Fantastic job on the Road Captains Course Greg Beeck !!!

Attending the Thursday classroom at my house, enjoying coffee, tea, sodas and a fun selection of cookies were the following participants: Tim B, Kenny U, Dave Otten and Roz, Sam G,  Dave DeSiga, and De and Mike B. and Yvonne and myself. Greg's awesome assistant Janet kept him on track and on schedule throughout the course.  Greg started everyone off with a little quiz to wake us up and get us thinking...he then gave up the answers and advised us all of the whys and why-not's of proper group lead / drag techniques.  Although many taking the course had done so previously, everyone from newbies to veterans had interesting and relevant questions and comments...all making for a very worthwhile and lively couple of hours.

On Saturday, after the Chapter A monthly meeting, Greg Beeck then led us on the "practical application" portion...better know as a ROAD TRIP.  The weather could not have been more cooperative !  Bright blue skies and the warmth of the sun had us switching off the Gerbings just a few miles down the road.  After our riders meeting at RMC,  electing lead and drag, selecting the proper route, and radio check, we headed off...southbound on 167 to the new Sumner exit to the industrial area just North of sleepy Sumner.  Winding through the industrial area, then heading directly through DT Sumner to the Lake Tapps road, ending with our first stop at the base of Hwy 410 at the Shell station..and subsequent critique from our educator Greg.  After taking a few moments for refreshments , changing up positions of lead and drag and further discussion on our route, we headed off...eastbound on Hwy 410 through Bonney Lake, Buckley and Enumclaw...to our next stop at the King County Fairgrounds for our second critique. Our technique was already getting better under Greg's tutelage and after yet another lead/drag change over, we headed North on the Enumclaw, Kanasket road to Kent Kangley, to Ravensdale, then towards Hobart.  We took a couple of very remote side roads that ended us up at the junction of Maple Valley Highway and Hwy 18.  We then took Petrovisky back into RMC for a final critique from our leader.  WHAT A DAY !!! The loop was approx 76 miles...traffic was moderately light, scenery was magnificent and company better than ever.  Over the two days we all learned or refreshed on (among other things) the proper way to get on /off a freeway, merging into traffic, proper lane changes, stop sign etiquette, playing nice with merging 18 wheelers, freeway travel, congested city travel, parking lot etiquette, riding single file to staggered and back again, pointing out obstacles in the roadway, proper CB etiquette...and so much more.  Some in the group that had never held lead or drag positions were placed into the position and did a great job...and now have a better appreciation for the important functions.  This was a FREE safety and education function for our Chapter A members...more proof that we are committed to the safety and riding enjoyment of all of our members.  I personally appreciate the dedication of those veteran riders like Tim Bowman and Dave Otten and Tom Chillquist to take the time to re-learn the fine points of group riding and offer their personal experiences and insight on this immensely important and highly technical aspect to the pastime we all enjoy.  Again Greg and Janet thank you for taking your time to provide this training to the Chapter A participants.  Sign me up for the next class !