DECATUR - Don't call it a crash course. It's more of an anti-crash course.

About a dozen motorcyclists bundled up for an unusually brisk May afternoon as they polished their skills along the south parking lots of Richland Community College.

Attendees log 20 hours from Friday night through Sunday learning how to turn, corner, shift, stop, brake and swerve under the watchful eye of instructor Ron Deckard and assistant instructor Tami Gharst.

"We bring them from not knowing anything about a motorcycle all the way up to street skills," Deckard said.

The course, called the Illinois Motorcycle Rider Training Program, is sponsored by several groups, including the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State University.

Aspiring motorcyclists also learn how to deal with emergencies on the road.

"Emergency braking is critical," said Gharst, a program graduate who now helps teach the course. "That's a life-saving skill. There are several things involved, but it's trying to make a complete, controlled stop."

Attendees 18 and older who complete the course will have waived the state motorcycle written and driving test.

But riders age 16 and 17 must complete the 20-hour training session before they are eligible for an m-class motorcycle endorsement.

For more information on course offerings, locations and times, visit www.motorcyclesafety.ilstu.edu/.

With gas prices surging, it's no secret that a motorcycle guzzles less fuel than the typical sport utility vehicle.

Deckard rides a Honda Gold Wing, which gets about 40 miles per gallon. Some lighter bikes can get up to 100 miles per gallon.

But Deckard and Gharst say motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular even without high fuel costs.

"Motorcycling has increased over the last several years, regardless of gas prices," Deckard said. "Our classes are always full."

Motorcyclists may save money at the pump, but for an avid motorcyclist, money often is invested in motorcycle accessories, yielding little net savings, Gharst said.

"Motorcycle equipment is very expensive, so by the time you buy a bike and put thousands of dollars in it, that kind of takes your gas money for the year," Gharst said with a chuckle.

Deckard encourages aspiring motorcyclists to get formal training. The safety course offers new motorcyclists an advantage unavailable to riders in past generations.

"When I learned back years and years ago, there was no formal course or training," Deckard said.

Mike Frazier can be reached at mfrazier@herald-review.com or 421-7985.

jr

box

For more information about the Illinois Motorcycle Rider Training Program, visit www.motorcyclesafety.ilstu.edu.