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!
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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! |
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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 believe you know everything you are correct, you know everything that you know even if it is wrong. The only way you really know when you did not know something is when you learn what you did not know and then you look back and see you did not know it. But you still do not know what you do not know because until you know it it cannot exsist; therefore you still know everything.
We all must continue the quest for knowledge each day even if we believe there is no more to be gained. Just because you may be versed in common knowlege or beliefs they by not be true or complete. There was a time when everyone knew the world was flat and the universe circled the earth. Challenge those that offer you knowlege that the knowlege shared is often as valuable as the price you paid for it.
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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 13 years ago. |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
2005 Yamaha FJR 1300A |
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. |
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Instructor Name |
R. Peake |
| Been Riding Since |
Started riding when wheels were square (1959), but 2 yrs before that if "Tote Goats" count as motorcycles.. |
| 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...
They asked me to give a profile. Hmmm I thought. Ok I said. Do ya wanna enjoy your learning experience, whether you are a new rider or a rider with some miles on the seat? Gooood!!! Then consider signing up for one of my classes. Been riding since they started putting gravel on dirt roads. And every mile I had a smile!! The following I will gauruntee: 1) That I will do my best to learn your name by the end of class; 2) That I will encourage you to accept and learn the fundamentals of safe motorcycling; AND 3) We will do our best to have as much fun that is allowable. Don't forget to ~~WAVE~~..
Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window.... |
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Instructor Name |
Mari Puglia |
| Been Riding Since |
2001 |
| Instructor Since |
2006 |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
1984 Honda V65 Magna, 2002 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 ideal number of motorcycles to own is "just one more," which apparently also applies to air-cooled Volkswagens (one of the other loves in my life). When I first considered becoming a motorcycle safety instructor, I was hesitant. But I 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. |
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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. |
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Instructor Name |
Herb Larson |
| Been Riding Since |
Over 40 years |
| Instructor Since |
Greater than 13 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. |
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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! |
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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! |
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Instructor Name |
C. Coughlin |
| Been Riding Since |
on and off since 1984 and continously since 2005 |
| 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 23 years , we have three children and two grand children, I am a daily rider, rain or shine. Longest ride was from Tacoma Washington 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. |
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Instructor Name |
B. Bogue |
| Been Riding Since |
I was 13 years old |
| Instructor Since |
2007 |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
2011 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Limited |
| 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 country. See you at class. |
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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 |
2008 Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2006 Yamaha FZ1, 2006 Triumph Daytona 675 (race-Formula Thunder), 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250 (race-Ninja Cup), 2009 Honda CRF 230M |
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 (1975 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!! |
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Instructor Name |
*Chrisie* |
| Been Riding Since |
10 + years |
| Instructor Since |
Since PSS started! |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
BMW 650gs & Kawasaki KLX250! |
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!
I helped create the "intro to the BRC" class for the riders that just want a head start in learning to ride. Look for me on the schedule and I guarantee you will be getting the "real deal" and not a look a like class! |
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Instructor Name |
Jerry Jones |
| Been Riding Since |
Since I took the playing cards out of the spokes of my bicycle |
| Instructor Since |
Since 2008 |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
2010 Goldwing (sport bike on steriods), 2006 KLR650 Kawasaki |
| 2012 is the year we all need to move forward with our training to be a safer and more prepared motorcyclist. Riding is a skill we have to practice to hone our skills and what better opportunity then right now to step up to the plate and make yourself a more proficient rider. No matter if your a new rider or experienced rider, dirt rider or anywhere in between we have something for everyone here at PSS. Come join the fun that being around other motorcycle riders brings. See you on the range, in the dirt or on a road course and we will have a blast together. |
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Instructor Name |
Chet Mainwaring |
| Been Riding Since |
Pappy wasn't looking!! |
| Instructor Since |
April 2008 |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
Current bikes-08 ZG1400, '05 KLR650 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? |
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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.
