Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1478157
MSF Introduces RIDE Tuesday T wo of the biggest hurdles facing potential and current motorcycle riders is the ability to easily try riding a motorcycle and gaining access to continued levels of rider training. The Motor- cycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is helping with both issues through the creation of RIDE Tuesday. RIDE Tuesday events are free and offer experiences for every- one from the motorcycle curious to the seasoned rider. Those with no experience can get their first taste of riding a motorcycle in 30 minutes with the MSF Moto Intro—no tests, no stress, no commitment. Experienced riders get a chance to see how good their skills really are (and how well they know their own motorcycle) with the MSF Skills Check, which emphasizes slow-speed, tight maneuvers. There are currently more than 700 certified ranges in the U.S., helping over a hundred thousand people each year learn foun- dational riding skills, earn their motorcycle licenses and continue to advance their riding skills. "For many people, getting a chance to try riding a motorcycle can be overly complicated, es- pecially if they're not sure riding is something they will truly love," said Corey Eastman, director of rider education expansion at the MSF. "You'll need to find someone who will let you use their bike, you'll need to find some gear, and you'll need to find someone—hopefully some- one competent—to provide basic instructions on how to operate a motorcycle. RIDE Tuesday takes down all those barriers, so all you need to do is show up." For the MSF Moto Intro, the motorcycles, safety gear, and MSF-certified coaches are provided. If participants enjoyed their first ride, coaches will be on hand to provide more information about licensing classes. Experienced riders taking on the MSF Skills Check will ride the course on their own motor- cycles, with MSF RiderCoaches available to offer tips and answer questions. Those interested in more advanced training, such as the MSF Advanced RiderCourse or the MSF AdventureBike Rider- Course, can also get additional information on classes. RIDE Tuesday events will be held at MSF-certified ranges across the country, often in part- nership with local dealerships. The next RIDE Tuesday event will be at the Motorcycle Safety University in Kerrville, Texas, September 20. "Our goal is to help training sites and local dealerships con- nect with their communities by offering meaningful motorcycle experiences," Eastman said. "RIDE Tuesday is being designed to test this concept and develop a program that all ranges can deliver in the future. We feel this will connect our network of ranges, those wanting to give motorcycling a try, and current riders—all in time to celebrate the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's 50th anniversary in 2023." For more information about RIDE Tuesday, or if you would like to give the MSF Moto Intro or MSF Skills Check a try, please email Corey Eastman at ceast- man@msf-usa.org. CN IN THE WIND P60