A Day at the Ricky Orlando MotorCycle Training School

by Honora Lee Wolfe

Whether you are a total beginner or have been on motorcycles since you were a kid, having a real professional critique your riding skills once in a while is never a bad idea. Let's face it, it's dangerous out there and we all need to be the most skillful riders we can be. Somewhere between an advanced beginner and an intermediate rider myself, when I sold my little Honda Rebel this year and stepped up to a new Triumph Bonneville I thought it seemed like a good time for a lesson. My new bike handles like a dream, but it is way heavier than my "learner" bike and feels completely different in the turns. So I called Ricky Orlando to sign up for a private Road Skills class.

Mr. Orlando, a professional MC racer, lives in Erie, CO has been riding since he was seven years old and has taught hundreds of people from beginners to racers. My class took place on a private track a few miles east of Erie. With only one short straightaway, this little track is designed for go-cart racers and is full of turns, little hills, and various angles to negotiate. During the five hour lesson we both discussed and practiced turning lines, motorcycle physics, breaking skills, parking lot maneuvering, up and down shifting, SLPR (slow, look, press, roll), traffic hazards, and how to make oneself a little more visible in and amongst the larger vehicles with which we share the road.

While most of the information was not new, I must admit I'd forgotten a lot from my initial ABATE beginner's class, and it felt good to refresh my knowledge as well as have supervised practice of several important, if basic skills. Mr. Orlando was on time, courteous, respectful, and observant. I must say that, in the few days since my lesson, I do feel a more confident and much more aware of the hazards around me. If you're confidence level is not what it should be, or if you just stepped up to larger ride, I'd recommend contacting him about the various classes he has available. His website it www.rickyorlando.com

Good riding this Summer!