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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RIDER’S
EDGE, THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON ACADEMY OF MOTORCYCLING, MOVES INTO CALIFORNIA
Three
Dealerships Set To Offer Rider Training Course
MILWAUKEE
(March 11, 2008) – In a continuing effort to teach the fundamentals of
and instill a greater appreciation for motorcycle riding, Harley-Davidson
is expanding its successful rider training program into California.
Select California Harley-Davidson dealerships are now offering the
Rider’s Edge® New Rider Course premier motorcycle training program
where students have opportunities to interact with dealership staff and
draw from a network of experienced motorcyclists. Additional
dealerships are preparing to launch their program within the month.
The
Rider’s Edge New Rider Course California premier program is based on the
proven curriculum of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) Basic RiderCourseSM,
while offering additions that provide longer classroom and range time.
“With
Harley-Davidson, becoming a rider is first and foremost about motorcycle
safety, but it’s also about a rite of passage; an experience you’ll
never forget,” said Julie Chichlowski, director of Rider Services.
“That’s exactly what we bring to our Rider’s Edge New Rider Course
and what we’re excited to bring to the state of California. Rider’s
Edge is about learning, discovering and bonding – everything a new
riding experience should be.”
The
first Harley-Davidson dealerships in California to offer the Rider’s
Edge New Rider Course premier program are Orange County Harley-Davidson in
Irvine and Antelope Valley Harley-Davidson in Lancaster. Harley-Davidson
anticipates more California dealerships will add the Rider’s Edge New
Rider Course program to their dealer services by year’s end.
Beyond
additional classroom activities over the MSF course, The Rider’s Edge
New Rider Course California program includes a group riding component and
a Riding Straight module that focuses on the impact of alcohol and riding
where students can experience simulations using Fatal Vision Goggles.
According
to Chichlowski, an essential component of the Harley-Davidson Rider’s
Edge programs is the expert instructors. “Our Rider’s Edge
Instructors are passionate about riding and passionate about teaching
people the safety skills needed to do so.”
Classroom
and skills training are held onsite at participating Harley-Davison
dealers. The cost and course schedule vary by dealership, but the New
Rider Course program typically can be completed in an extended weekend and
outside of standard work hours. To be eligible, students must have a valid
driver’s license, learners permit or certificate showing completion of
the classroom portion of driver’s education. For those under 18, a
waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian.
Upon
successful completion of the course, graduates receive a California
motorcycle license waiver, relinquishing the riding test given by the
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and qualifying riders for insurance
premium discounts with some motorcycle insurers.
“One
distinct advantage of the Rider’s Edge New Rider Course is that feeling
of being part of something bigger,” said Chichlowski. “Rider’s
Edge teaches the skills necessary to ride a motorcycle but in an
environment that is pure Harley-Davidson.”
Harley-Davidson
established the Rider’s Edge New Rider Course in 2000. Since then, the
program has grown to include 41 states and 176 dealerships. In 2007,
Rider’s Edge celebrated the training of its 100,000th student. To find a
dealership offering Rider’s Edge, visit Harley-Davidson.com and click on
Find Rider’s Edge Locations in the Dealer Locater section.
Harley-Davidson
Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces
heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts,
accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit
Harley-Davidson’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.
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