The last time I posted this question, we didn't get enough interest in the Southeast to make it work out here. But I am seeing more new bus owners/shoppers in the southeast lately and new member bwze's post brought it back to my thoughts.
We have a professional bus driver that bases his charter bus here at the shop. He is willing to put on a driving course if we can get at least 8 students at $250 each. With sufficient interest we could put it together this month or next. The course would be 2 days:
Day 1 - Informational. Learning all about general rules*, safety, pretrip checks, features common to most buses, Q&A and a couple hours with the shop mechanic on the subject of preventative maintenance. There are a variety of buses here that can be used to demonstrate various topics.
Day 2 - Driving. The teacher has a seated MC-9 and will take the group to a large empty parking lot to teach manuevering with each student getting hands on the wheel training. Also he will drive it in traffic and on the freeway to demonstrate safe practices, capabilities, performance expectations, etc.
We can also spend a little time on trouble spots to look for in various bus models when shopping.
This would take place in and around Rossville, GA which is effectively a suburb of Chattanooga, TN. There are motels and restuarants within a mile. We have dry camping space for buses if anyone wants to come in theres and stay in it. We have one 30A spot. There is also a campground just around the corner from the shop.
So let's here from those that feel pretty strongly they would attend this driving course.
Knowing this bunch of "old hotrodders" bus drag races would be more of a interest booster.
could be four stroke against two stroke ones.
uncle ned
There has been a lot of newbies lately, and I would highly recommend some training for them, for OUR sakes, lol.
I'm interested!
;D BK ;D
Me too! ;D
Quote from: Busted Knuckle on November 10, 2010, 11:13:16 AM
I'm interested!
;D BK ;D
BK yes you require re- training,,,,, solely for the purpose of those charters you have with the Girls Basketball Team :):)
Quote from: Busted KnuckleI'm interested!
;D BK ;D
Quote from: vanMe too! ;D
Quote from: Paso One
BK yes you require re- training,,,,, solely for the purpose of those charters you have with the Girls Basketball Team :):)
But not for me, but rather for some of our so called "professional drivers!" ;)
I'm tired of the buses coming in tore up, from lack of paying attn!
;D BK ;D
And Paso, just out of curiosity did you know I hauled the womens basketball team last night? Were you there? Shoulda said HI, I would have given to a "tour" of a SETRA! ;)
Yes, I would be interested, but don't know if I can commit, as it is pretty far from me. Sending you a pm.
Mike
For those attending Bussin' 2011, RJ Long is giving a Bus Driving /Defensive Driving Seminar. No hands on, but a very informative seminar. Jack
Can I bring friends?
d
Depending on the schedule, I would definitely be interested.
I would love to attend both of the events, especially RJ Long's. I think it would be worth the money even though I've put many miles behind the wheel of ours. I think even seasoned veterans would benefit, might even learn a thing or two.
Due to our circumstances neither one will not work for us at this time.
This should also be of great interest for us older guys trying to get our wives taught by some one other than ourselves. If nothing else the ladies should become familiar with how to start one up and how long it takes before you can move it. Most women at the rallies we've been to do not know the first thing on what to do.
Just a thought.
I just don't know if I could handle anything as big as a bus. ::)
I would be interested. Just can't commit quite yet either until the date is narrowed down a little more.
Look, I gladly shed any pride I have to learn even a little something new. After all, how many of us have never been professionally trained in these areas? I have actually been thinking about going after a class B CDL here in NC.
Marc
I think it is a fabulous opportunity even for the ole crusty dudes in the group. It isnt often someone gets a chance to brush up on skills from professionals.
On a slightly different note, my son is in high school here in California. The bus drivers here teach the kids to pull the e-brake in case of the driver passing out or something. I think it is FAR better if at least one person could cover for the driver in an emergency, but I guess teaching them this is better then nothing.....
Hey, crusty old dudes, I resemble that remark.
If the class were closer to cal I would take it. I just wish I could get back to jacks place for the last hoorah
Don
Quote from: Don Fairchild
Hey, crusty old dudes, I resemble that remark.
If the class were closer to cal I would take it. I just wish I could get back to jacks place for the last hoorah
Don
Yes you do! Only if it includes checking out parking spots b4 backing in!And yes you should! I'm gonna try and make it, I heard Uncle Ned is, I'd be bet'n Ace & John will and I'm quite sure we can rustle up a few other trouble makers like Niles! (too bad Cody can't come then we'd be all set!)
;D BK ;D
Don, lol! you won't be parking near the docks will you? ;D
great day to whoop somebody's @$# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzU9FgNTYrU&feature=related#)
re: the forklift off the loading dock; that happened at the naval facility I worked 1984-2009. The load was a MK-48 torpedo (test unit NO warhead). Our safety office had that photo on the wall for years captioned 'Forklift fails flight test'.
Bryce, now you know why I am not a truck driver. LOL
Van good video
don
Hey Van, don't you think that there should have been a picture of one of us buying a bus in the sequence?
LOL! good thought Lin, I looked hi & low, but could not find one ;D But I'll keep lookin' ;) ;D
Luv ya Don! ;D
Quote from: DanKeeton on November 10, 2010, 09:10:10 PM
Can I bring friends?
d
Dan, sorry for the delay answering. I had to think about that for awhile and discuss it with the instructor to determine how to be accomodating but also be fair to the paying students. We came up with the following:
Spouses of paying students can participate as full students for half price.
Non paying guests who come with a paying student can:
- Monitor the informational part to listen in and take notes, but may not ask questions or participate in class discussions. If there is insufficient seating for all, guests may have to stand or make do with what they find to sit on. (perhaps bring fold-up camping chairs?)
- Ride along during the hands on driver training to observe, but don't get time at the wheel or ask questions.
At all times, whether sitting listening to the instructor, gathering around a bus to observe something hands on, or sitting in the bus during the hands on driver training, the paying students get priority on placement closest to the instructor/point of interest and are free to ask questions.
There seems to be just enough interest that we are looking at suggesting a date and see how many folks might attend. At this point though it is still hypothetical and depends on how many paying participants we would have before it becomes certain.
To refresh the topic, the elements covered would be:
- "Classroom" - Covering the rules and guidlines for safe and effective operation of a bus. Preventative maintenance needs of a bus. Includes Q&A.
- Walk around tour of the various buses at the shop to discuss their unique features and what to look for when shopping them.
- Hands on pretrip inspection of a MC-9
- Hands on driver training in a MC-9
Hey crusty ole Don, maybe YOU should consider hosting something like this for us West Coast people......
I could be interested in such a course on the west coast. I would have to think about it though since part of the thrill of driving the bus is knowing that I am the most dangerous vehicle on the road. If I knew what I was doing, all the adrenalin would disappear.
If that happened Lin, pretty soon you would probably be nodding off as you go down the road. ;D
Quote from: happycamperbrat on November 13, 2010, 08:19:43 AM
Hey crusty ole Don, maybe YOU should consider hosting something like this for us West Coast people......
Maybe a combo effort by crusty & RJ ?
;D BK ;D