IRVINE, Calif., May 11, 2007 – With the heat on the pavement approaching 100 degrees under absolutely clear skies, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation provided free, hands-on, advanced-level training to more than 150 Southern California riders last weekend at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre here in Irvine, Calif. “The MSF has long been an advocate of lifelong learning and a proponent of safety renewal, the fundamental belief that riders’ decision-making and crash-avoidance skills can benefit from being refreshed over time,” said Dean Thompson, MSF director, communications. “To kick off Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the MSF offered the half-day, Experienced RiderCourseSM free for riders to assess, refresh and build upon existing skills and expand safety strategies.” Thompson added that the MSF believes it is important for riders to regularly refresh their knowledge, skills and risk management strategies by taking refresher rider courses, and said the MSF has four additional key safety messages for all motorcyclists: * Get trained and licensed * Wear protective gear – all the gear all the time – including a helmet manufactured to the standards set by the DOT * Ride unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs * Ride within your own skill limits More than 900 riders have taken the refresher rider course in the three years the MSF has hosted the “Southern California Free Ride.” “We’ve always said that the more you know, the better it gets,” Thompson added. Since 1973, the MSF has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders may enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourseSM locations, call (800) 446-9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.