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Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge: Learning with Distinction
It’s funny how a few sudden opportunities can change your perception on current events. Case in point, I never could have imagined becoming a licensed biker boy in my current lifetime. Yet, when the sum total of all my riding interests added up to a “no brainer,” then of course the option of u-turning became nonexistent.
 The first being Bike Rhythms’ 2007 10 city Urban Bike Tour with Shell V-Power and Dodge. Now I couldn’t let Leon Brittain - our top rider - have all the fun. Next were our close ties to Harley-Davidson, who played an integral part at Automotive Rhythms’ Urban Restyln’ Salon during the 2007 Washington Auto Show. They literally stripped down a Softail and rebuilt it custom, all in front of the watchful eyes of hundreds of thousands that week. And the icing on the cake was witnessing a cadre of female bikers riding out in heels that matched their rims during Black Bike Week in Myrtle Beach!
Growing up on the streets of Camden, New Jersey, every kid was fond of bikes. Two wheelers were so fascinating. From bicycles to dirt bikes the “young boys” rode them all. And if a sport bike blazed by forget about it! Then there was my grandfather who would come through on his pearly white cruiser -- saddle bags and all -- and take me for quick journeys around the neighborhood. Those were the days. As I grew older I became less interested in the bike scene and paid more attention to cars, trucks and SUVs. And now I’ve seen enough action on four wheels. Time to shed two tires!
 So naturally I signed up for the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge program at Harley-Davidson of Maryland in Elkridge. I was able to attend both three-hour evening classes and two all-day instructional sessions on the range (a term for the riding area). While using the proven curriculum of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and receiving support by the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program, Rider’s Edge offers both the technical knowledge to operate a bike as well as the safety fundamentals needed to be an aware and safe rider. My two instructors, Missy and Worth, were magnificent teachers with admirable personalities.
Classroom sessions go over the basic Rider Course Handbook and teach the necessary mental fundamentals for riding. The number one point I retained was risk awareness. The key is to reduce risk while riding and to always have a strategy to avoid trouble. Before hitting the range, you must be properly geared up. This includes over-the-ankle boots, gloves, pants, long sleeve shirt or jacket, eyewear and a DOT approved helmet. Now the fun begins. For training the bikes of choice are the Buell Blasts -- 492 cc lightweight easy-to-handle street bikes. The mental thinking behind operating a bike is like learning to drive a manual. From the throttle to the clutch to gear shifting to braking, it all seems like one fluid motion. Once adjusted, you’re good. Although we only got up to third gear and 15-20 mph, the experience was well worth it. To be able to walk into your state’s DMV to obtain a license you must successfully complete the course which requires the student to:
- Attend all sessions
- Pass the knowledge test from the course material
- Pass the riding skills evaluation.
 Of course I passed! I now can say I’m a rider - a novice - but still a rider. My eye is on a Night Rod Special! But until that day I’m thinking of a Buell Firebolt XB9R. Yet, I’m still envious of classmate Barry who purchased his V-Rod on one of our lunch breaks. Lucky guy!
Expect to pay $195 to $350 a course depending on the dealership. For more details visit www.ridersedge.com
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