Skill Accelerated is Riding Elevated for New Riders

During the Barber Vintage Festival, an MOA member approached me with a wide-eyed teenager in stride and said, "Tell this guy how he can apply for a rider training grant!"

The teenager was working the swap meet as a favor to a neighborhood Dad and fell in love with a CB350. Not a BMW, but who doesn't have a soft spot for an old Honda twin? With more dreams than he had cash, the young man negotiated a $200 discount as a first-time rider and became a proud owner of his first motorcycle. A few spectators gathered and after some tinkering and cleaning, the bike fired up and presented the opportunity for freedom.

The rest of the story could be scary, disastrous, and treacherous, all at the same time. Had it not been for an MOA member who recognized the young man had more courage than skill, our young friend likely would have ridden off into the sunset to meet an uncertain fate. Instead, the new rider was given some good advice - "Go get trained before you throw a leg over that saddle." And, as most of us did with our first bike, the new rider spent every dime in his pocket on the bike and hoped he would find a hand-me-down helmet to satisfy Johnny Law.

Why do I tell you this story? Because it demonstrates the significance of the BMW MOA Foundation's rider safety, education, and training programs. The Paul B. Rider Safety Training Grant program provided this first-time rider a $200 grant to become trained the right way and set him on the path to a lifetime of learning, enjoyment, and freedom.

The story also demonstrates that programs, such as Paul B., depend on MOA members for relevance. Not only for funding but to encourage all riders to become trained (or retrained.) Without the persistence of fellow riders, the value of training can be completely overlooked. Kudos to MOA member Stuart Bogue for recognizing the value of education and convincing our young hero to seek training with the help of the MOA Foundation.

And now comes the ask. It is Giving Tuesday and programs like the Paul B. Safety Training Grant program don't exist without funding. If only 5% of our members decide to make a small $10 donation today, it will generate 50 training grants for new riders. Our collective good can put 50 people on the right path to a lifetime of riding. For a tank of gas or a recurring donation, we could train hundreds.

Can you help the BMW MOA Foundation advance rider safety, education, and training on this Giving Tuesday? Donations can be accepted online. It's quick and easy. You can also mail any amount to the BMW MOA Clubs Campus address below. A $10 gift can truly make a difference.

If you can't make a donation, I encourage you to apply for your own Paul B. Safety Training Grant and improve your skills? BMW MOA members can qualify for up to $200 toward the organized training of their choice. It is the easiest money you will ever earn and might save your life.

Thank you for your continued support. I hope you will consider making a difference this Giving Tuesday, because ...

SKILL ACCELERATED IS RIDING ELEVATED!