Puget Sound Safety - Meet Our Instructors

Meet The Instructors

Here at Puget Sound Safety, we have some of the best instructors around. They are constantly working to expand their knowledge and source of information to improve their teaching for you. Here's your chance to get to know some of our instructors!


	Instructor Name	C. Scott
	Been Riding Since	1970
	Instructor Since	2005
	Current Bike(s) Owned	Honda ST 1300 ABS
	I have been riding since I was 15 and currently ride a Honda ST1300. I took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course with my son a few years ago and thought teaching motorcycle safety looked like a lot of fun. I became a certified instructor in 2005 and have continued to enhance my knowledge by taking over 20 motorcycle education classes since I was certified. Motorcycling is a fantastic sport and there are few things I enjoy more than riding. The freedom, exhilaration and challenges of riding are something non-riders can't appreciate. We know when the temperature is changing or the wind is blowing. We feel the chilly air in a valley on a country road and smell that farm miles away. We are experiencing our environment. That said, motorcycling is an activity with some risk. Fortunately, this risk can be reduced with training and the practicing of essential skills. If you take my class you will find I will challenge you to become a better rider from whatever skill level you are at today. My classes are intense but we have fun. We can all become better riders and I always learn something new from my students. Everyone brings something to the class, even if it's just a good question. See you in Class!


	Instructor Name	R. Puchalski
	Been Riding Since	My first street endorsement was 1976
	Instructor Since	May 2004
	Current Bike(s) Owned	2002 Suzuki V-Strom 1000, 2003 KTM 450SX, 1998 Honda Rebel, 2005 250cc Honda Helix scooter
	This M/C riding is the best! It's the most serious, LEGAL fun anyone can have. To me, bikes are like Lays potato chips, I can't have just one! I'll admit it! I'm a M/C addict! (Hello, my name is Roy and I've been bike free for . . . ZERO days!) I've been riding on and off road for many years, mostly for fun. I figure if it's ever like work, I'm doing it wrong. Someone once told me: "there is more important things in life than M/C's" but don't believe everything you hear. On the road of life there are riders and there are passengers . . . RIDERS WANTED!


	Instructor Name	Pat Barnes
	Been Riding Since	Since 1965
	Instructor Since	Since 1992
	Current Bike(s) Owned	2007 Suzuki V-Strom 650, 2002 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 with Ural sidecar
	I have always been fascinated with motorcycles. My brother and I built a mini-bike in 1961, out of a bicycle frame and a neighbor's lawn mower engine, and I've been riding ever since. I rode my first street-legal motorcycle in 1965, right after I got my driver's license, and bought my first motorcycle in 1967, a 1965 Honda S65. Then I moved up to a Honda CB160, and later had several Honda 305s. Although most of my riding is commuting the I-5 corridor, I really enjoy long distance rides - my favorite was riding from Seattle to Anchorage, and back. Being a motorcycle safety instructor allows me to combine two things I love, teaching and motorcycling.


	Instructor Name	Bret J. Tkacs
	Been Riding Since	1988
	Instructor Since	1997
	Current Bike(s) Owned	BMW F800 GS, Yamaha FJR 1300A, Suzuki DRZ400s/sm, Ducati M900
	If you join one of my classes expect to have a blast... I love technical riding and work to challenge every rider to improve; I believe the more fun you are having the more you will learn.


	Instructor Name	Jim W
	Been Riding Since	Started as a teenager with a mini-bike and moved to motorcycles at age 16.
	Instructor Since	Became certified to teach in WA about 10 years ago.
	Current Bike(s) Owned	2005 Yamaha FJR 1300A and 1986 Honda Helix
	I have ridden many different bikes over the years. While I was in the military and moved around, I had the opportunity to be licensed in several states and ride their roads. California - fast and between cars, Idaho - part year (snow) and many potholes, Connecticut turnpikes and tollbooths. Washington rain and showers.


