April 13--You've changed the oil, flushed the fuel, checked the tires and maybe even polished the chrome to get your motorcycle ready to ride, but how polished is the rider?
"Most of us don't ride all year," said Jude Gonzales, owner and lead instructor at Motorcycle Riding's Cool in Chicago. "These are physical skills and they tend to atrophy without use."
There are a number of resources where riders of any ability level can get professional riding instruction in a controlled setting.
Harper College Motorcycle Safety Program
Harper College hosts state-sanctioned motorcycle courses in 10 locations in Cook County.
"It's the best deal in the state of Illinois, especially now," says program supervisor Scott Mochinski. "It's completely self-funded by motorcyclists helping other motorcyclists. We don't get casino money or property taxes."
The free program (with a $20 refundable deposit) is funded by motorcycle license and plate renewal fees.
Some 16,000 Illinoisans took advantage of the free program last year, which uses a Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum.
"We would like everyone in the state of Illinois to take a course," said Mochinski. "We're not pushing anything. We're not selling motorcycles. We want people to learn about motorcycling. It'll make the streets safer. You'll be a better pedestrian, and a better car driver. Everyone can benefit."
Since motorcycles and helmets are provided in the basic and intermediate courses, it's perfect for people who might be interested in seeing if motorcycling is for them, without having to buy a motorcycle. If you pass either of those courses, you can take your certificate to the Secretary of State to get a motorcycle classification on your license.
In the advanced course, Mochinski says they set up exercises you take on your own bike at your own pace, and there is no test. "You challenge yourself, become a better rider on your own motorcycle," he said. "If you have your own group of six to 12 people, contact Harper and they will set up an advanced course for you."
Dates: Classes run from late March to late October. Walk-ins welcome.
Cost: Free with a $20 refundable deposit
More info: www.goforward.harpercollege.edu/ce/mse or call 847-925-6300
Moto Guild Chicago
Moto Guild Chicago owner Tony Riccardi stresses this is not a venue for do-it-yourselfers, but rather a place to learn how to work on your motorcycle from the experts. They provide the tools and can order the parts. Several motorcycle mechanics with different specialties are moonlighting at Moto Guild to teach classes and help members individually.
Workshops range from getting your bike ready for spring to doing major service, with workshops on various subsystems in between. Supervised workstations can be rented by the hour or day, or through a $120 monthly membership that includes motorcycle and parts storage.
As Riccardi evolves the business trying different events, a social aspect appears to be emerging. He has hosted different groups of riders, MotoGP live viewing, and is planning a ladies night.
Dates: Variable. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Cost: $25 to $375
More info: 2213 W. Grand Ave, Chicago or call 312-989-3167
www.motoguildchicago.com
Motorcycle Riding's Cool
Founded in 2001 by Jude Gonzales, Motorcycle Riding's Cool is a private training facility with instructors certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. It offers everything from basic rider courses to monthly maintenance workshops and private lessons.
Dates: Variable.
Cost: $100 for the 3-hour motorcycle maintenance course to $300 for the Basic RiderCourse, which is 14 hours of instruction spread over three days.
More info: info@motorcyclelearning.com or call 773-968-7433
www.motorcyclelearning.com
