Finally! I have the insurance issues worked out and we can start offering tours as well as S/TEP classes this year!
For a comprehensive introduction to sidecars we still offer the Novice S/TEP class the following weekends:
May 14, 15 & 16
June 11, 12 & 13
August 27, 28 & 29
These classes cover basic sidecar motorcycle operation and riding skills with and without a passenger. This is what you need to learn to corner with confidence cope with the unexpected challenges that traffic and road conditions present.
The registration fee is $260. Class is limited to a maximum of 12 students. Sidecars are available for use in the Novice Class at no extra charge.
New for 2010 is the Sidecar Skills Mini Tour Weekend Package! We will offer two packages:July 16~18, 2010 Western Columbia Gorge Mini Tour and September 17~19, 2010 Eastern Columbia Gorge Mini Tour for $550 Sidecars are not included in price. You can bring your own rig or rent one of ours. There will only be a very limited number of rental sidecars available and the mini tour will be kept to a small group to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Sidecar Skills Mini Tour is geared towards folks that already have some experience or training. Friday evening and Saturday morning is the Advanced S/TEP class. We will brush up on technique and work towards perfection during the Advanced S/TEP class, then apply it during the rides Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. The routes will be a mixture of highway and secondary roads with some gravel and dirt roads as well, touring the spectacular Columbia River Gorge and surrounding mountains.
Check our website for more details http://adventuresidecar.com/
I was one of the students in last years S/TEP program and really enjoyed it. I highly recommend it to anyone getting in sidecars. And Vernon and his crew are great instructors. Plus the home made treats were great too, yum, yum.
Question for Vernon that others might be interested in. Will the completion of the Advanced S/TEP class allow the riding onto military bases? You need the Advanced ERC certificate to enter a military base with a motorcycle. Last year I joined the Patriot Guard Riders and never took the Advanced course before selling my two wheel bike and going to the sidecar. Most of the Advanced courses I have seen are geared toward two wheel riders. This is in Washington state.
Hi Will!
I don't know the answer to your question. I think the best bet would be to ask at the base if an Advanced S/TEP class card would meet their requirements. You might point out that there are no alternatives for sidecar or trike riders.
Hi Will - I don't know that an "advanced" certificate was a requirement, but you did need to show proof of having attended ~any~ MOTORCYCLE safety training when I registered my sidecar on post two years ago. I have used the safety card from Vernon's class (basic) here at Ft Lewis for this purpose.
Now, Ft Lewis has (1 FEB) merged with McChord Airforce Base to become Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and they will be moving to standardize access requirements over time - not sure how that will affect things in the long term, but I can call the security/vehicle registration desks and ask about it for you.
QUESTIONS:
Were you applying for a 'visitor' pass or trying to register a vehicle for access?
Does your Patriot Guard Rider "mission commander" coordinate for access? (Seen PGR outside the gate before, so am unsure how you work a mission)
Are you of a category which would normally be allowed access to the base (Reserve, Retired, Active, Contractor, DoD civilian)?
I will try to find out the basics in the meantime.
Okay Will - here's the follow-up for JBLM (Ft Lewis/McChord AB):
Any MSF certification of completing a motorcycle safety course
Valid Driver's License w/motorcycle endorsement
Insurance ID required (even though WA State doesn't require motorcycle insurance, this is a valid requirement for access to JBLM)
Those are the minimum items to get a temporary pass. You will also need to meet the minimum requirements for PPE to ride on base:
Long sleeve shirt
Pants
Leather boot covering at least ankle high
Gloves
Helmet
Bright colored clothing (shouldn't be a problem for PGR!) or safety vest
*reflective vest required for night
If you were riding in a group, it is recommended that the group use a single Point Of Contact (POC) to coordinate movement. Your mission commander could do this. He/She will need a military liaison to sponsor the mission. Coordination can be as simple as an email with all mission members listed by name with drivers license to pre-validate their request, and they will be individually checked on base using that list. This would imply a rally point at the visitor's center and mass progression on/off post as a group. People who have a criminal record would not likely be allowed access to the base (sorry, not tryin' to say anythin' but...)
You can get more info w/a phonecall (253) 967-4794.
Have a nice day!
Thank you for all the info. I thought I had read that an advance ERC certificate was required. I meet all the other requirements. The PGR does use a single Point of Contact for any missions on base, and a visitor pass is all we need. Next time there is a mission on base I will just carry my certificate from Vernon"s class>
Thank you for all the info.
