By Rick Ahlstrom, ERC Chair

I’m Rick Ahlstrom and I’ve assumed the ERC Coordinator position recently vacated by Jeff Dean. I’ve been a member of BMW MOA since 1985 and became an MSF certified instructor (RiderCoach) for my home state of Minnesota in 1990. You may have met me during an ERC course as one of the instructors at Durango, Morganton, Rhinebeck, Midland or Redmond. I’ll be at Lima with a group of dedicated instructors from throughout the United States. Yes, we will carry on the tradition of ERCs during the National Rally into the future.

First, let me say a few things about Jeff Dean. He has been the driving force behind ERC courses taught at the National Rally for more then a dozen years. It was Jeff who volunteered time to find a range, coordinate the facilities, enlist the instructors, set the schedule and usually teach at least one course. Every member of BMW MOA owes Jeff a heartfelt thank you for the years of dedication in promoting motorcycle safety through our organization. Jeff assumed the responsibility for organizing these courses with his only payment being knowledge imparted to his fellow riders. Being a MSF Chief Instructor, Jeff understands that informed riders are better, safer riders. Thank you Jeff for your friendship, service and loyalty. I’ll do my best to continue providing the very best rider training at our National Rally.

So, for the fourteenth straight year, Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Experienced RiderCourses (ERC) will be available during the BMW MOA National Rally. The BMW MOA Foundation is sponsoring the ERC courses as part of its educational mission. The Foundation is also planning expanded training activities and awards to promote motorcycle safety in the BMW riding community.

Click here for the mail-in ERC Form You must use this form!

For only $40 fellow BMW MOA members who are MSF certified rider coaches will help you update, enhance and hone your riding skills. Eight five-hour ERC courses will be held during the rally. The first will start Tuesday morning, July 19. The last course will be Friday afternoon, July 22. You can see the location and the full course schedule listed in the registration form accompanying this article in the BMW Owners News as well as at www.bmwmoa.org.

To register for an ERC, you must use this form. Registration is available only by mail using this form and priority is first come-first served-by postmark until all available course openings are filled. There will be no registration available when you arrive at the rally.

Students will provide their own motorcycles in good and safe condition and they must pass a brief inspection. Students must present proof of ownership and insurance as well as a motorcycle-endorsed driver's license and must wear protective gear during riding exercises. Required gear includes a DOT-certified helmet, eye protection, full-fingered gloves, sturdy long-legged pants (jeans are o.k.), long-sleeved shirt or jacket, and over-the-ankle boots. If it is hot, a long-sleeved T-shirt or polo shirt will be satisfactory.

The ERC course covers physical and mental preparation for riding, the relationship of visual perception to riding, the components of a mental riding strategy, applying riding strategies, hazard avoidance, successful braking, turning, and swerving, managing traction, and impaired riding. Riding instruction covers proper braking, both straight-line and on curves, cornering techniques, swerving, and the relationships of braking and swerving.

Students should pay particular attention to getting a good night's sleep before the course, and making certain their motorcycles' batteries are in excellent condition. One of the more common problems during range exercises is dead motorcycle batteries. Headlights are best turned off or disconnected during the range exercises as this helps keep batteries charged and allows coaches to see the riders better. Students will be required to sign a liability waiver to take the course.

Since this is my first year I’m going to need some help. We have a number of instructor/coaches who have provided their services for many years. But we always are searching for some who have not taught for us previously. Meeting and working with fellow instructors from all over, and sharing knowledge and skills, are enjoyable and memorable experiences.

If you are an MSF-Certified instructor/coach who has taught the new ERC Skills Plus curriculum and would like to teach at the Lima Rally, please get in touch as soon as possible with me by e-mail at ahlstromdr@aol.com.