Harley-Davidson Rider's Edge course held in Menomonee Falls
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- They've been riding for years, but when it comes to safety, you can never know too much. At least that's the attitude of some Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders who signed up to participate in a skilled riders course this weekend.
A dozen bikers participated in the Rider's Edge course in Menomonee Falls this weekend.
Fitting nearly eight hours of class into two days can be exhausting, but longtime Harley rider Wally Huc says it's worth it.
"Anytime I have a chance to learn something new, I'm on it," Huc said.
Despite having 20 years of experience, Huc says he became a better rider after just a couple hours out on the course.
"Probably the biggest one is how to handle my corners, how to slow it down before I to the corner, how to look through the corner," Huc said.
Before the rubber meets the road, these riders went back to school.
"One example would be Slow, Look, Press, Roll - that would be a cornering technique so we learned it in the classroom and then we practice it on the riding range," course instructor Carolyn Held said.
During a number of 20 to 30 minute sessions, the experienced group practiced what might seem like basic exercises -- a series of left turns and then a set of right turns.
"After a couple years, you kinda forget some things, some of the rules and you kind of do your own thing, which sometimes isn't so safe," Dana Ciancaruso said.
With a little encouragement, a return to the classroom and plenty of practice, the Rider's Edge instructors say even the most experienced riders can get a little better and ride a little safer.
Huc says that's why he signed up.
"You can always learn," Huc said.
Harley-Davidson offers a Rider's Edge course for beginners as well.
The next class for skilled riders is planned for the weekend of September 7th. It will be held at the Milwaukee Harley-Davidson on Silver Spring Drive.
The fee for the class is $99.