	Instructor Name	R. Peake
	Been Riding Since	Started riding when wheels were square (1959)
	Instructor Since	May 2005
	Current Bike(s) Owned	2002 Harley Davidson Road King Classic
	If you wait, all that happens is that you get older... I originally started the Rider Coach Program to keep busy in my early retirement, but since then I've found that I enjoy it even more. Helping beginning and experienced riders alike in shaping and contributing to their riding skills and road knowledge is very rewarding. Riding a motorcycle becomes a passion in many. Riding informed, means riding with awareness. Ride safely... And don't forget to "Wave"~~~~ Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window....


	Instructor Name	M. Puglia
	Been Riding Since	2001
	Instructor Since	2006
	Current Bike(s) Owned	1984 Honda V65 Magna, 2004 Suzuki DRZ 400 S, 1974 Indian ME100
	I have been in the passenger seat of motorcycles all my life, so the next natural step (for me anyway) was to get into the front seat! I took the basic class in 2001, and have been in love with the road ever since! According to my dad, the perfect number of motorcycles to own is "just one more," which apparently also applies to Volkswagens (one of the other loves in my life). When I first considering becoming a motorcycle safety instructor, I was hesitant, but soon discovered that it was something that I loved to do. Being able to share my addiction - no, that's not right - PASSION for motorcycles with others was more fulfilling than I ever could have imagined! Motorcycling is not for everybody, but we strive to guide those willing to learn to ride within their limits and to do it safely.


	Instructor Name	P. Chartrand
	Been Riding Since	1998
	Instructor Since	2004
	Current Bike(s) Owned	1998 Honda VTR1000F (Superchicken)
	I was once told "If you want to become a better motorcyclist, become an instructor". This statement along with some other encouragement (thank you Bruce Scott) led me to being a Rider Coach. I enjoy sharing the experience of people both just learning to ride motorcycles, or simply discovering a new aspect of riding. Every class I'm involved in I learn something new. It seems I'm always first a student, then an instructor. As a Sportbike rider and a track day enthusiast I am a big advocate of practicing on a closed course so skills become second nature for out on the road. I encourage people to seek out training that is a little challenging, such as the Experienced Riding Course or the Total Control-Advanced Riding Clinic. My goal is to have my passion for motorcycling spark a desire in all students to search out more advanced training and become the best motorcyclist they can.


	Instructor Name	Herb Larson
	Been Riding Since	Over 37 years
	Instructor Since	Greater than 10 years, since 1998
	Current Bike(s) Owned	Current main ride 2007 GL1800 Honda Gold Wing
	First took the course in 1981, thought I knew how to ride, and quickly learned there was a lot I didn't know. I did the course numerous times as a student and finally in April of 1998 I was at a point in my life and career where I could start teaching it. I enjoy working with students and get real pleasure when I see the light come on with some particular skill where they might be struggling. Motorcycling should be fun and when it is you learn more. I try to treat every time I get on a motorcycle as a learning experience. I learn from just about every class I teach. I know now that even though I've been riding for some time there are a lot of methods and techniques that I haven't perfected or even tried. That only means I need to ride more! See you out there.


	Instructor Name	G. Anderson
	Been Riding Since	a teenager
	Instructor Since	with PSS since 2003
	Current Bike(s) Owned	BMW Dakar; Kawasaki KLX 250
	I started my two wheel riding at age 13 on a Cushman motorscooter. My friend, Pat Chipps, and I rode from Clarksburg, WV to Quincy, IL, over 700 miles, two up with all our gear, bald tires and no money. We worked our way across country for food and gas. I've ridden in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa with a short stint racing MX in the late 60's and early 70's. Although I ride the street, my preference is and always will be dirt roads and trails. You can share some of my adventures by joining me in a street or dirt class. Be safe!


