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A Testament to Rider's Edge
" I thank both Dave lambert and Dave Mumford from the bottom of my heart for allowing me the opportunity, believing in the entire class
and myself, and all their encouragement throughout this process. Both of them will be constantly in my head saying "Turn your head, turn your handlebars" (Dave Mumford) and "Smooootthhh on the clutch and brakes!" (Dave Lambert) as I'm encouraged to keep on learning to enjoy the ride safely as my skills grow."
With gratitude and respect: Marcia Zilliacus
Have a story to share?
Please email
kristinanewton@
annapolishd.com
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 | | Welcome to Rider’s Edge®, the Harley-Davidson® Academy of Motorcycling. Whether you're a two-wheeled novice or a seasoned road veteran, we can help you take the ride of your life.
Combining Maryland's Approved curriculum that meets or exceeds the standards established by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation® with the passion of Harley-Davidson, the Rider's Edge New Rider Course offers hands-on instruction and real-road experience that can teach you the skills you need to get the most out of riding.
A proven blend of classroom instruction and range riding, the Rider's Edge New Rider Course delivers the basics of motorcycle operation in Harley-Davidson style. You’ll learn from devoted instructors certified by both the Motor Vehicle Adminstration (MVA) and Harley-Davidson® to create a relaxed, supportive environment that fosters camaraderie and confidence. After passing a written and riding skills test, you'll receive a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Completion Card which may qualify you for discounts on insurance. If you meet the MVA's licensing standard, you will also receive a Motorcycle Safety Program Motorcycle Rider Course Completion Certificate for your Class 'M' license. But more than that, you'll begin a journey that lasts a lifetime.
To take the course, you will need:
- To know how to ride a bicycle
- To be at least 15 years and 9 months in age
- Jeans, sturdy over-the-ankle boots or shoes, full-fingered gloves, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and protective eyewear
- A helmet that meets DOT specifications
You’ll be riding the 492cc Buell® Blast® motorcycle, a light, easy-to-handle cruiser style, with a rider-friendly design that will have you feeling in control.
Rider's Edge® New Rider courses are ongoing. Classes are conducted weekly from March through December. Weekly class times are:
Weekday Classes:
- Monday 6pm - 9pm Classroom
- Tuesday 6pm - 9pm Classroom
- Wednesday 8am - 5pm Range
- Thursday 8am - 5pm Range
Weekend Classes: - Thursday 6pm - 9pm Classroom
- Friday 6pm - 9pm Classroom
- Saturday 8am - 5pm Range
- Sunday 8am - 5pm Range
To sign-up for our Rider's Edge® New Rider Course, please contact our program manager, Dave Cheatham at 410-263-3345 ext. 225.
Click here For
Frequently Asked Questions! |
A recent class that graduated in the fall of 2008!
Your picture should be in our 2009 class! |
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| Our list of goals in our Basic Riding Course. |
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A Customer's Story...
For at least five years now, I've "used" Annapolis H-D as my place to walk around and fantasize about a life I wanted to live. When I first started coming in there I was over 425lbs and couldn’t even walk through the row of bikes. No one ever looked at me funny or called me out. They just let me browse as I dreamt my days away. I set a goal that by my 40th birthday or when I lose 200lbs, I'd take the Riders' Edge course and learn to ride. It took 3 years of hard work (with some help from weight loss surgery) to lose 217lbs. In addition to being a few months shy of that big 40th milestone, I went in and saw Dave Cheatham and signed up for the Riders' Edge course.
I was signed up over Easter weekend and a few weeks before-hand had broken my wrist. I didn't let that or the fact that I’m still not the typical "tiny hot, biker babe" stop me from getting to the classroom. The first day of range riding, it was pouring down rain like the skies had opened up. I thought my dream was dashed. But the instructors, Bob Johnston and Dave Lambert, were supportive. Bob's teaching style was very personal and very much based on a can-do attitude. Both Bob and Dave (mostly Dave) helped me get through many spills, stalls, temper-tantrums and crying jags. They knew the desire to learn to ride was in my heart. Unfortunately, my nerves and my head got the better of me on each and every try. So after volunteering myself to be counseled out of class, I vowed that I'd be back and I'd succeed. Dave Lambert was nice enough to give me his upcoming class schedule. He knew my "weak" spots and I truly like to think he believed I could do whatever I needed to succeed in the BRC class.
After a few weeks of "cooling off" and ego-recovery, I signed back up for Riders' Edge taught this past weekend (6/4-6/7/09) by Dave Mumford as the lead teacher and Dave Lambert again to help on the range. Dave Mumford's teaching style was much different than Bob's and even though I'd been through the classroom and about 10 exercises on the range before, I felt like it was the very first time. This time, I was much more relaxed. I feel I had the encouragement to know I could do it this time. Coupled with the camaraderie of the rest of the class and the interaction of the Rider Coaches with the class These factors interacted so this time went much more smoothly. The weather cooperated and it was evident that both Dave’s were very much attuned to the needs of all the students. There were even two other classmates that reminded me so much of me that first time around except both Daves worked in conjunction so that they were able to continue the range learning and didn’t have to be counseled out of class. Not only did *I* pass but our entire class including those two did as well! I think that's the biggest testament of how remarkable these two Rider Coaches are.
I thank both Dave Lambert and Dave Mumford from the bottom of my heart for allowing me the opportunity, believing in the entire class and myself, and all their encouragement throughout this process. Both of them will be constantly in my head saying “Turn your head, turn your handlebars” (Dave Mumford) and “Smoooooooottthhhhh on the clutch and brakes!” (Dave Lambert) as I’m encouraged to keep on learning to enjoy the ride safely as my skills grow.
With gratitude and respect,
Marcia Zilliacus
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