A line of Harley-Davidson motorcycles waiting for students to learn to ride.
A year ago, the mere mention of swinging my scrawny leg over a massive machine was a rather unconscionable thought. My interest in these two-wheeled apparatuses has always been high, and my curiosity has only been further driven by the motorcycle-friendly surroundings of Southern California. But, to be entirely forthcoming, initially mounting up on a motorcycle requires a colossal leap of faith, centered on accelerated motor skills, pinpoint control and vision, and sound judgment the moment your brain begins to race. While, admittedly, my hand-eye coordination is more adept at hitting a baseball or knocking down a jumper on a basketball court, I decided to defeat all doubts and head out to a Southern California
Harley-Davidson dealership to take part in the much-heralded Riding Academy New Rider Course (
http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_US/home/learn-to-ride/new-rider-course.html). Needless to say, I quickly jumped all over the opportunity. The detailed course is available at authorized H-D dealerships around the country, each offering lessons based on rider experience. These include the New Rider Course, the Rider’s Edge Skilled Rider Course and the H-D Motorcycle Boot Camp. To join the New Rider Course, the requirements are simple and straightforward. You must possess a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit and have the ability to ride a bicycle. For the range riding portion of the course, participants are requested to bring the following: a long-sleeve shirt, sturdy jeans and footwear, full-fingered gloves, and a motorcycle helmet that meets D.O.T. standards.
The Harley-Davidson motorcycle used for the New Rider Course.
My three-day course, housed at the iconic Riverside, California, H-D dealership, combined classroom work wherewithal with range readiness, while also granting students a detailed tour of the venerable dealership. We were first provided an intricate student handbook, along with the California Motorcyclist Safety Program’s (CMSP) manual (or bible, if one is to base it on thickness), which, in great detail, outlines everything a novice motorcyclist needs to know. Our group consisted of 12 students, a hodgepodge of first-time riders, long-time lurkers, and seasoned enthusiasts. We were led by a pair of highly-engaging coaches, Brian Habegger and David Head, who are both H-D and CMSP-certified at instructing prospective riders. The objective of the course, as pronounced by our accomplished trainers, was rather clear-cut: “To teach and reinforce the knowledge and skills needed for safe beginning riding on the street in order to prevent crashes and injuries.” The individual student goal was to find comfort on the bike, while fine-tuning the necessary skills needed to ride with confidence. Inside the classroom, we were systematically taught the mechanics of the bike, location of key components, and proper safety steps. Riders were soon able to grasp the basics of rider safety skills, understanding risks, rider preparation and basic motorcycle operation, along with the mental aspects of riding, cornering, maximum breaking and swerving, handling special situations, dealing with impairments, and comprehending California-specific laws.
John Scafetta in action at the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy - New Rider Course.
Two mornings were spent at the Perris Fairgrounds, where an intricate range was established to assist riders with sifting through the inner-workings of basic motorcycling skills. Participants, mounted on jet black H-D Street 500s, meticulously delved into the art of braking and turning, swerving and avoiding obstacles, and cornering with precision. The sheer thrill of turning the key on the ignition, starting the engine, and releasing the clutch toward forward movement proved to be an enthralling preview of our classes’ ultimate journey – even for those experiencing trepidation (hint: yours truly). Coasting around a pre-set curve and shifting from gear-to-gear embodies the overall experience and freedom provided in riding a motorcycle, and new riders quickly felt that unparalleled rush of adrenaline. Following the final range training session, which was conducted on a blustery, dirt-filled day, each rider was put to the test through a rigorous five-step evaluation process. This nerve-inducing test, which included challenges based on swerving, weaving, breaking, and cornering, proved to be problematic for even some of the most advanced riders in the class. Passing participants were then directed back to the H-D dealership to complete a 50-question written exam. Those who successfully completed the course (some, unfortunately, didn’t pass but were allowed to come back at a future date) were awarded a completion card, granting riders a free-pass on the DMV’s riding exam and potentially a discount on motorcycle insurance rates. Successful completion of the academy still required riders to take the DMV’s written exam to receive full endorsement. Regardless of mental or physical skills, though, each rider undoubtedly took away life-long riding lessons. Personally, the invaluable course unleashed a heightened desire to discover new skills while continuing to hone those learned during my first adventure on two wheels. You can learn more about the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy at
http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_US/home/learn-to-ride.html Story courtesy of Moto Intro.
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