2011 Motorcyclist Safety Conference

Register for the Ride Smart 2011 Motorcyclist Safety Conference; Event Features Opportunities to Ride, Improve Skills Motorcycle fatalities are on the rise across the nation including Michigan, where there was a 21 percent increase in motorcyclist deaths in 2010. As part of an effort to address this trend, the Office of Highway Safety Planning and Skilled Motorcyclist Association - Responsible, Trained, and Educated Riders (SMARTER) are presenting the Ride Smart 2011 Motorcyclist Safety Conference. The event features opportunities to learn about the latest safety gear, riding techniques, research and technology. The conference is Sept. 9-11 at the Michigan State Police (MSP) Training Academy in Lansing. Participants will have a chance to experience various riding scenarios at real world speeds on the MSP drive track. Nationally known motorcyclist safety experts will share information and riding techniques that participants can immediately implement. Speakers include: * Dr. Ray Ochs, director of training systems for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). He has more than 30 years experience in education and training and is the driving force behind the development and maintenance of MSF's national curriculums. * Ricky Orlando, MSF-certified coach, Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA) approved, with more than 15 years of private instruction experience. He is licensed for American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) pro superbike and MRA pro road racing competition. Orlando's racing accomplishments include four MRA Colorado state championships, repeated top 10 AMA Superbike finishes, and a top 10 World Endurance Championship finish. * Lee Parks, developer of Total Control Riding Clinics. He has been racing for 25 years and won the 2001 G.M.D. Computrack National Endurance Series Championship in the lightweight class. Parks also finished second in the 1994 AMA 125GP national championship in its exhibition year. He spent five years as the editor and chief test rider of Motorcycle Consumer News, where he road-tested every new street motorcycle available in the United States. Space is available. Participants who register by July 31 receive a discounted rate of $94 for SMARTER members and $139 for non-members. After July 31, registration is $139 for SMARTER members and $184 for non-members. One- and two-day registration options are also available. For more information and registration details, visit http://ridesmart2011.eventbrite.com. Published: Mon, Jul 25, 2011