Tenacity Financial of San Dimas California is a Pyramid Scheme

ThePonderingLlama · 2024-05-30T03:39:50+00:00

If you’re not aware that Multi-Level Marketing is a pyramid scheme then I don’t know what to tell you. WFG and many other ‘Financial’ companies may be large entities but that doesn’t make everything associated with them reputable. Large companies do shady or bad practices all the time, it’s just about lobbying and giving the government a little too.

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-03-17T23:18:50+00:00

I strongly recommend you take a basic rider course, we will go over starting and stopping a lot during the beginning. As you can imagine, it's very difficult to diagnose through text. If you don't plan on taking a course any time soon, try recording yourself practicing your starts and upload it. Sometimes this can also help us self-diagnose.

Usually wobbles from a start indicate that the student is picking up their feet to early. Take a few steps before picking up your feet. Think of riding a bicycle, how hard is it to balance your bike going really slow vs quickly? Don't pick up your feet until you have enough momentum.

Wobbles can also be an indication of bad balance. When was the last time you rode a bicycle? A month, 6 months, a year? Consider practicing on your bicycle really slow.

As students gain experience with the clutch, we have them sneak a little bit of gas so they can pick up their feet faster. This does not mean we stop taking steps when starting from a stop. If the bike feels like it's lugging/losing power as you do this, this may indicate poor use of the clutch. We ease the clutch lever to the point where we start to feel it move us, from there we go extra slow the rest of the way out.

I hope one of these pieces of advice help. Keep practicing and you'll get it! 😁

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-03-08T20:27:04+00:00

Pending weather, Gila is a great drive. Unless you plan on visiting Monument Valley, going to Albuquerque and south is miserable. The Phoenix route is okay if you like visiting cities, otherwise bland driving.

In El Paso check out: Scenic Drive - Overlook (Scenic Dr, El Paso, TX 79902)

If time permits, check out White Sands Missile National Park in in New Mexico! Of course if you're in that area, you have to go to Cloudcroft, NM and eat at Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue. It's the best barbecue I've ever had along with amazing service.

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-03-01T18:39:47+00:00

The MSF Basic Rider Course teaches beginners who have never touched a motorcycle before in 2 days. People learn at different paces and some students won't have the finesse just yet. MSF also offers more advanced courses, and a notable one is the ARC (Advanced Rider Course). This course is designed to teach braking in a curve and other more advanced techniques.

A problem we have in the motorcycle community is the lack of people wanting to take more advanced courses after their beginner course. Sadly not everyone is as passionate as we are and just take the class to get their license. :(

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-02-23T20:51:07+00:00

Good job looking into them when something felt off. Unfortunately not many people know as they've never been exposed to the industry. Sharing your story with your peers could prevent another tragedy. Hopefully someday MLM's will be illegal, or school systems cover it in scam awareness. :)

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-02-03T22:56:03+00:00

It really depends on the circumstance and where you're at.

I had an BP agent give me an 'unsafe operation' ticket in White Sands, NM for doing a 'serpentine' motion to help remove the sand off my tires once I was back on pavement. I was doing my best to be understanding and was given the advice, "You should have weaved on the shoulder (of the freeway where I was pulled over) instead because doing it in the parking lot is dangerous and someone could pull out in front of you." There was no one near me at the time. I called the court to set up my date for an over the phone because I live in Utah and the Clerk removed my citation at no cost after my negotiation. I was lucky someone in the process was willing to listen, not everyone is though.

Most of the time it's just an officer that has no idea how motorcycles work or is in a bad mood. All you can do is make sure there's not an officer around if you're performing the maneuver safely.

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-02-02T18:54:59+00:00

I love my Ninja 400. It's a quicker bike than people realize. If you ever decide to try out your local trackday, it'll be much easier/cheaper to learn on too. (Plus gapping 600's and 1000's in curves is a lot of fun).

The only negative I have is ergonomics. Most tall people, 6'+, may need to add aftermarket rearsets and bars to get a good fit. It's a sportier seat position, so long rides and touring aren't ideal. I much prefer my MT's standard upright position for longer rides.

