Get the basics for your motorcycle ride

In the beginning of 2008, as gasoline prices jumped to $4 a gallon or more across the nation, tons of people gave up their SUV and bought motorcycles. People who never considered life on 2 wheels ran out to get a fuel-efficient chromed out bike. And most of these new riders had no idea what they were doing.

Now there is nothing wrong with owning a motorcycle. I rode for many years, and only had one accident - a drunk driver hitting me on a L.A. street. I loved the feel of the air on my face. The ability to see the road I was on. The rush of my bike (a 1972 Honda) as it thumped away as I started it up.

Riding a motorcycle is a freedom that many have learned is unlike any other means of transportation. And there are more than a few that understand this as a way of life. Just go to Sturgis and you will see what I mean.

But now there are drivers out there that are a danger to themselves and others on the road. They think it's about speed, or doing stupid tricks. They think they have to impress somebody just because they are on 2 wheels. Honestly they have just watched too many movies and cheap music videos.

What these new motorcycle converts need are lessons in driving. Take the extra money that is being saved from gas (even at these far lower prices now) and use it at a place like Skip Barber Superbike School Powered by KTM at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. That is, when they open in 2009.

Why a school that is geared towards motorcycle racing? Well in my opinion it gets all that need for speed drivel out of their heads. You want to go fast, do it on a road built just for that. This way if you drop you don't take out school kids and crossing guards.

More importantly all these newbies will get to learn how to respect their bikes. They will learn to handle their bike, and how to pay attention to what is happening on the road.

Jeff Haney says it far better than me when he describes what he will be doing as instructor at Superbike School

"Even if it's not your goal to be a World Champion or race motorcycles, the understanding that allows World Champions to become consistent and successful (without falling down) is priceless to everyone who aspires to become a better, smarter and safer rider."

Now newbie riders don't need to go to Skip Barber. That's just an example I wanted to point out. The big picture is that as part of a far larger community of motorcycle riders there are things you need to know. For your safety and our own. And so we all can enjoy the ride.

I know too many riders that have been annoyed with the newbies already. I can only imagine what will happen when the economy improves again and oil surges back to far loftier prices again. So do everyone a favor, go to school. And for those that really need to do the dumb people tricks on their bike, read up on these items that you will likely need more than the rest of us - Motorcycle Airbags