	Instructor Name	D. Rowden
	Been Riding Since	Since 1969 (with a break from about 1987 to 1999)
	Instructor Since	2006
	Current Bike(s) Owned	2005 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic
	Motorcycles have intrigued me since I was in the single digits. Finally, when I was 11, I got to spend some time riding my cousin's mini-trail 50. I was hooked. My parents were generous enough to buy me a 1970 Kawasaki 100 when I turned 14 (the legal age to obtain a license to legally ride motorcycles in Oklahoma at the time but, I digress). After that, I owned a 1975 Honda CB500 Four, then a 1978 Kawasaki KZ 1100. I sold the Kaw after I married, and didn't ride for about 12 years. For some stupid reason, even though she had a bike before we met, I didn't think my wife would want me to ride. After we moved from Oklahoma to Washington in the late 1990s, I saw a H-D Sportster 883 in a parking lot with a For Sale sign on it. I asked her if we could stop and take a look at it, she conceded, and then asked me, "Do you want to buy it?" What!? ABSOLUTELY! I want to buy it, but I never knew you were still interested. Turns out, she was more than interested. I now have my Ultra Classic and she has a 2006 Road King, and ride all we can, considering our busy schedules. Come and join me on the range. We'll learn together (always a good thing), be safe (priority #1), and have a little fun (mandatory for motorcycling) along the way. By the way, I'm not a Harley snob. The freedom and joy derived from riding, as well as the responsibilities, are the same no matter whose two wheels you're on.


	Instructor Name	RJ
	Been Riding Since	In the dirt as a kid and onto pavement in my teens.
	Instructor Since	Thousands of students served, and counting.
	Current Bike(s) Owned	2008 Kawasaki KLR650, 2000 Suzuki Katana 750
	Somehow I made it through my college years without crashing my motorcycle. Back then I thought I was good because I read books on motorcycling and practiced skills on my own. Still, I kept having those 'close calls' on the road. I signed up for a Novice/Beginner course curious to find out if I knew what I was doing on a motorcycle. The first classroom session opened my mind to many new ideas. The riding parts were really fun! I learned many new skills and improved on the ones I thought I was already great at. A couple weeks later I went back to the parking lot where we did the class to practice on my own bike. I ended up watching a class in progress when this guy, Bret (who is with the school) talked to me about becoming an instructor. After some weeks of thinking about it I realized I really could have a career that involved something I loved to do. Now, many years later I'm teaching tons of classes, meeting lots of new riders (and returning riders). Every class (be it a rainy, crappy day or bright, warm, awesome day) is a ton of fun working with people who want to ride motorcycles too! Come join me in a street class, dirt class, an advanced class or perhaps we can meet up on some of the back trails!


	Instructor Name	C. Coughlin
	Been Riding Since	on and off since 1984 and continously for the past 5 years
	Instructor Since	0ct 08
	Current Bike(s) Owned	05 kawasaki vulcan nomad 1600 and a 02 honda 1800 vtx
	Hello my name is Cameron Coughlin, My wife and I have been married for 21 years , we have three children and two grand children, I am a daily rider, rain or shine. Longest ride was to Billings Montana and back in three days, my wife and I enjoy the time we spend riding and I hope that new riders can experience the great times and people that we have met. I look forward to seeing you on the range.


	Instructor Name	B. Bogue
	Been Riding Since	I was 13 years old
	Instructor Since	2007
	Current Bike(s) Owned	2002 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad
	My first "bike" was a mini bike with Briggs & Stratton 3 hp lawn mower engine! My first real motorcycle was a Harley Davidson 125cc Rapido (try to find that in the History of Harley Davidson books!). Since then I have owned and enjoyed many other motorcycles. More recently, I have become interested in touring. I like to pack the saddle bags and head for the horizon. I want to teach you to do the same ..... safely! It is a great way to travel and see the county. See you at class.


	Instructor Name	Jim Paulsen
	Been Riding Since	Started riding in the dirt in 1975...riding on the street since 1980
	Instructor Since	Started training in 2006 & teaching in 2008
	Current Bike(s) Owned	2006 Yamaha FZ1, 2003 Honda CBR600RR (track-FORSALE), 2006 Triumph Daytona 675 (race-Formula Thunder)
	Motorcycles are cool and riding is fun! Does anything else matter? Okay, okay okay...I love motorcycles and they consume most of my waking moments! My first bike (like Bill) was a 3hp lawn mower motor powered mini-bike I bought from a classmate for $50. It took me until I was 13 until I could convince my parents to let me get a "real" bike (1977 Yamaha YZ125). To this day my Mom likes to believe I don't even ride, although she knows the real truth! Come out and ride with us! It doesn't matter how much or how little you have ridden (if ever!), there is always room for improvement! You WILL have fun!!


