Go HOG Wild Read!

PIE (Parents In Education) Night at Watertown High School, Thursday evening, May 30th was a night soon not forgotten by many children and motorcyclists! A few months back I was contacted by Gail Kottwitz, WUSD Title 1 Coordinator, she knew my friends and I were "born to ride" but now she wanted to know if we were "born to read". Gail initiated a summer reading program titled, "Go Hog Wild Read". If you are a true cyclist, any reason to ride is a good reason and this benefiting children I thought was a great reason to come together and support our young motorcycling enthusiasts.

Within a few days after sending an e-mail out to our HOG friends, I had a commitment of ten motorcycles. Not all of these bikes were Harley-Davidson's, one was a Boss Hoss trike powered by a 350 cubic inch Corvette engine! Our job was to ride to the high school as a group, grab a piece of pie (Bikers will always eat when it's free), then read to groups of children. As we walked into the high school, each wearing their biker best leather, tattoos, earrings and boots, we were welcomed with mixed reviews. Once we started reading the children looked past our "biker image" and treated us like long lost friends. That's exactly what we were, friends.

Each of us were given a group of children and a book to read. We were asked by Gail to express to the children the importance of reading in their lives. After reading to the children, it was time to have pictures taken of them by and on our bikes. We spent a long time making sure every child who wanted a picture on a motorcycle got the opportunity. One my friends even tied a bandanna on a child's head so they really looked like a "biker." I really don't know who had more fun, the children or us bikers! As we left the high school, our engines were all started at the same time. Since we were parked so close to the auditorium wall, the sound reverberated and was louder then normal. I want to thank Gail for inviting us and all of our friends who participated; Brian, Ralph, Karen, Dan, Beth, Brian, Sherrie, Todd, Dan and my wife Cathy. An additional Harley rider joined us and helped with the children and photos!

1st BRC Lead

My 1st Beginner Rider Course Lead at Capital City Harley-Davidson Dealership in Madison, WI. My first step prior to the actual classroom teaching was to contact all eight of my students. As soon as I received the class roster, I began my phone calls. I was able to talk to only one student, however left messages for the other seven. The message was simple, introduce myself, ask them to call me with questions or concerns and encourage them to be prepared by answering all of the 126 questions contained in their Rider's Edge Handbook. Capital City Harley-Davidson mails out all the necessary materials long before the first class so that students can familiarize themselves with what is expected. A call from the Rider Coach prior to the first classroom session helps not only the student but the instructor as well. Being my very first lead in the classroom as well as on the range, I was nervous. I was reassured by the Program Manager Randy, to relax and that I would be fine.

When I walked into the classroom the first night, I began to feel comfortable immediately. All eight of the students had completed answering the 126 questions and we began our journey together in what will become their next hobby, the sport of motorcycling! Between watching videos and answering questions, I learned as much about my students as they learned about me. This group of students became my second family. Friday night started off with a Dealership Tour and the employee's at CCHD were great! The enthusiasm that was shown by these employees helped to emphasize, Harley-Davidson is more that just selling motorcycles, it builds memories and creates extended families that go beyond the borders!

All day Saturday and Sunday was spent on the range. Saturday riders were introduced to the Level I Exercises, consisting of nine riding lessons. These lessons taught the very basics and each one built from the previous exercise. Sunday consisted of Level II Exercises (six new exercises, a review and skills test) and helped riders fine tune what they had learned from Level I Exercises. Sunday afternoon riders were tested on four basic skills every rider needs to practice; turns, slow maneuvers, quick stops and swerves. I am happy to say all seven passed! Yes, seven of the original eight. Our eighth student showed up on Sunday over two hours late and the rest of the class had already started and were on the third exercise. Riders must be on time and be prepared. Our eighth rider was sent home, not being able to complete the course. After the skills testing, we went into the dealership and students wrote the knowledge test. As I had expected, everyone passed! I forgot to mention of the seven riders on the range, three received "perfect scores", Jeff, Jason and Jim! Way to go!

A celebration completed our 25 hours together. We all had cheesecake and shared thoughts of how the weekend went. I want to thank all of "my" students for being prepared and encouraging each other throughout both the classroom assignments and the range activities. As I mentioned the very first night, we will become a family and help each other through the BRC.

I want to also thank Bill, another Rider Coach from Capital City, who was there for me and the students. Randy, our Program Manager, you made my first class run smoothly too by assuring me that I was ready. Finally, thanks to the dealership for having a Rider's Edge Program that offers others the skills to ride safely and learn what a wonderful hobby the world of motorcycling really is!

"Hi Phil, sorry it took so long but here's a picture of my bike. Picked it up Aug 4. I have a Little over 600 miles on it, and have two of my goals. took it to work and put it on the inter-state. Next week I will be taking it up to Rice lake for the 1000 mile service. I am remembering what I learned and it works. I really enjoy riding again, a lot more than what I remember. I will let you go with one last thought, what I learned in the course has made me more aware and has made me better behind the wheel too."

Thanks again, Paul.

This was a comment from one of my students from Wisconsin Harley-Davidson in Oconomowoc, WI. It's alway a pleasure to hear from past students who have not only learned a few things from the class, but practiced what was taught! Stay safe Paul!