There’s something so cool-looking about someone on a motorcycle. James Dean, Peter Fonda, Batman … they all have that legendary air about them when they’re on a bike.
Unfortunately, it has been this image that has driven many a person, young and old, to buy a motorcycle, and take to the streets without the proper training. Any seasoned rider will tell you about the thrills of being on the open road, with just two wheels taking you across the landscape, but they will also caution those newly joining the ranks that safety is key to enjoying the experience without ending up in the hospital.
For many years, the only way to get proper, certified training was to fly off the island, incurring flight and accommodation expenses, along with the cost of the course. The Cayman Islands Motorcycle Riders Association has now solved the issue for people seeking local instruction. The association has recently become certified to train everyone from entry level through intermediate to experienced riders, offering courses that will assist students in getting their basic 125cc license, to over 125cc, including skills to prepare them for their vehicle licensing test.
Keith Keller, owner of Cayman Custom Cycles, and president of the Cayman Islands Motorcycle Riders Association, has wanted to increase the association’s membership for some time, whilst teaching people the proper way to handle motorcycles of varying engine size.
“Being able to control a motorcycle with the proper training not only helps avoid unnecessary accidents,” he says, “but also makes it much easier for the rider to enjoy the experience of being on a bike.
“Too often we see crashes on the road, particularly with young people involved, because they don’t know how to handle their bikes and they need to understand how vulnerable they are on such a powerful piece of machinery.
“Our courses involve both classroom training and practical workshops on bikes that we provide, and we cover everything from safety procedures, to the rules of the road, so by the time people leave our classes, they know what it takes to operate a motorcycle and be aware of the vehicles around them.”
Once you’ve got your license, you can join the association and participate in group rides that are organized on a regular basis. Keller often gets riders together for a cause, like the annual “Toys for Tots” run, where Christmas gifts are gathered for less fortunate children.
He has ridden a bike for decades, and never tires of going around the island on one of his beloved Harley-Davidsons. Cayman Custom Cycles offers bike tours to visitors, but recently some locals have been getting in on the act.
“We now offer the option of being a pillion rider with one of us riding the bike, so passengers can get a taste of what it’s like to travel by motorcycle,” he says. “Hopefully, residents will give it a try and then be interested in getting their own license.
“I know I’m biased,” he concludes, “but, honestly, I don’t think there’s a better way to travel.”
For more information on courses, bike tours and the Cayman Islands Motorcycle Riders Association, contact Keith Keller on [email protected] or call 945-7433.
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