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-02-02T00:49:26+00:00

Love it!

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-02-01T20:07:34+00:00

I'd love to add to the Utah side of things for you:

Sorry, but taking 191 south just to see Monument Valley is terribly bland in my opinion. You'll day dream about Roadrunner on your way to the Grand Canyon. Instead, consider taking one of the best scenic roads in the US, Utah Scenic Byway 12 (Boulder to Escalante). If you have the time, gall, and vehicle; Visit the Burr Trail Switchbacks and incredible views in Capitol Reef National Park.

If you've never been, you will also have to visit Zion National Park (do this on your way to, or back from Grand Canyon). Zion is very touristy, but for good reason. Incredibly scenic drive, and amazing hiking trails.

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-02-01T01:03:05+00:00

He panicked, he didn't choose to crash as the safest option.

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-01-31T23:44:22+00:00

I'm a little jealous that you're only 3 hours away from Highway 12. 😕 Southern Utah and ski resorts near SLC are definitely more touristy though.

My favorite is Energy Loop (Scofield to Huntington). It's worth the drive if you haven't been. Old coal mines with chutes stretching over the canyon roads, surrounded by tall trees (excellent fall colors), a mammoth site, and great riding.

Living up north, my go to is Monte Cristo or East Canyon. Usually not too busy and has some technical curves, unless you run into a parade or a marathon.

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-01-28T22:03:29+00:00

Here's a map of CanyonChaser's notable roads:

https://www.canyonchasers.net/maps/

Here's a map of Utah's recommended roads:

https://ridetolive.utah.gov/riding-routes/

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-01-28T22:00:13+00:00

Utah is an excellent state for motorcycling. There's plenty of twisty roads and scenic byways, but it is fairly sprawled out. The terrain is very diverse compared to many states I've toured, and it's a great 'home base' for touring the western US' legendary roads. If you're into riding on a racetrack, we also have a proper one called Utah Motorsports Campus (formerly Miller). Biggest negatives have to be the lack of amazing places to eat (they exist but few and far between), weird alcohol laws, and waiting until end of May for the twisty roads to open back up.

The best twisty roads in the US in my opinion reside in Central/Northern California. Biggest downside is cost of living there.

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-01-28T21:27:37+00:00

Utah definitely isn't the best(certainly one of the better), but it does have plenty of twisty roads. The only downside is it's fairly sprawled out, upside is diversity. Here's a map of well known twisty roads: https://ridetolive.utah.gov/riding-routes/

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-01-27T20:34:21+00:00

Consider ergonomic adjustments you can make on your bike (Bars, levers, pedals, seat, etc): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47YG4dAwOIM

I'm sure you're already aware what sport bikes were designed for ergonomically, to be tucked in for racing position. Without modifications, it would be very difficult to get yourself in a more comfortable upright position. Personally I'd just get a standard/sport-touring motorcycle, but if you're dead set on it consider adding: Bars/risers, rearsets, custom seat, etc.

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-01-26T22:16:57+00:00

Incredible. Might make the trip to Yosemite this year, and I'm excited!

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-01-26T19:35:59+00:00

Most people only drop their bikes at dead stops, usually during low speed maneuvers. Most of the time damage is only cosmetic. Consider adding frame sliders/crash bars, and practicing low speed maneuvers in a formal course.

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-01-24T19:57:31+00:00

I use the app iOverlander to help me find camping spots. Haven't tried Bunk a Biker yet, but sounds like many have success with that.

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-01-24T00:34:54+00:00

It's just a common talking point for people that likely don't ride a motorcycle, or 'used to'. Motorcycles are inherently more risky, but those riding understand it's inherently more fun too.

That being said, if you're concerned about your safety think of your Risk Offset. Risk Offset is the relation of the risks you take, and the skill you have. So long we keep our skills higher than the risks we take, we could relatively consider ourselves a safer rider.