	Instructor Name	Chrisie
	Been Riding Since	8 years as often as I can
	Instructor Since	Since PSS started!
	Current Bike(s) Owned	Own: 2008 Triumph Tiger & 2002 Suzuki SV650s Ride: Anything I can get my hands on
	Puget Sound Safety is my life! I eat, sleep, and dream about what I can do to make "you" more safe on the road and in the dirt! For over 10 years now I have strived to create the best program available by hitting all the demands for you the consumer. Night classes, Weekday classes, two day classes, motorcycle care & maintenance courses, kids dirt bike courses, at speed on a closed course class, and adventure camps! I am always striving to do more for you but I refuse to sacrifice quality! Currently I am working on a trail riding course, setting up dualsport & street tours, expanding our specialty courses, building a new range and much more! I hope you know the passion is there in each and every one of my instructors and staff members! We really are here for you! I would like to personally thank each and every one of you that has taken a course with Puget Sound Safety as we wouldn't be here without you and we will continue to be here for as long as you keep coming! We have courses for EVERYBODY, give us a call and find out what your personalized riding plan is!


	Instructor Name	J. Stiffey
	Been Riding Since	Since the 80's
	Instructor Since	Since 2008
	Current Bike(s) Owned	'09 BMW R1200GS (current ride), '05 BMW F650GS (wifes ride), '02 KTM 520MXC (dirt squirter), '97 Suzuki RM80 (sons), '07 Yamaha TTR125 (daughters), '05 Honda ST1300 (last ride), and just one more!
	Well if you are looking to have a good time and learn something new you have come to the right place. I strive to arm you with the best knowledge to make you a better, safer rider. Motorcycling is in my blood and has been since I was very young. Myself , my wife and our two great kids just love to get out on two wheels in the dirt or on the street. As a professional firefighter I have seen the tragic results of motorcyclists who have fallen short in their training and riding ability. Don't let that happen to you! Come out and join me for a basic rider course, intermediate course or better yet one of the many advanced specialty courses Puget Sound Safety offers. Dirt or street what better way is there to see the world than on two wheels? Make that boring old commute to work a bit exciting again, explore the views from the top of the mountain, or find the sweet spot on that twisty road. Come on let's have some fun while making you a better rider.


	Instructor Name	Jerry Jones
	Been Riding Since	Since Honda 50 was the rage
	Instructor Since	Since 2008
	Current Bike(s) Owned	2004 Goldwing, 2006 KLR650 Kawasaki
	Have been riding for a number of years and see the value in riders learning the proper and correct techniques. Want everyone to share in the glorious beauty that can be enjoyed from riding a motorcycle. Feel that only through education can we all become better and safer motorcycle riders. Enjoy all kinds of riding and being with riders who are safe.


	Instructor Name	Chet Mainwaring
	Been Riding Since	Pappy wasn't looking!!
	Instructor Since	April 2008
	Current Bike(s) Owned	Current bikes-08 ZG1400 and 04 YZ450F Former Bikes include Tote Goat, Benelli 50, Honda Trail 90, Yamaha XT250G, 85 Honda Goldwing LTD, 04 BMW R1150RT, 83 KDX250
	I am "Living the Dream" with a smile a mile (at least when in the saddle). I am an outdoor enthusiast who likes to share my many experiences with anybody who will listen. I look forward to seeing your smiling faces in class and later on the road. I'm ready to ride, are you?


