FAQ's
ATC Mission
No student is singled out, this is a group effort from the start, to completion! You will work in teams in the classroom and learn new skills in a small group of other students. We use humor and fun to help keep you in a relaxed learning environment. We believe where you learn is vital to having a great experience. Our family-owned training site has trained over 6500 riders since 2003.
Why pick Alpha Training Center?
We have trained over 6500 new riders and have grown into Michigan's largest provider because of one thing - we know how to teach.
What about the training location?
In early 2012 , ATC will announce its new training locations across Michigan.
Do you offer beginner classes or license waiver classes?
ATC is no longer offering "learn to ride" classes. Other locations for these classes can be found here:
Which class is right for me?
| Experienced Riders | Advanced Rider Tactics (ART) | A slow speeding handling course designed to teach you the skills used by police motor officers in handling their motorcycles in slow speed situations. Taught by professional police instructors. Level I and Level II classes are available. | Level I is 4 hours and Level II is 4 hours. For both courses you will use your own motorcycle. |
| Total Control: Advanced Riding Clinic | Lee Parks' Advanced Riding Clinic. Cornering technique is the primary focus of the Total Control ARC. Individual skills include corner entry, line selection, body position and corner exit. There are slightly different versions of these depending on the type of bike ridden, but all follow the same philosophical principals that are taught in the course. Throttle control and throttle/brake transitions are also covered in great detail. Additionally, super-tight, low-speed, “parking lot” turns are taught. | 8 hours, combined classroom and riding |
How do I register?
Use the registration form on our web-site. ATC accepts most credit cards, checks or money orders at the time you sign-up with us. If you choose, you may pay the course fee by check within five days of your sign-up. Your place in class is not reserved until we receive your course payment.
Can I just drop in for a class?
No, we require all students to be registered in advance.
Cancellation Policy?
Should you need to cancel your reservation A $50 FEE WILL BE CHARGED and deducted from your course fees. Cancellations must be made 10 days before your scheduled course. Absolutely No Refunds in full will be made with less than 10 days notice to us! Just reschedule with us should you be unable to attend your scheduled course.
ATC reserves the right to cancel, modify or reschedule courses at our discretion. Should this happen and your course selection is affected, you will be contacted by us and given the choice of rescheduling or receiving a refund for the course. Should a course be stopped due to weather or unsafe riding conditions, you would be given a choice of dates and times to complete the course.
What if I change my mind about taking the class or just do not show up for class?
A 100% refund, less the $50.00 deposit fee, will be issued if you cancel MORE than
10 days in advance. Refunds are not available if the registrant cancels less than
10 days prior to the beginning of the class. If the instructor determines the student
is not eligible to complete the class or if the student voluntarily decides to leave
the class, no refunds are given.
If you fail to show up on time for your scheduled class for ANY reason - your entire course fee will be retained.
You would then need to register for another class and pay the course fee a second time.
If you need to reschedule with less than 20 days notice to us - there is a $25.00
rescheduling fee that may be charged. NO changes in the schedule can occur after 5
days prior to the start of the class.
Class Rules?
It is the primary responsibility of the instructors to see that the class is held in a safe manner, should you be excused by instructor for unsafe handling of the motorcycle (at the sole discretion of the instructor), no refund will be given as it is impossible to replace your spot in class once the class has started. This is a very rare event; our instructors will work with you to help you be successful in the course.
Do you train people in Off Road Motorcycle / ATV Safety?
No.
What if I want to ride a scooter - can I take the course?
Yes, you can use your personally-owned scooters in the ERC and ARC courses. Scooters cannot be used in the ART class.
How do I pay for class?
ATC accepts personal checks, money orders, or credit/debit cards (Visa/Master Card/Discover)
for payment for class. All classes must be paid in full prior to the start of class.
Dishonored checks will result in a $25.00 additional fee and any collection costs
associated a dishonored check will be charged to the student's account.
ATC'S ADVANCED RIDER TACTICS (ART)
Who should take the ART class?
Riders looking for new skills and to develop slow speed control and handling. This four-hour class deals with body positioning, throttle/clutch control and brake use to over come the fear of low speed control.
What amount of riding experience do I need for this class?
You should be comfortable with your basic control of the motorcycle and have 2000 miles or more of riding experience.
Will I need to use my own motorcycle for this class?
Yes, your motorcycle should be in good operating condition. You should check the air pressure in your tires before class and remember to bring a proof of insurance for your motorcycle.
- Tires should have sufficient tread (at least 3mm). Air pressure will be checked before the class starts.
- Your bike should be able to perform satisfactorily in hot weather. Your bike should not overheat while stopped with the motor running.
- On liquid cooled bikes, check your coolant level before attending class.
- Check your oil level before attending class.
- Your charging system must function properly, and a relatively new battery is highly recommended because you will be starting the bike frequently.
- Make sure your brakes are in good working order.
- Absolutely no race tires or race compound tires allowed regardless if they are DOT approved.
What qualifications do the ART instructors have?
Our instructors are active-duty sworn police officers and have been certified by their agencies as motor officer instructors. All of our instructors are professional riders and have been assigned to Motor Units in their departments. Our instructors understand how to share this information in a friendly positive fashion. This is not a boot-camp or a police academy class.
I was told this type of class results in a lots of crashes and much damage to my motorcycle.
At ATC we focus on your success. We have designed the exercises to focus on the skill building and technique. Once you understand the basics of this type of course, we provide you the chance to challenge yourself.. Our approach results in very few tipped over motorcycles and is quite different from other courses of this type offered elsewhere..
