Harley Riding Academy Honors American Heroes
Recently, Harley-Davidson reached out to support everyday heroes by announcing a special deal specifically for first-responders and current or former members of the military, and their spouses.
A special $99 rate is available to these folks to take the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy’s three-hour “New Rider” course at a local dealership. Just looking locally in Los Angeles, that is a discount of about $150.
No worries
Participants are responsible for wearing a helmet, eye protection, sturdy boots, gloves, pants and a jacket or long sleeved shirt, but the dealer provides the bike. Currently, most programs are using specially prepared versions of the Street 500, with bright orange “crash bars” to keep them from getting too bruised in a tip over. You never leave the parking lot, so the chance of you getting road rash are pretty slim too.
Harley’s special offer is good from March 15 though November 30, and participants have to sign up on a special dedicated page: Harley-Davidson American Heroes Riding Academy. In order to get the special price you’ll need to show you are active military, a veteran, EMT, law enforcement, or fire personnel (or married to some one who is). Classes typically start in the spring and run several times a week; again checking my nearest dealer shows them on Thursday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday all day starting in May. Chances are though that your class won’t take place on the deck of an aircraft carrier.
Newbies on new bikes, and no one getting mad if you scratch it? I don’t know about you, but I don’t know anyone nice enough personally to let me do that, maybe Pope Francis (he rides, right?). If you are just a regular civilian who want to learn to ride, the classes are still a good deal, and you can find out more information here: Learn to Ride. Depending on the state, these classes may exempt you from showing your skills to the DMV in order to get a motorcycle license, and they may also lower your insurance premium. Don’t be shy, going back to school isn’t just for young, green, wet behind the ears, new recruits; you’re never too old to learn.
