Hartford H.O.G. #1124 - Safety Column

As the 2010 riding season begins...

  I would like to introduce myself. My name is Greg Bechard and I am the SAFETY OFFICER for 2010.

  I would like to invite all new and veteran Hartford HOG members to attend a safety session that will be announced in the chapter calendar. There will be plenty of safety tips to pass along at these sessions, including group riding, solo riding, and much more.

  For a little bit about myself... I've been riding since I was 18 years old. Like most kids I played in the dirt first, experiencing my share of bouncing off of the ground, trees, rocks etc. Then I slowly switched over to the road and started riding a 400cc Honda. Then I upgraded to a 500cc Honda. When my family came along I put away my toys for about ten years, but I missed them.

  In 2002 the riding bug came back and I bought an '02' Ultra Classic Harley-Davidson. When I started riding again I felt very rusty about my skills and confidence levels.

  The chapter Safety Officer at the time recommended to me and the rest of the HOG chapter the benefits of taking the Experienced Rider Course (ERC). The price was reasonable and it sounded like a good idea.

  I took the course, found it very valuable to my riding skills, and I STRONGLY recommend these classes for new riders as well as seasoned riders. Personally I've taken the ERC class three times and every time I have learned something new and have come away with tips on riding more safely.

  If you've got any questions or need some help, please contact me. I'll be glad to give you a hand.

Keep the shiny up and stay safe....

Greg Bechard
2010 SAFETY OFFICER
860-666-1583
safety@hartfordhog.org