What gear will I need for class?
DOT Approved Helmet, eye protection (i.e. face shield, goggles, glasses, or sun glasses), Sturdy over the ankle boots (leather high tops are fine), Long sleeved shirt or jacket so arms are completely covered, Long, non-flared denim pants or equivalent (i.e. jeans), Full fingered gloves, preferably with at least leather palms, rain gear is optional, but recommended. We do ride if it rains!
What about the ART Level II class?
This course builds on the skills taught in the ART Level I class or the ATC "Ride Like A Pro" class. Your riding skills will continue to improve under the watchful eye of the motor officer instructors during this 5 hour course. Your riding buddies will see the difference in your riding after this course. Attending the Level I class is required prior to taking our Level II course.
TOTAL CONTROL'S ADVANCED RIDING CLINIC (ARC)
Do I need a motorcycle license to take the ARC?
Yes. This course is for riders that already have a current motorcycle endorsement. ARC does not teach beginning riders how to operate or ride a motorcycle. This course is not associated in any way with any State or Federal agency, or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and does not prepare students for taking any driving tests for the purposes of obtaining a motorcycle endorsement.
Do I have to bring my own motorcycle to the class?
Yes - Students must provide their own motorcycles for the ARC. Motorcycles used for the range exercises must be street-legal and have current registration. In addition, students must have a motorcycle insurance policy in force. Students must provide proof of insurance before taking the class.
What kind of motorcycle do I need for the class?
Virtually any street legal motorcycle can do the class. We have taught students on a wide variety of bikes, from 250cc to +2,000cc, from sportbikes to cruisers to tourers.
I ride a sportbike, what am I going to get out of riding in a parking lot?
More than you'd imagine. The range exercises are a laboratory where you can examine your technique under a microscope. You can improve your cornering technique in a reduced-risk, controlled environment.
Is this a race or a racing school?
No. Motorcycles are never on the same course at the same time, there is no timekeeping, and it is not a competition. However, if you are interested in competition, this is an ideal course to prepare you for participating in a track day.
I ride a heavy cruiser or full touring rig with floor boards. What can I expect?
The opportunity to expand your limits. Many touring riders fear dragging hard parts. Our curriculum will show you how to use body position to avoid dragging. This means more options in an emergency situation.
I've only been riding a short time. Can I take the ARC?
The ARC is for experienced riders. Our minimum requirement is 3,000 miles of street riding experience.
What type of riding gear do I need?
Protective riding gear is required during the range exercises. Protective gear includes; a riding jacket (or mesh jacket), riding pants (leather chaps are OK), gloves, boots that cover the ankle and a DOT approved helmet (full faced helmet is recommended but not required). Jeans and fingerless gloves are not allowed, but Kevlar jeans will be accepted.
Do I need to do anything to my motorcycle prior to taking the ARC?
Your motorcycle should be well maintained.
- Tires should have sufficient tread (at least 3mm). Air pressure will be checked before the class starts.
- Your bike should be able to perform satisfactorily in hot weather. Your bike should not overheat while stopped with the motor running.
- On liquid cooled bikes, check your coolant level before attending the ARC.
- Check your oil level before attending the ARC.
- Your charging system must function properly, and a relatively new battery is highly recommended because you will be starting the bike frequently.
- Make sure your brakes are in good working order.
- Absolutely no race tires or race compound tires allowed regardless if they are DOT approved.
The ARC is 30% classroom and 70% range exercises. The classroom sessions are spread throughout the day. This gives riders a chance to rest, a necessity when the weather is hot.
How is the ARC class taught?
The ARC consists of six modules. These exercises include; throttle/brake transitions, mental state, corner vision, corner entry and line selection, mid-corner body position & corner exits, corner transitions (figure 8's) and basic motorcycle suspension. There is a 10-minute break between each module and a 40-minute lunch break.
What are the range exercises like?
ARC range exercises are practiced on 40-foot circles. Two pairs of 40-foot circles (marked using small rubber traffic cones) accommodate six students each. New skills introduced for each exercise builds on the previous exercise. The first couple of range exercises are deceptively simple and form the basis for the more challenging exercise later in the day.
What happens if it rains?
The TCARC class will be held in light rain. If we experience heavy rains for the entire day and the class is canceled by ATC you will receive a refund or you can reschedule to a later class date.
How long is the class and what about lunch?
The ARC is an eight-hour course. Class starts at 8:00am and finishes at 6:00pm. A 40-minute lunch break takes place about noon. Please bring your own lunch and a snack if you like. Bottled water will be provided.
How many students will be in class?
ARC class size ranges from 6 to 18 students. The instructor to student ratio is one instructor for each four students. ATC has three ARC training ranges on our 7 acre training site.
What about liability insurance?
You must have your own insurance policy for the motorcycle you are riding. Please have the policy number and name of your insurance company with you when you arrive at class.
What qualifications do the ARC instructors have?
All ARC instructors are certified by Lee Parks and Total Control and have received intensive training. In addition to the formal training, instructors are supervised by a master instructor until they comfortable with teaching the class by themselves. Instructors must have at least five years of riding experience. Refresher courses are given on an annual basis to ensure our instructors are ready to help your learning.
Do Students get a certificate after taking the ARC?
Yes. Each student will get a certificate from Total Control after taking the class. Also, you will receive coupons and other items from ATC at the end of class.
Can I bring my spouse/significant other as passenger? We'd like to take the class as a couple.
Yes, provided you and your passenger have already established comfort and trust. We have taught rider/pillion couples, and all the lessons apply equally to one-up or two-up riding.