..
Jim Burgess
Transportation Manager
Ryder Integrated Logistics, Inc.
Hi Kathy,
It's Sam Smith from Kingston, Ontario. I took the Primary Training in October 2010 and the Refresher course in April of this year. Please pass this on to Doug.
I received what I consider to be a great compliment earlier today. I was at a nearby parking lot at St. Lawrence College, practicing low speed maneuvers; in the adjacent parking lot, the instructors were setting up for the M2 Motorcycle Training Course. As I was leaving, one of the instructors waved me over; he had been watching me practice and had mistaken me for a motor officer from the Kingston Police Dept. Made my day.
Thanks again, to you and your instructors, for for providing such an outstanding training course for civilians. I'll look forward to taking the Advanced training some time in the future.
Sam
Don’t Get Me Started
Don’t get me started is what I usually respond with when asked about the Midwest civilian police motorcycle course. I considered myself a good rider until I took this training. I’m a Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified instructor and Harley Rider’s Edge instructor in Ohio. I practice riding skills a lot in parking lots and on the street. My peers considered me to be an excellent rider with good slow maneuvering skills and braking skills etc.
After taking the Midwest course I couldn’t believe the difference in my skills. Imagine my excitement when, after this training, I was able to reduce my braking distance by 30-40%. Yes I do actually measure my braking distance. They teach you how to achieve maximum braking, and knowing you’ve achieved it, without locking up the tires. That was worth the cost of the training in itself.
Watching the instructors demonstrating each exercise was like watching poetry in motion. It didn’t matter if they were just riding extremely slow or quick braking they demonstrated total control and smoothness. An absolute treat to watch.
This course was the highlight of my riding and training experience. There’s not a ride I take that I don’t reflect on techniques I learned at this course. In any type of riding conditions, either slow or fast, straight or tight turns, I feel in total control. Even in an 18’ u-turn or tight circle I don’t even have an urge to put a foot down. Thank you for the Torque technique. What control at slow speeds that gives you.
Make sure you regularly practice what they teach you. Your riding will be so much more fun, in control, and life saving. I wish the MSF would adopt some of these techniques.
They advertise that you’ll learn how to ride like the “top 2% of riders.” If you practice what they teach you, you truly will. Don’t get me started.
K. Hedges
Hi Kathy
I was planning on attending a class before the end of this season but time
is running short. Is there a class in Oct?
BTW, earlier this year I made a trip to Italy and along with another rider, rented Harley Electra-glide Classics from the Florence Harley Dealer and
toured parts of Italy and France. On the way through the mountains of
France my training from Midwest came in handy. We were riding in the rain through the tight switch backs. My riding buddy was struggling with the 180 degree turns while I simply used the techniques Doug and Larry taught to me
and cruised right around the turns. Attached is a photo of a typical switch back in the mountain north of Nice, France. Take note, my brake like is
on!! Thanks for teaching me how to do it!
Hope to see you soon and hope all is going well.
Al Iaconis
Hello Doug & Larry;
I would like to thank you both for sharing your techniques and insights and training tips this past week end with the “da New Yorkers” of Al, Doc, Mike and Preacher Wrongturn. In spite of my fall, while I am still in pain, I have no regrets riding the 12hours out there and spending 4 intense days with you and improving my skills. I had my doubts on Thu, then Fri but had a breakthrough on Sat ..especially when you guys gave me the “Most Improved Rider Award”…that really meant a lot. But as fate would have it, somehow the gods were not with me.I will take back the life saving skills with me and practice them with Al and Doc. I even had to use some of them in the rest of my journey back home to NY.
While I did not “pass/complete” the course I passed the lessons of life and I am alive to learn and improve. When I finally got home from Pittsburgh and back to NY, I had ridden on this trip- 1, 741 miles. Not too bad for a beginner. Lol.
Carlos, NY
Hi Doug-
I wanted to say "thanks" for the course last week. I got a lot out of it and came away with several things to work on and integrate into my riding. It was definitely time well spent.
I did appreciate you and Larry taking the time to diagnose my countersteering. That was probably a little frustrating for all three of us, but it's not something I would ever have noticed on my own. That and getting my braking technique right are the big things on my list now.
Best wishes,
Charles
