Street Riding

My Rider Education Experience started in 1978. I completed my Instructor Preparation Course (IPC) under Chief Instructor, Ray Ochs. Over the next 26 years I was involved in many aspects of Rider Education for Street Bikes, ATVs and Off-highway Motorcycles.

The image to the right was taken during the student teaching postion of the IPC. The IPC was conducted at Eastern Kentucky University on their 6 acre driving range. The curriculum in the first MSF course even had a section for "public road" instruction. As I look back at this image I realize how far rider education has come. Click on the image for a larger view.

Over the next 26 years I had many opportunities to contribute to motorcycle rider education. Here is s brief summary:

• MSF Instructor - 1978
• SVIA ATV Instructor - 1984
• ASI ATV Chief Instructor - 1988
• ASI Area Administrator - 1988
• ASI Region Manager - 1989
• Motorcyle Ohio Instructor - 1990
• Worked on early Hatfield-McCoy Trail Project planning
• Co-authored 4-H ATV Leader's Guide - 1996
• MSF Dirt Bike Shool Instructor - 2000
• Approximately 1300 students trained
• Approximately 150 Instructors trained

The purpose of this page is to remind you to ride safely and take a MSF Course. It is not intended to replace the experience and knowledge you would gain from taking a Ride Education Course.

Take a short quiz.

1. When riding at speeds above 10 to 15 miles per hour, which handle bar grip do you press on to make the motorcycle go right? (Answer)
2. Which brake provides the most stopping power? (Answer)
3. What is the most common accident scenario for motorcyclists? (Answer)
4. How many seconds following distance should I have? (Answer)
5. What does S.E.E. represent? (Answer)
6. Does Tom always wear a helmet when he rides his motorcycle? (Answer)

The MSF BRC is a class designed for first time riders and experienced riders. My work as an Instructor has taught me that we can all learn and benefit from brushing up on our skills from time to time.

The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the latest offering from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. I see this to be a giant step toward a better learning experience for novice and experienced riders. The BRC is very student centered and consist of 17 Exercises and a Skill Evaluation. There is less class time and more "seat time." There is less emphasis on "Training" and more emphasis on "learning." Wow! What a concept..... To see what is taught in the riding portion of the BRC click here.

At the end of 2004 my knees, feet, back and hips told me that 26 years of running around on pavement teaching street courses was enough. With that I decided to devote my future teaching to the Dirt Bike School at the Honda Rider Education Center in Troy, Ohio and providing information through this web page.

My last class at Diamond Oaks Joint Vocational School, Cincinnati, Ohio in the Fall 0f 2004. Click on the image for a full size view.