Motor City Harley-Davidson Learn to Ride with Rider's Edge

MOTOR CITY HARLEY-DAVIDSON is proud to be the FIRST MICHIGAN RIDER'S EDGE program to train OVER 2,000 RIDER'S and the regions #1 producing program for 2009!!!

"THANK YOU" for the support of our LEARN to RIDE courses.

The Rider's Edge® New Rider Course

Let's start at the beginning: Before you can fire the ignition and roll down the asphalt, you need to soak up some basic information. That means spending some quality time in the classroom with an expert instructor. But this is no lecture. It's a fast-moving, interactive seminar that will introduce you to the world of motorcycling. So pay attention, participate, and hold on.

Confidence on the bike begins with getting to know what it feels like to sit in the saddle. Shifting becomes second nature when you practice coordinating hand and foot movements and try out the shifter peg. Getting familiar with the controls before you take to the range will help raise your comfort level on the bike.

Taking it to the pavement: Classroom finished, you're ready for the range; a controlled environment designed to deliver a real-road experience. We'll start slowly, getting you familiar with the Buell Blast motorcycle. And then you'll kick into gear and learn basic skills like braking, pressing and turning, plus other maneuvers like controlling skids and surmounting or avoiding obstacles. With only six students on the range you're guaranteed plenty of quality riding time and personal attention.

Finding the friction zone trains you to gradually release the clutch while rolling on the throttle for smooth starts. Turning drills teach you to keep your eyes up, properly use your weight, and turn your head to look through turns. Braking exercises help you understand the efficiency of the front and rear brakes, and how to combine them effectively. A keepsake Rider's Edge Roadbook is provided to log your personal thoughts, reflections, and achievements as you progress through the course.

In addition to our weekend AM or PM riding offerings, with the classroom covered on two weeknights, we are now offering limited weekday (M-Th 9-3) and weeknight (M-F 5:30-10) classes. This allows a more relaxed option to spread the riding out over a few days; as well as provide an opportunity for the evening or weekend worker to benefit from this quality program. See the schedule for open dates.

To take the Rider's Edge® New Rider Course, you will need:

A valid automobile driver's license or learner's permit
To be able to ride a bicycle

You are required to wear the following clothing during EVERY range session:

A DOT approved helmet
Protective eyewear
A long-sleeve shirt or jacket (jacket recommended)
Over-the-ankle boots
Long pants, preferably jeans or leather
Full fingered gloves

The small print: You will not be permitted to participate in range sessions without proper clothing

The Completion Card:

You will receive a State of Michigan Certificate of Completion card after passing a multiple-choice written knowledge test and a riding skills evaluation. In Michigan, this card will exempt you from having to take a riding portion of your motorcycle license test.

Completion of this course may also qualify you for discounts on your insurance. Check with your insurance provider for details.

* * * Most weekends we offer an AM riding class (Sat 8-2 & Sun 8-3) and a PM riding class (Sat 2-8 & Sun 1-8) that share the weeknight classroom sessions; so check the schedule for your availability preference. We also offer some weekday or weeknight offerings for the person that wants to relax more and spread the riding days out further * * *

E-mail Program Manager Gregg Goulette at learntoride@motorcityharley.com

The Rider's Edge® Skilled Rider Course

Take your riding abilities to the next level with the Rider's Edge® Skilled Rider Course. The more you know about the road, the more it has to offer. There is a better rider in all of us - no matter how long you've been riding. It's time to get more out of the road, more out of the ride, and more out of yourself.

The SRC (Skilled Rider Course) is a six to seven hour course held entirely on the range over two weeknight evenings. The course uses the proven curriculum of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) Experienced RiderCourse, with refined enhancements developed by Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. Participants use their own motorcycles, or rentals, to enhance the following skills: control at low speeds, risk management, limited space maneuvers, cornering judgment, stopping quickly in a curve, swerving and stopping quickly, multiple curve maneuvers and surmounting or avoiding obstacles.

Upon completion of the course, students will earn a Skilled Rider Course pin and patch set, as well as a completion card from the MSF that may qualify you for insurance discounts.

What you'll need for the Rider's Edge® Skilled Rider Course:

A street-ready motorcycle
Motorcycle endorsement (permit or license)
Proof of valid motorcycle insurance
A DOT approved helmet
Protective eyewear
Full-fingered gloves
A long-sleeve shirt or jacket (jacket recommended)
Over-the-ankle boots
Long pants, preferably jeans or leather

The small print: You will not be permitted to participate in range sessions without proper clothing

Motor City Rider's Edge Instructors

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." Walt Disney

Our elite team of Rider's Edge Instructors are dedicated motorcycling enthusiasts who have national certification from the MSF, additional training from Harley-Davidson, and exceed the strict standards required by Motor City Harley-Davidson.

"We Make Dreams Come True." Harley-Davidson

Chris 'CJ' Aton

Sharing my passion of motorcycles with others, and helping them pursue their dreams of riding, is why I became an MSF and Rider’s Edge instructor. I started riding motorcycles at 10 and have been riding ever since. I purchased my first Harley® in 2001 and still ride it to this day. I have an 02 Electra Glide® Classic and have personally customized it with tons of chrome. Some of my friends say I’m out of control with it, but I love to work on and customize bikes, and often share my ideas with friends for their bikes.

