Appalachian Rider Education Program 1236 Moreland Drive, Kingsport, TN 37664

"I took and passed the basic rider education program this past weekend. The morning of my class I was reading some of these reviews and I’m not going to lie the bad ones had me kind of nervous. After just a couple hours into the first day, all I could do was ask myself what were these people doing to make themselves so miserable while taking this course. Jim Bridges was my instructor. He was exceptionally thorough from start to finish. Explained each excersize, and it’s entirety. And assisted us along the way if we had any issues. Every time I get on my bike now and ride all I hear is him telling me to turn my head. He taught me a lot about having faith in the bike. I have so much respect for this class and all of its instructors, because not just anyone could do what they do."

"I completed (and passed) the Appalachian Basic Rider Course this past weekend. The class was structured and it’s evident the instructors truly care about what they’re teaching. Martin was the primary instructor I worked with and he was very straight forward and all riders knew his expectations. Jim (owner) was also present and super helpful. He made sure no rider was left behind in any exercise, and he allowed me to put in some extra time to complete a skill that I wasn’t picking up on. He gave get tips and easily identified the problems and where people needed more assistance. Jim truly cares about this program and does it for all the right reasons. I’d recommend this to anyone interested in riding."

"All of the instructors but one were excellent. Unfortunately, Jim Cook, the founder, owner, and lead instructor is enough to bring the whole program down. My first warning sign was that all of the women were selected to be in groups away from Jim. The course is advertised for anyone able to ride a two wheeled bicycle, but from start to finish, Jim was aggressive, condescending, and inept. Overall he was just an awful example for anyone who calls themselves an instructor. He got progressively more frustrated with the speed of my progress, and was in my face over and over each time I didn't meet his expectations. I told him my main issue was nerves. his response was "get your head in the game!!!!". sorry, Jim, but I'm not the same as the middle school students I assume you've mistreated. I continued to do my best with all the exercises, being offerered no useful advice from Jim. The one time I asked for clarification on instructions, before I knew better, he just stared at me like he wanted to fight, silent, waiting for his chance to strike. Never responded, I sat and waited for his episode to end for about 30 seconds but I wasn't super interested in being a PSTD fatality. A few minutes later he told me to park, and after leaving me in his little corner for about 15 minutes, slowly meandered toward me and told me I should reconsider riding a motorcycle, and that I should leave. He couldn't resist suggesting I pay him another $200 to try again after I had learned how to ride on my own. I received no offer to finish my training or to take my assessment. This person shouldn't be trusted with peoples kids without supervision, or other peoples wives. He's a little 5'6" powder keg, ready to blow at a moments notice. They have a no refund policy. But services rendered were not in accordance with what was promised. I wish his ex-wife the best, this is the most divorced man I have ever encountered."

"I recommend this safety course for any experience level you are or believe you are. Knowledge of safety and confidence in developed skill are key and these guys nailed it. It is affirming right from the beginning survey in the e-course, always checking for priority in safety and confidence level, and the instructors reinforce everything discussed in the course and translate that quite well to the bike. Jim cook and his entire team are precise and their real-time coaching with the 12 of us this weekend was a pleasure. Changing the perception of an operator on the road is huge and the method they use works. Thanks!"

"My 15 yr old daughter and I taken the two day class ! We both pass ! But let me tell y'all u won't find an better place to take this Course. Y'all will get hot , Sweaty and end up Stinking! But u will learn so much and not Realizing because they make this course so interesting and so fun! I wish I can give this place 10 stars! Jim Bridge and Erica Smith r amazing! I can't say enough on how amazing this business is! If you're considering taking a motorcycle class take this one you will not regret it!!!! I 120% recommend this company if you want to take a motorcycling class to get your certificate!! My 15 year old daughter had a amazing great time she had so much fun"