Marc Shaffner / Safety Officer
 

Monthly Safety Tip

January's Tip
T-CLOCS
Use this link to view and print a copy of the
"T-CLOCS" inspection form

February's Tip
Ladies only ERC Class

March's Tip
"Braking"

April's Tip
"Tires"

May's Tip
"Motorcycling with a Passenger"
Click this link to view and print out Passenger Tip Sheet
spacer
June's Tip
"Riding in the Rain"

spacer

Riding Courses

img

For Tacoma H.O.G. Members
Saturday May 8th 2010 8am to 2pm (Open to all)
Saturday May 22nd 2010 8am to 2pm (Ladies Only)
Saturday June 5th 2010 8am to 2pm (Open to all)
At the new range location, Cheney Stadium
(Link to Map to Cheney Stadium Riding Range)

 

The Experienced Rider Course training is designed for the rider with a minimum of 90 days and 3,000 miles of riding experience. Even if you've been riding for some time, there's always something new to learn. Increasing numbers of seasoned riders are flocking to hone their skills and fine-tune the mental skills needed for survival in traffic.
Your own Tacaoma H.O.G. Road Captains take this course every two years to hone their skills and to be the best they can be for you.

What is involved in the Experienced Rider Course Training?

During this one-day course you'll discuss with your peers how to balance the mental and physical aspects of safe riding, manage risk, increase visibility and optimize your lane position. The greatest benefit of this course is that you'll spend the whole day at the riding range on your own motorcycle, with fellow Tacoma H.O.G members.
You'll put into practice the techniques of managing traction, cornering, swerving and stopping quickly. The Experienced Rider Course also covers protective gear, rider responsibility, motorcycle inspection and care, the effects of alcohol and other drugs on riding, and includes an optional skill evaluation and knowledge test that will waive the DOL testing to gain your motorcycle endorsement with Washington State.

How much does it cost?

The Intermediate Rider Training is $112.50 per person for Tacoma H.O.G. members during these specially reserved Experienced Rider Course classes.
Plus, upon completion of the Experienced Rider Course:
Go out to the Tacoma HOG website (http://www.tacomahog.com) and look under the Safety category, or the Forms category, and look for the Safe Rider Skills Reimbursement Form
Print this form and fill it out.
This form is used to receive a $50.00 rebate from National H.O.G. for successful completion of an accredited Riders Safety Class such as the ERC. See the form itself for more details.

Class Participants Must Provide:

  • Motorcycle (in good working order & street legal)
  • Proof of Motorcycle insurance
  • Motorcycle endorsement or instruction permit

Class Participants Must also Provide:

  • A parental permission form if under the age of 18
  • DOT-approved helmet
  • Eye protection (glasses, goggles or face shield)
  • Long sleeve shirt or jacket
  • Long pants
  • Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear
  • Full-fingered riding gloves.
  • Prepare for the weather (rain gear, sunglasses, etc.)
  • Bring a lunch, snacks, & drinks for yourself. Breaks will be taken at the course site. 

How do I sign up?

Go to the Puget Sound Safety web site http://www.pugetsoundsafety.com . Put your mouse pointer on Course List, and then sslide your pointer down to MSF Experienced Rider Course. Then selcet Schedule. Scroll down until you find the May 8th Tacoma HOG Reserved. Or the June 5th Tacoma HOG Reserved. Once you are there select the green square that says Reserved. Here is the important part. To get our special Tacoma HOG price, you must type in our Reservation Code: Tacoma HOG. From there continue filling out the registration form and submitting payment of $112.50. with a Visa or MasterCard. Make sure your card is charged the correct amount…
Or for your convenience you may also use your Visa or MasterCard over the phone to secure your class spot. Call their office at (253) 770-8888 You will receive a confirmation letter (receipt) prior to your class start date with the appropriate class information including directions. Be sure to give them our special reservation code Tacoma HOG.
If you have any questions please e-mail me at SafetyOfficer@TacomaHOG.com.
Or call Puget Sound Safety at (253) 770-8888; don’t forget to mention our Reservation Code: Tacoma HOG.

 Be sure to go out to the Tacoma HOG web site (http://www.tacomahog.com) and select the Safety Tab for monthly Safety Tips, videos, and Links, to all kinds of Saftey Info for you and anyone who rides.

