What is a Motorcycle Skills Competition?

Our event is unique, we have created an event that allows both Police Motor Officers (active and retired) to compete in the same event as Civilian Riders. Police motorcycle competitions (also referred to as motorcycle rodeos) have historically been a way to showcase the skills of enforcement motorcycle riders - police motor officers are historically known for being the best trained motorcyclists world wide. In the event, the skills of the rider are put to the test through a series of performance under pressure events at various division from Expert to Novice levels.  It takes a great deal of practice to be able to handle the shear weight and size of the motorcycle. 

The basic idea of motorcycle training is first and foremost about motorcycle safety. This includes being able to handle the motorcycle in emergencies as well as tight spaces. The goal is to make the motorcycle itself work to its maximum potential. A simple philosophy of motor officers is if you hit or rub a cone in training you have just struck a pedestrian and or other obstacle. This is true for all motorcycle riders - not just police motor officers - our event is subscribes to motorcycle safety education for all riders.

The competition is made up of several events that help determine the overall best rider ("Top Gun"). For 2010, we will have three (3) primary divisions each having numerous courses to run. These three divisions are Expert, Intermediate, and Novice levels - however, note that the Expert Division will have both Civilian and Police categories, but the same expert courses will be run by each. There will also be an individual slow ride event where the Expert division must perform the slow-ride in a key hole configuration, while the other divisions perform a straight line slow-ride configuration. Finally, we plan on doing an exhibition partner ride event as well.

The events in no particular order follow::

Main Courses Event: These courses are ran consecutively for time and precision. There is a break between the consecutive runs. The first run is for precision only, while as the second run is for both precision and time. Precision means not striking or rubbing any cones else penalty points apply. The cones are placed in particular patterns (see sample cone patterns). The Civilian Intermediate and Novice courses will be setup for appropriate skill levels. Specifics on the 2010 event patterns will be posted in early 2010.

See our gallery page (and or click on the image below) for example main event runs which were selected from the Expert Division in our 2009 competition held in NYC.

Partner Run Event: These courses consist of two motorcycles tethered together by a 36” breakaway strap.  The motorcycles are tasked with completing a basic course in the fastest time possible without breaking the tether.  If the tether breaks the ride does not count as good run for time. Click on the image below to see a video of a partner run.

Individual Slow Ride Event: This event is where a rider has a designated area and has to ride as the slowest possible time. The slowest time wins. The Expert division (Police and Civilian) perform a key hole exercise for the slow-ride, while as the Civilian Intermediate and Novice levels perform a straight line exercise.

So What is the Point?

It is not difficult to get a motorcycle license today.  A license however, will not help you in an emergency.  Safety awareness through proper motorcycle training is our focus.  The competition will foster motorcycle safety, bring police officers and civilian riders together and promote safe riding techniques.  The events challenge every rider.  The results will demonstrate how you stand up against the very best riders in each class.  Whether you are a new rider, experienced but untried or an expert, you will find a class that will test you skills and make you better at what you love to do, which is ride.