New Rider Course: Freedom on Two Wheels Published March 30, 2010 By John Cochran 377 Air Base Wing Public Affairs Kirtland Air Force Base,NM -- Americans have been riding motorcycles since the early 1900s, when Indian and Harley-Davidson started building and selling them in the United States. I've been riding motorcycles since Saturday, when I first threw a leg over in the Rider's Edge New Rider Course put on by Thunderbird Harley-Davidson, 5000 Alameda Boulevard Northeast. There I was I started getting in touch with my inner biker during the three-hour classroom sessions Thursday and Friday evening. I was one of nine wannabe motorcyclists learning the basics, such as names, locations and functions of the controls. The lead instructor had us fill out the required paperwork, introduce ourselves, asked why we wanted to learn to ride, and went through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Handbook so we'd be ready for the written test later. Saturday and Sunday were the training range days, set up in a large empty parking lot near the dealership. My instructors - Jeff Piper and Leanne Early - were absolute aces in their knowledge, patience and encouragement. Their love for motorcycling and teaching shined through in everything they did. Ms. Early explained why she and her peers teach the courses, and the benefits for new riders. "I became a Rider Coach because I truly believe in the program. All the Rider Coaches I've worked with, both state and Rider's Edge, are dedicated people. Most of us do this because we want to. It is not a 'job' we have to go to. The idea is to provide a 'high-challenge, low-threat' environment. We provide a safe place to learn the basic riding skills, learn strategies to become a safe and responsible rider, and have some fun in a great sport. We encourage people to get on a bike as soon as they can after finishing the course, continue to practice, and follow up with the Experienced Rider Course to continue to improve their skills," she said. Saturday morning, as I straddled the saddle on the iron horse - a 492 cubic centimeter Buell Blast - for the first time ever, I focused on the actions required for the training exercises, consciously blocking out any doubts that tried to creep in. After a quick trip through the engine-start checklist, I was rolling. As a true beginner with no previous experience at all, I quickly learned that riding a motorcycle is physically and mentally demanding. There's a lot to know and do when you're at the controls. Speaking of controls, "ease and squeeze" are words to ride by. A light touch on the clutch, throttle, brakes and handlebars is all it takes - you don't have to muscle anything to get the bike to do what you want it to do. Engage the brain first, relax, focus and use the right techniques for whatever situation you're in. I was the first in my class to take a spill, but wearing the right protective gear saved me from anything worse than a bruise and minor road rash. However, as 12 eyewitnesses can verify, a gearshift lever, two front turn-signal lights and a front brake lever weren't so fortunate. By about noon Sunday, we'd finished all the training exercises on the range. Then it was time for the state-mandated operator evaluation. Each student had to perform a series of maneuvers under the instructors' observation, demonstrating control and safe operation of the motorcycle. Everyone in my class passed the riding test. All that was left was the written exam Monday evening. The 50 multiple-choice questions covered topics presented in the MSF Rider Handbook. We all passed, and our lead instructor gave us our signed MSF cards - we'd met the state's requirements for a motorcycle endorsement on our licenses, and I'd be able to ride on base. I still need practice to improve my riding skills, but I have a sense of accomplishment, knowing I've taken the right first step to getting on the road in a responsible way. What it takes Thunderbird Harley-Davidson is one of two places in Albuquerque where Kirtland's military members and federal employees can complete the training required to ride on base safely and legally. The New Mexico Motorcycle Safety Program runs the other one, called the Basic Rider Course. BRC academic sessions take place at 6001 Pan American Freeway NE (Sandia BMW) with hands-on training at 3401 Pan American Freeway NE (New Mexico Family Services parking lot). The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, a not-for-profit educational organization supported by motorcycle manufacturers, has certified both local programs, which include at least four hours in the classroom and 10 hours on the bikes. The Air Force and the state of New Mexico adhere to MSF course content and training standards. Under state law, successfully completing either course, including the written and driving tests, qualifies graduates for the motorcycle endorsement on a New Mexico driver license. Drivers licensed elsewhere should check with that state's licensing authority to see if it accepts New Mexico's motorcycle-training qualifications. Rider training is unit-funded for active-duty military and Air Force civilian employees who want to operate motorcycles on base. A policy letter signed by the 377th Air Base Wing chief of safety with details on the process and requirements is available at https://www.my.af.mil/afknprod/community/views/home.aspx?Filter=OO-SE-MC-03. For more motorcycling information, contact your unit motorcycle safety coordinator or Julie Harlow, 377th Air Base Wing Ground Safety Specialist, at 853-7701 or julie.harlow@kirtland.af.mil. Gearing Up Air Force Instruction 91-207 identifies the personal protective equipment required for motorcyclists to ride on base. Here's the list: · Helmet approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation · Eye protection (goggles, wraparound glasses or a helmet-mounted full-face shield) that meets American National Standards Institute Standard Z87.1 for impact and shatter-resistance) · Full-fingered gloves · Long-sleeved shirt or jacket · Long pants · Sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear · Brightly colored (daytime) and reflective (nighttime) outer upper garments (shirt, jacket or vest).