Motorcycle training makes for a cool school

With warmer weather’s arrival, it’s a good time to be aware of motorcycles on the road.

You may be “Born to Be Wild,” but you can never be too prepared when on two wheels.

Bikers can’t count on the public to always keep an eye out. That’s why, it’s good to be primed for the best and safest time on the road.

So, on Saturday morning, under a blue sky and temperatures tipping 70 degrees, 14 riders joined with the Lawton Police Department Motorcycle Division officers for a free day of motorcycle school in the Dillard’s parking lot at Lawton’s Central Plaza, 200 SW C.

Cones were set up in four different configurations for these motorcyclists to work out their drills. Lawton Police Lt. Ulysses Henderson said the intent is to improve the fundamentals of the assorted bikers through the four obstacle courses: slow cone weave, offset, lane change exercises and figure eight.

While the department’s motorcycle officers undergo 80 hours to train for certification, Saturday’s schools offered its riders six-and-a-half hours of training, according to Henderson. It’s something that will continue to grow. A next class is scheduled for April 13.

“This is the first time we’ve offered this for Lawton’s citizens,” he said.

Henderson described maneuvering a motorbike as “a lot more defensive driving” than for those enclosed and on four wheels. A big part of the secret is to understand the physics that go into riding a motorcycle.

“A lot of it is very, very slow paced and very, very technical,” he said.

Atop his bulkier model road bike and wearing a helmet with a red Mohawk-style strip of hair, “Big” Mike Christie made his way through the slow cone weave. As his saddlebag tipped a cone, it didn’t faze him. He’s been riding since high school, save for a short break in-between. He loved the day’s adventure.

“Ah yeah,” he said, “this is fun as hell.”

A Harley-Davidson driver for nine years, Mary Quade said she’s been through several courses.

“You have to keep practicing it,” she said. “Without cones it’s a lot tougher.”

Quade enjoys some excitement in her life. She said the only other time she’s been in the newspaper was when she caught a shark as a 6-year-old girl.

“You could say I like the thrill,” she said.

Henderson said the training is an abbreviated form the department’s motorcycle officers take. The lessons apply to all riders.

“You’re using the throttle, brake and clutch at the same time,” he said. “It’s about making using the machine to its fullest capability.”