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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. |
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Instructor Name |
Roger Smith |
| Been Riding Since |
40 + years |
| Instructor Since |
6 years |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
Bright Yellow 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. |
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Instructor Name |
Eric Smith |
| Been Riding Since |
since Childhood |
| Instructor Since |
Since Nov 2003 |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter 1500 |
| Everyday is a great day especially the day I get to help a student. Motorcycles are a passion of mine and helping others is a big part of my life. I love what I do so come on out and join us for an awesome experience. I will doing everything possible to help you be successful. |
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Instructor Name |
Vena Knight |
| Been Riding Since |
Since 2004 |
| Instructor Since |
Certified in 2007 |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
2011 Triumph Daytona 675R, 2002 Suzuki Hayabusa, 2008 Triumph Sprint ST 1050, 2005 Honda CRF 230 |
Motorcyclists are indeed more exposed to risk, however, you can choose to ride safely. Take a riding course at least once a year to learn how to minimize those risks. I love to teach so others can share my obsession of riding.
It feels incredible to be totally engaged and aware of your immediate environment. (If you ride obliviously, you won't do it for long...) The sensation of power you get when you take control to make assertive decisions to remain safe on the road feels incredible. The sense of freedom you feel because the motorcycle is an extension of you is tremendous. You can't replace the rush of adrenaline that even a little twist of the wrist can cause and let's not forget about the fun and thrill of cornering smoothly! Exhilarating and soooooo rewarding!
People who don't ride are mystified as to why I enjoy riding 20,000 to 26,000 miles a year. If they only knew what you are about to learn... |
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Instructor Name |
Howard Kellogg |
| Been Riding Since |
20 years |
| Instructor Since |
Since June 2002 |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
2007 H.D. FLHTCU; 1986 Kawasaki Consourse |
| 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. |
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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.
Looking forward to hearing about your experiences, expectations and questions. Let's have a fun class together! |
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Instructor Name |
Jarrett Inge |
| Been Riding Since |
Since i was knee high to a grasshopper. |
| Instructor Since |
2010 |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
2002 Honda 919, 1992 DR 350 |
| I've been hooked on motorcycling every since my 9 year old cousin taught me to ride his '72 Honda 50 when I was 6. I look forward to helping others develop their understanding of and skills for riding motorcycles; I can't think of a more fun thing to do with our time. |
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Instructor Name |
Paul |
| Been Riding Since |
Since I was 15. But, I've been turning wrenches since I could walk. |
| Instructor Since |
I am currently teaching Motorcycle Care and Maintenence. Started in 2010. |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
Triumph Tiger, Triumph Bonneville- (see a pattern here?) |
I enjoy sharing knowledge. I believe that once you stop learning, you have stopped living. I like the fact that every class that I teach is an exchange of knowledge and ideas and I also get to learn something new.
And, we get to play with motorcycles!!! It just doesn't get much better than that. |
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Instructor Name |
Greg |
| Been Riding Since |
20 Years |
| Instructor Since |
2010 |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
Present: 2010 BMW G650GS, 2009 BMW F800GS Past: 2009 BMW F800ST, 2007 BMW R1200GS, 1997 BMW F650, 1970 BSA Lightning, 1885 Honda Shadow, 1971 Suzuki T500 |
It's not the destination but the journey that takes us there.
Growing up in New England, my experiences came from the "other" groups of motorbike enthusiasts. The name brands in my neighborhood were bikes like Triumph, BSA, BMW and Honda. One of my first bikes was a 1971 Suzuki T-500 that I bought off guy who had his own motorbike shop. Cafe racers were our thing, inspired by the sleek European styling and a desire to be unique. My friends and I used to nest out of this neighborhood cafe' called "Babes on the Sunny Side". The place was plastered with old boxing photographs and motorcycle racing posters. The old timers would talk about the days of board track racing and how safety wasn't even a topic. Then they would proceed to educate us on our own bikes.
My modern day inspirations come from world adventure riders like Helge Pederson and Lisa & Simon Thomas.
I invite you to take the first step towards your adventure and sign up for one of my classes. Whether you're a new rider or seeking a tune up, I know we will have fun and learn new things together!
I'm on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/BMWGREG |
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Instructor Name |
Rick Gillespie |
| Been Riding Since |
Off and on for 25 years |
| Instructor Since |
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| Current Bike(s) Owned |
Yamaha Vstar 1100, Triumph Trophy 1200 |
I had to hide my first bike in the barn my parents were'nt big fans of motorcycles but I have been every since that first sneaky ride!