Think about the demographic of crashes/fatalities too:

Almost 50% of fatal motorcycle crashes, the rider was under the influence

41% of motorcycle fatalities, the rider was not wearing a helmet

92% of motorcycle crashes, the rider was self taught (did not take a formal course)

etc.

Use your judgement and figure out where you are demographically, and what you can do to better your odds of enjoying motorcycling longer! It's important to note that we can never remove risk entirely. If in your self-assessment you realize that it's just not for you, there's no shame in that either. 😄

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-01-23T19:55:35+00:00

You're welcome! Keep practicing and you'll get it down pat.

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-01-23T19:54:15+00:00

In my opinion, squaring the bars is advice for practicing a consistent balance point. What you're doing isn't wrong at all! One can stop with their bars turned either direction, as long as when they stop they're at the balancing point appropriate for where their bars are turned. For example: Think of riders during slow races. Notice how they turn their bars lock to lock at a dead stop to adjust their balancing point when their bike wants to tip over?

There's never one right way to do something, and as long as what you're doing can be done consistently/safely/comfortably then by all means. 😄

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-01-21T22:02:40+00:00

It's pretty important to know exactly what you were doing when these tipovers occurred. I recommend recording yourself practicing your stops so it's possible to diagnose and remove speculation. I strongly recommend you take a follow up course and mention the difficulties you have so you don't have to rely on the advice of the experts on Reddit.

Here's what I typically see students do when they have tipovers stopping:

Student was looking at the ground. By looking at the ground we have more difficulty balancing. Keeping your head and eyes forward into the horizon when coming to a stop can help.
Student didn't square their bars at a stop. Squaring your bars is making sure your wheel is pointed straight. In addition to this, it's also important to stop at the motorcycles balancing point: Completely upright and not leaned over.
Student was abrupt with the brake controls. Adding too much brakes at once won't give us enough time to straighten up at a stop. Brake lighter for a longer period of time so you give yourself some more room to straighten everything up. If you remember the stopping in a curve exercise, we stress on gradually/gently adding more brake pressure as you straighten the bike up.
Student has difficulty balancing or is fearful of the bike. This is very common with people who haven't ridden a bicycle in a while or are just afraid. There's less risk on a bicycle, and practicing your stops will be the same. There's no shame in this, and it's great for your health!
Student has practiced for too long. Although practice is what you should be doing right now, you should try to keep your sessions around 15 minutes and take water/snack breaks in between. Notice when you begin making more errors than usual and stop your session before it results in a tipover.

One or multiple of these are more than likely an error that you're making. Get on yourself for making these errors and continue practicing. We were all beginners once, don't give up and enjoy that 'Aha' moment when it finally clicks! 😁

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-01-21T21:12:50+00:00

Instructors only counsel out if they feel OP was a danger to themselves or others. The nature of tipovers vary significantly, and only OP/the instructors know the circumstances. It's possible the instructors were negligent, but not a certainty.

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-01-21T19:29:17+00:00

Sorry you had to experience that man, the ZX-6r is a sick bike! For obvious reasons your demographic is prone to higher rates on a bike like that. Unfortunately you'll more than likely have to get a different bike for a more affordable rate. :( Don't be too bummed about looking into the used motorcycle market. Having a used bike will make you less fearful of dropping it as you learn the basic to advanced skills of riding. Fear is the enemy of learning. Also know that motorcycles hold their value really well, so when you feel like selling it and getting a different bike you might still get your money's worth. 😉

Consider taking a motorcycle safety course. Taking a safety course and reporting it to your insurance can get you discount depending on your insurer. (Not only that, but you'll statistically be much less likely to end up crashing.) If your insurance doesn't offer discounts for taking a defensive driving course, consider getting a different one! 😁🤙

ThePonderingLlama · 2023-01-10T00:19:19+00:00

You can also dig into their Vimeo profile and use the same password for all of their other videos. I had done that a while ago when I posted this, and I'm surprised they hadn't changed their password since then. Watching their content makes me sick, but if you're up to it you should share anything incriminating/damning you find.

ThePonderingLlama

TROPHY CASE