Experienced Rider Course motorcyclists roll on at Kirtland AFB

  • Published
  • By John Cochran
  • 377 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  For motorcyclists, one clear advantage of New Mexico's warm, dry climate is that spring is the season when they can get rolling again after a winter off their two-wheelers. A further advantage for those who work at Kirtland AFB is that they can ride their bikes in a free training course on base that offers many benefits.

Jim Dalleska, Kirtland's Experienced Rider Course lead instructor, whose day job is in the 377th Air Base Wing's Installation Exercise Program Office, highlighted what riders stand to gain by completing the ERC.

"First of all, the ERC provides veteran riders the chance to knock the rust off and sharpen their skills that may have gone dormant in the offseason. Second, they'll be taught by ERC instructors who are trained and certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, a non-profit educational organization sponsored by motorcycle manufacturers. Third, students can get their MSF cards - one of the requirements to safely and legally ride on base. Also, most insurance companies offer discounts to ERC graduates."

He went on to say that taking the ERC can and should be more than a one-time good deal.

"The MSF recommends that motorcyclists take the ERC every three years, and when they get new bikes. The Department of Defense also recommends refresher training under similar guidelines."

Mr. Dalleska dispelled some misinformation about motorcycle training and Air Force requirements.

"Riders don't have to be active-duty Air Force or even DOD employees. Active-duty military get priority, but if you have an ID card and can get on base, we will teach you. The Air Force requires its riders to complete an MSF course - either the BRC or the ERC. Riders do not have to take the BRC before enrolling in the ERC - if they meet the other standards, all that's required for them to ride on base is that they have an MSF card from either course," he said.

Julie Biladeau, who has ridden motorcycles for decades, described her experience as a student in the May 28 class.

"It was so much more than I had expected. I recently moved to the area and bought a new bike. I hadn't taken a safety course since 2002 - I was due. My skills were rusty. The course boosted my confidence - in brushing up my skills, in remembering what I know, and in my new bike, too. I've been riding for nearly 30 years, and I regret not taking the course sooner. I should have done this when I bought the motorcycle. In the ERC, even riders with many years of experience will learn something and will improve something about their riding. When you sign up, don't go in thinking you know everything. Make sure that you're a good student. Be receptive to what the instructors can teach you. Everybody in my class had marked improvement in a few short hours. It was worth the time. I was surprised I learned as much as I did."
Because of high demand, the ERC will be available every Friday through June 18, and then will switch to a once-a-month schedule beginning in mid-July. The course is a one-day event, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., conducted on a paved course southwest of Fire Station 5, near the South Gate.

Students attending the ERC provide their own street-legal, state-registered bikes, as well as personal protective equipment (DOT-approved helmet, full-fingered gloves, over-the-ankle sturdy footwear, eye protection, long pants and long-sleeved shirt or jacket). They must also show a valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement or a state permit, and proof of insurance.

ERC students who've taken the MSF's Basic Rider Course will recognize some of the advanced course's training events. The ERC uses nine of the 17 exercises from the beginner course. The difference is that in the ERC, they are done at higher speeds, with different cone placement, making them more challenging.

Students should apply sunscreen and bring snacks, because there's no lunch break in the training schedule. Instructors provide drinking water, and students may bring their own coffee, sports drinks, sodas or juice.

To register for the ERC, go online to the Safety Community of Practice website (see below).

Registered students who develop a scheduling conflict and need to de-register can also do that online at least 48 hours before the course starts. Those who cannot self-register can call Jim Dalleska at 853-7787 or e-mail james.dalleska@kirtland.af.mil, or call Julie Biladeau at 853-7701 or e-mail julie.biladeau@kirtland.af.mil.