Two of my favorite things are helping people learn and riding so a rider coach seemed like a great combination. Riding is so much fun and my goal is to make your class a blast. |
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Instructor Name |
Dave Bandirola |
| Been Riding Since |
Since 2003 |
| Instructor Since |
Since 2008 |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
BMW R1200ST and Yamaha TTR250 |
| Taking a class when I started riding gave me a great jump start. I now try to take at least one class a year. In this sport you are always learning and classes are the greatest way to hone your skills. |
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Instructor Name |
Tagen Smith |
| Been Riding Since |
2005 |
| Instructor Since |
2010 |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
Yamaha FZ1. Past bikes Yamaha Fazer, and 80cc"Big Wheel" dirt bike. |
| For years when my brother and I were little we wanted dirt bikes more than anything. I still remember how excited we were, (there's a video to prove it), the day we came home from school and there were 2 new dirt bikes in the garage. That bike has been gone for over 20 years, but my love for motorcycles didn't go with it. I got the itch for a motorcycle again in 2005 and think it's safe to say I will always have at least 1 motorcycle in my garage from here on out. My focus now is on being a safer and better rider. I believe in the life-long learner approach as there is always something new to learn or a skill to improve on. No matter what your skill level is, I urge you to sign up for a class and start improving your riding today! |
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Instructor Name |
Rachel Stark |
| Been Riding Since |
2005 |
| Instructor Since |
2009 |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
Yamaha, Honda, Harley Davidson |
| My family and friends are the most important part of my life. I hang with positive people who see the up side of life, love life, and have a good time. My husband put me on the back of his bike and every time I got on, I loved riding more and more. I got tired of waiting around for him to come home so we could go ride, I got a dirtbike and started riding myself. I love to ride and hang with our other biker friends. I love teaching and get energized when a student overcomes a fear and do something on a bike they thought they couldn't. The look on their face is AWESOME! It's rewarding and I love when someone comes to class who already rides and proclaims I helped make them think of being safer on the roads. Can't wait to meet you in one of my classes! |
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Instructor Name |
James Steenson |
| Been Riding Since |
45 years |
| Instructor Since |
20 years |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
Many Italian, German, and British sport bikes |
| Enough about me. I want to know something interesting and unique about my students! |
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Instructor Name |
Lisa A. Johnson |
| Been Riding Since |
Since age 30. It started as a mid-life crisis and turned into a love affair! |
| Instructor Since |
Since September 2011 |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
2003 Honda Magna, 1999 Honda Nighthawk |
| I have always been intrigued by what it must feel like on a motorcycle. At age 30, I bought the Nighthawk and taught myself to ride (on the street in traffic, definitely NOT a good idea!) At the time, I didn't know about Safety Courses. You have a wonderful opportunity to learn safely and with instructors who have faced the same challenges you are about to. Experienced, novice, or just part of your bucket list - Come have some fun! |
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Instructor Name |
Peter |
| Been Riding Since |
since age 12 |
| Instructor Since |
Started in 2011 |
| Current Bike(s) Owned |
Yamaha Roadliner 1900; Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic |
I started riding minibikes in the 1960s as a pre-teen, then the Honda 50 and Trail 90, putting thousands of miles on trails and old logging roads in the mountains around Lake Tahoe.
I was "this close" to buying a Honda 550-4 in the early 1980s, but I got "the look" from my wife and I changed my mind. I may not have had the maturity to ride a machine like that, so it may have been for the best.
In the decades since then, I rode off and on, renting street bikes while on vacations in Caribbean island nations.
Then, three years ago, I got into motorcycling seriously, purchasing a Yamaha V-Star 1100 and taking my first Basic Rider Course (the first formal instruction I had ever had). I took the Experienced Rider Course two years ago and expressed my desire to help others learn how to safely ride. Reading frequently about motorcycle fatalities in Washington, I thought - there must be a better way.
I am now a certified instructor and have a passion for motorcycling and helping others to learn what it is all about. To me, motorcycling is the ultimate freedom (next to flying), and being an instructor enables me to help others find the same joy I have for the sport.
Today I ride a Yamaha Roadliner 1900 nearly full time (as long as there is no ice or snow on the road) and ride about 8,000 miles per year.
Ride safe and remember to wave! |
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