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                                                            Best Practices for Lining Up For ridesI

 The following paragraphs come courtesy of Paul Callahan, who is Safety Officer for his H.O.G. chapter in Milwaukee as well as a Rockstar Road Captain: Believe it or not, there is an art and science to lining up for our rides. Here are some tips to make things easier and safer for everyone on our group rides: 1) Please pull up to the front of the group with no gaps. You should be within a foot or so of the bike in front of you. Leaving gaps make is difficult to keep bikes in order and confuses people when leaving for the ride as to who goes next. 2) Please line up in two columns, not haphazardly parked 3 or 4 across. This avoids all the side-to-side adjustments as we depart and people try to get into a proper staggered formation. 3) Please park all trikes in the left column. This sets the group up to avoid having two trikes next to each other. We have been told by some trike riders that the left column is easier to ride in and less rough. 4) Please make sure you check in with the Lead Road Captain or the Sweep using your VIB number. Remember, every ride gets you points which are worth $$ at Rockstar. 5) If you have a passenger who is not a member of Rockstar H.O.G., they must sign a waiver on every ride. NO exceptions for non-members. Road Captains carry these forms. Following these simple guidelines makes our ride line up and departure much easier and safer. Thanks, Paul. Also, I wanted to let Chapter riders know that the Collier County Sheriff’s Motor Unit is again offering free S.M.A.R.T. classes on these upcoming dates: 4/15 – 4/16; 4/29 – 4/30; and 5/20 – 5/21. Their website says the site of the training is to be announced. For more information, call 239-252-2333 or email ColliereSheriff-SMART@CollierSheriff.org. Enjoy all our rides and keep your head on a swivela paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Safety Officer,

Steve Marshall

+++++TAMPA S.M.A.R.T – OPEN PRACTICE++++++

 

Hello SMART Riders, we hope everyone is doing well!!! If you have successfully completed the SMART classes in Tampa, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Collier, Citrus, and Osceola you are eligible to participate in the “SMART Open Practice” course at the Tampa Police Department’s driving pad. Motorcycling is a “perishable skill” and open practice is an opportunity for you to work on the skills you learned during your SMART course.  

 

You may come and go as you please and stay as long or as little as you want. The pad is open for you to practice at your own pace and TPD motor instructors will be on-site to assist you if needed.

 

You must have COMPLETED the INITIAL COURSE in order to participate. If you’re from Gainesville, Jacksonville, Collier, Citrus, or Osceola just show a picture or copy of your SMART certificate when you arrive. Spectators are welcome to watch, but will not be permitted to participate or ride on the driving pad.

 

 

OPEN PRACTICE INFORMATION 2023:

  

Location: Tampa Police Academy Driving Pad - 116 S. 34th Street, Tampa FL 33602

 

Date and Time 2023:

  • Saturday February 25th (8AM-2PM) (Completed)

  • Saturday March 25th (8AM-2PM)

  • Saturday April 22th (8AM-2PM)

  • Saturday May 27th (8AM-2PM)

  • Saturday June 24th (8AM-2PM)

  • Saturday July 29th (8AM-2PM)

  • Saturday September 2nd (8AM-2PM)

  • Saturday September 30th (8AM-2PM)

  • Saturday October 28th (8AM-2PM)

  • Saturday November 18th (8AM-2PM)

 

                                   

Cost: Free

 

Course Requirements:

Personal Motorcycle (2-Wheeled, Street legal)

·         We will do a quick safety inspection at the driving PAD

Motorcycle Endorsement

·         A VALID license and CURRENT endorsement is required and will be checked for compliance at the time of check-in.

Signed Waiver

·         We will ask you to sign a waiver at the driving PAD.  

                                           

What to Bring to Practice:

✓    Valid Driver’s License with the motorcycle endorsement (Required)

✓   Gainesville, Jacksonville and Osceola show a picture or copy of your SMART certificate (Required)

✓    A mechanically sound motorcycle (no leaking fluids, worn tires, etc.( Required)

✓    Over the ankle footwear (footwear that covers the ankle bone and provides support) (Required)

✓    Long pants (Required)

✓    Eye protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses are acceptable) (Required)

✓    Department of Transportation approved helmet (Required)

✓    Gloves (Optional)

✓    Water, Powerade, Gatorade or some other non-alcoholic beverage. Snacks are optional; remember you will be OUTSIDE ON A DRIVING PAD WITH LIMITED SHADE! Drink plenty of fluids 1 to 2 hours before the start of your range session and continue during your range session. Sunscreen, rain gear and a change of clothing are usually good to have available. It is the responsibility of each rider to have everything needed to attend this course. Anyone arriving without the mandatory riding equipment will not be permitted to participate.

 

We look forward to seeing you!!!

 

 

Let’s be smart, “TAMPA SMART!”

Tampa S.M.A.R.T

Tampa Police Department

City of Tampa / /
p: (813)-276-3445 / e: Tampa-Smart@tampagov.net


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OUR MISSION
"The Mission of the Tampa Police Department is to Reduce Crime and Enhance the Quality of Life Through a Cooperative Partnership with all Citizens."

Please note: This e-mail is public record.

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