I also enjoy listening to music and have combined the two passions. Those who ride with me have no need for a radio because they can hear mine from 2 to 3 bikes back. It’s always funny to hear them say “hey!, turn that song up!” But the best part about joining these two passions together is the freedom that I feel; and I love it!

Besides riding, teaching, working a full time job, and riding some more, I am currently a National and Motor City HOG (Harley Owner’s Group) member, and a former Motor City Chapter Road Captain. The four years of serving with the Road Captains was enjoyable and it strengthened my riding skills and experience. I enjoy the HOG Chapter because I am able to be very involved in the many events and rides that we do for local charities.

Michelle Goodhand

Whether you're a new rider or have been riding for many years, there is always something more to learn about riding a motorcycle. Taking your well practiced skills to the road can make riding a motorcycle one of the most thrilling experiences of your life.

My passion for the ride has taken me to many places across the country. But, more importantly, I love to share my experience and knowledge with others. To help someone gain the skills necessary to ride a motorcycle that will enrich their lives is very rewarding to me.

I have been an instructor for many years and like our small, personalized Rider’s Edge classes at Motor City Harley-Davidson where we have more time to interact with students. I remember what it felt like to ride for the first time in class, and the first time on the road, and learning to deal with the challenges we face every day we ride. It takes patience and practice, practice, and more practice.

I feel that with knowledge, skills, and experience, riding a motorcycle can be a safe activity. Three of my children ride and there is nothing more wonderful than the time we spend together on the road.

Gregg 'Nighthawk' Goulette

“Share the passion . . . follow your dreams . . . feel the freedom.” Motorcycle riding arouses a large spectrum of responses from those that do, and a variety of images from those that don’t. We’re here, as instructors, to train and promote the safety aspects and skill sets required to give you the mental edge when you climb on and join our two-wheeled family.

I enjoy the camaraderie and brotherhood that Harley-Davidson invokes and the Road King® is my present bike of choice. Our Motor City HOG Chapter is one of the nations largest and, following years of service as the Activities Officer, I now have the honor to be the Asst. Director. The family feeling is greatly enhanced through all the rewarding charity work we undertake. I am also an American Legion Rider, Patriot Guard, and member of the Motor City Road Captains, a well trained team of men and women riders that help keep our many HOG Chapter riding events safe.

Although teaching new rider’s is rewarding: teaching students within the H-D Rider’s Edge program is a privilege. The excitement that students bring to class is fueled by the Harley-Davidson standards for excellence, and the elite team of instructors we have at Motor City Harley will not disappoint you as you learn to ride, or improve your ride, with the industries best.

Practice doesn’t make perfect . . . perfect practice makes perfect!

Rob 'Heavy' Hoover

You know you’ve made it when they pay you for doing something you love. How many people can say that? I can!

The opportunity to teach people how to ride is very rewarding. My journey has been filled with great experiences and great friends, all of which started as new riders. Remember: everyone who rides was once a new rider, just like you.

Our job is to help you fulfill the dream of riding and we are dedicated to exceeding your expectations. As with each Rider’s Edge Instructor, we ride what we teach each and every day.

So; What are YOU waiting for?

Ron Sabbag

All the time I was growing up, every time I saw a Harley, I knew I would have one someday.

When that dream came true, little did I know that passion to ride would lead me to be part of the Motor City Harley's Rider’s Edge team. I find it so rewarding to share my dream with others.

I love to golf but would rather spend time on the open road seeing the country. When I'm riding, I feel free. My goal is to help others achieve their dream to learn to ride. There's nothing like the experiences you will have on the road and the new family of riders who will become your lifelong friends.

Brad Thacher

I have been riding motorcycles almost my entire life. I got a mini-bike when I was 9, and my first Harley when I was 13. I am a third generation Harley rider, following in the footsteps of my grandfather and father. Two of my three daughters ride; one a Buell Blast and the other a Harley Sportster.

I have been teaching Motorcycle Safety for the State at various Community Colleges and was surprised to find how much I enjoyed helping others learn to ride well. My current touring motorcycle is a FLHTCSE CVO Screaming Eagle.

I find the classes can help highly skilled riders just by reinforcing what we already know but often take for granted. I have often had students tell me they were amazed by how much they learned, despite already being fairly skilled riders who were just taking the course for their endorsement.

I have loved motorcycles my entire life, and I want to help others by teaching them to ride well so they may also get a lifetime of riding enjoyment on their Harley.

Brian Yinger

Hi, I’m Brian Yinger. I’ve been teaching the Rider’s Edge New RiderCourse at Motor City Harley-Davidson since the program first began in 2000, as well as teaching the State of Michigan motorcycle safety program since 1988. I have a real passion for both motorcycle riding and motorcycle rider education.

Among my bikes, I have two Harley's. My first, a fully restored 1971 Police Electra Glide (FLPF), and my “Dulcinea,” a 1985 Wide Glide (FXWG) with over 160,000 miles.

I began riding at age 9 by scouring the neighborhood for tossed-out lawnmower engines, spending two weekends tearing them apart while “mixing and matching parts,” only to have the engines seize after one-half hour of hard running. What work, but what a ride!!

Motor City Harley-Davidson was one of the original twelve dealerships nationwide that began the Rider’s Edge program in mid-year 2000, and we have been teaching devoted riders ever since.

E-mail Program Manager Gregg Goulette at learntoride@motorcityharley.com