	Instructor Name	B. Scott
	Been Riding Since	1997
	Instructor Since	2001
	Current Bike(s) Owned	2009 KLX250 SF; 2007 Husqvarna SM610
	"Call me Ishmael." (Oops, I think I just plagiarized someone.) "They call me Bruce." (Damn, I did it again.) "Four score and seven year's ago..." (OK, now I'm going to jail!) Since I can remember, I have always wanted to ride but waited until I was 40ish before I began my riding passion by taking the MSF beginner course. From that foundation, I have completed MSF Experienced Rider Courses, 4 levels of California Superbike School with Keith Code, two 3-day sessions at Freddie Spencer's High Performance Riding School, a side-car class, Lee Parks Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic, dirt bike sessions plus several track days. I can honestly say that I am a better, faster and safer rider as a result of my continued motorcycling education. But more importantly, the fun factor continues to increase. The novice class is a great way to get started or get back into motorcycling. Do yourself a favor and invest in your motorcycling enjoyment and safety with advanced training opportunities, too.


	Instructor Name	George Tart
	Been Riding Since	1989
	Instructor Since	2008
	Current Bike(s) Owned	Honda Valkyrie Tourer and Magna
	When I was growing up my parents did not like motorcylce's at all. They did not even want me to look at them. So, when I finally got to college over a 1,000 miles from home I bought a 82 Yamaha Maxim 550 off a roommate. He took me to the Stadium parking lot for about 30 minutes to learn to ride. And that was my education on motorcycling. Well, two accidents and surgeries later my parents learned of my motorcycle. At this point motorcycling was put on the backburner. About 5-6 years ago, I got he itch bigtime and bought a BMW from a client, and decided that I need to get proper instruction and took the basic class and learned a lot. I was off and rolling and having a great time. After a couple of years of my wife on the back I told her to go and take the basic class to see if she would like to ride for herself. And not only did she learn that she loved it, she told me I HAD to become an instructor. So, Here I am. And I love it.


	Instructor Name	Roger Smith
	Been Riding Since	40 years
	Instructor Since	4 years
	Current Bike(s) Owned	2002 Goldwing
	I enjoy teaching as much as I enjoy riding. In all my years of riding, I've learned more in the last few than all the rest combined. Your never too old or too experienced to learn something new. It's the little things that make a ride fun and safe. I look forward to meeting new people on the road and in the classroom. Hope to meet you soon.


	Instructor Name	Eric Smith
	Been Riding Since	off and on since childhood
	Instructor Since	Since Nov 2003
	Current Bike(s) Owned	Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter 1500
	Everyday is a good day. One riding or talking about motorcycles is extra special. I started teaching in California where my wife and I where station in the Air Force. We moved to Washington in 2005 and have loved it ever since. This is an awesome location to ride, there is something for everyone. Come play with us, and see that motorcycling is the best way to go anywhere.


	Instructor Name	Howard Kellogg
	Been Riding Since	18 years
	Instructor Since	Since June 2002
	Current Bike(s) Owned	2007 H.D. FLHTCU
	Watching students develop new skills is fun and exciting. My passion is to be of assistance in the process of new riders becoming confident in their ability to control their machine.


	Instructor Name	David B. Elliott
	Been Riding Since	9 years
	Instructor Since	4 years
	Current Bike(s) Owned	Honda ST1300A, Suzuki SV1000S, Kawasaki ZX-6R
	I started riding in 2000 when a friend got a bike. There was no way I was going to let him have all that fun without me! Fast forward a few years and a friend pointed me in the direction of teaching, as she thought I'd like it. Well, she was right: I've been teaching since 2006 and haven't looked back. You're guaranteed to learn something in my class as well as have fun. These are motorcycles, after all!


	Instructor Name	Håkan Söderbom
	Been Riding Since	1997
	Instructor Since	2009
	Current Bike(s) Owned	BMW R1200GS Adv, HD Road King Classic, Suzuki DRZ 400S
	Passionate about riding! Riding every day and always learning something new.


	Instructor Name	John L.
	Been Riding Since	On and off since 19
	Instructor Since	Just started
	Current Bike(s) Owned	1996 Triumph Trophy

Printing the information of PSS instructors is not allowed.