See you in my rear view,
Marc Shaffner

 

 

MSF & Harley Davidson University Group Riding Class:
 Do you know what it means when the rider ahead of you puts his left hand straight up in the air in the center of his or her helmet like a shark fin?  Do you understand how and why communication while on a Group Ride is so important?
If not, you should come and take the Group Riders Class, taught by our Safety Officer, Marc Shaffner once a month here at Destination Harley.
The class is an hour long (sometimes longer) and consist of a video, and a Power Point Presentation discussing what was covered in the video.  A casual and relaxed atmosphere for open discussion to answer all of your questions about Group Riding. The class is open to everyone who rides a motorcycle.  Riders are encouraged to bring your passengers.  Both will benefit from this class. You will also come away with a handbook of riding terms, hand signals and riding etiquette, plus a nice ride-pin.
Check our calendar page for dates and times.

MSF Basic Rider Course:
This course is designed for the person with little or no riding experience, as well as returning riders. You will learn the basic skills needed to ride safely.

MSF Basic Rider Course 2:
The Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2) is designed for riders with some experience (90 days and/or 3,000 miles) to take a 1-day safety course on smaller sized training motorcycles. More experienced, seasoned riders can sign-up for this class to fine-tune techniques and mental skills needed for survival in traffic.

MSF Experienced Rider Course:
The Experienced Rider Course is designed for the rider with a minimum of 90 days and 3,000 miles of riding experience. Even if you've been riding for some time, there's always something new to learn. Increasing numbers of seasoned riders are flocking to hone their skills and fine-tune the mental skills needed for survival in traffic.


Safe Rider Skills Reimbursement Form

Did you ever wonder what the real scoop is on helmet laws, or how many bikes can be in a lane?  Well follow the link to see what Washington law states.


RCW 46.37.530

For a complete listing and access to the RCW's that affect motorcycles, follow the link below:

RCW's

 

 

File of Life Form

This form is for your convenience to carry on your bike. It is intended to be a quick and easy source of Emergency information if ever needed. Just like I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) on your cell phone (see I.C.E. below)

1) Emergency Contact Information
2) Medical Data, such as Medications taken; dosage; how often
3) Special conditions or remarks that could aid emergency medical personnel in the event your unable to respond.
4) Print the card out, fill in information.
5) Fold on marked lines and put it someplace easily accessible on your bike.
6) You can contact Tacoma HOG Safety officer to obtain a sleeve to put the card in for safe keeping.
 

 

I.C.E. - In Case of Emergency

What if...

    • You're in a accident and rendered unconscious?
    • You're at the mall or work and became incapacitated?
ICE - In Case of Emergency. Is free and easy and could one day save your life.
Put ICE in your cell phone and make it easier for emergency personnel to contact loved ones in case of an emergency to get your medical history (are you allergic to any drugs, do you have a history of heart disease, do you have a Do Not Resuscitate order, etc.).
Make a new entry with the word "ICE" followed by the name of the person you want called in emergency situations (examples: ICE-Dave, ICE-Mom). For more than one contact name use
ICE 1-Dave, ICE2-Mom or ICE1, ICE2, etc.).
Make sure that person(s) knows your medical history. Individuals without cell phones should carry a File of Life card with emergency contacts and medical information on your bike or in your wallet or purse

 

How To Properly Pick Up Your Bike

Ever wonder how to pick up your bike all by yourself, should it want to lay down for a rest?  Here's how...

Okay, first, if the engine didn't die or the cutoff switch did not kill the engine, turn it off!

If your bike is on the right side, pull out you kickstand, put the bike in gear so it won't roll.  Turn around and sit on your seat, grasp the roll bar or frame with your right hand, grasp the brake and throttle with your left, (this will also keep it from rolling) lean back, lift with your legs by taking small steps, slowly raising your bike and lean it over on the kickstand. 

tedlift1.JPG (91358 bytes)
tedlift2.JPG (96223 bytes)
Okay, now if it's on the left side its about the same except no kickstand to keep it from going over again onto the right side.  So you have to be slow and sure as your raising it to a point you can hold it up and turn around to put down the kickstand.  Use the same procedure, turn around and sit on your seat, grip the frame or roll bar with your left hand, and the left hand grip with your right hand.  Be sure the bike is in gear to keep it from rolling. Slowly lift with your legs, taking small steps, until your bike is almost vertical to a point you can hold it up as you put the kickstand down.
tedlift3.JPG (88686 bytes)
tedlift4.JPG (96328 bytes)
There you have it, make sure you make an appointment with your chiropractor!
tedlift5.JPG (97095 bytes)