For the Tomahawk Leader
WAUSAU – The Hatchet Choppers, a team of Tomahawk High School students who participated in this year’s statewide BUILD Moto motorcycle building competition, recently took part in the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy at Bull Falls Harley-Davidson of Wausau.
Instructor Brian Schiltz explained that the Riding Academy is based on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course curriculum.
Before stepping onto the range, students were required to complete a five-hour online course.
“Over the course of two days, participants received hands-on training under the guidance of MSF-certified Rider Coaches,” Schiltz said. “They learned the fundamentals of motorcycle operation, including the different types of motorcycles, the layout and function of basic controls and essential strategies for becoming safe, responsible riders.”
Instruction began with core skills, such as straight-line riding, stopping, shifting and turning, and gradually advanced to more complex maneuvers, like swerving and emergency braking.
Schiltz said all students successfully completed the program, earning both a Motorcycle Safety Course Completion Card and their DMV motorcycle endorsement.
“A special thank you goes out to Jim Brown and Steve Gregoire, employees at Harley-Davidson Tomahawk Operations and BUILD Moto mentors, for helping make this possible,” Schiltz stated.
