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By: Jon Campbell
The MSTA-MAP program is designed to assist any MSTA member who would like to be temporarily teamed with a veteran MSTA member for any or all (but not limited to) of the following reasons.
They are a new MSTA member, new to attending MSTA events, a returning MSTA member, new riders, new to "Sport Touring"/"Sport" motorcycle riding, would like to have an experienced rider review their road riding skills, they are uneasy about riding due to a recent accident or close call and/or would like to be introduced to more HSTA members.
MAPs will be teamed with members of similar riding tastes and skills. They will introduce their partner to other MSTA members, help to familiarize them with the event, give them a better understanding of what the MSTA is all about, take them on at least a one day ride during the event and stress the value of "riding your own pace" on that ride. The MAP will be teamed with their partner for this event only, unless they both agree that they would like to be teamed in the future.
The MAP program was tested at the 2003 Mail Pouch Fly-By and the results were very promising. Members that were teamed together were very pleased with the program. The map program will be available at all future MSTA AMA sanctioned events and at larger local rides. Look for the sign-up forms at the next event you attend and be a MAP for the day. Your participation will help to make another member feel welcome in the MSTA, help them to have a safe, enjoyable event and you may gain a new friend in the process.
HSTA Vice President |
![]() Clint and Sharon Vogus, the first new members to take advantage of the new MAPS program at the Ozarks BS Rally. Ozarks BS Rally MAP Report: by Clint & Sharon Vogus
About one year ago I
made the decision at the
young age of 58 to get a motorcycle license, learn
to ride, buy a motor
cycle, and take to the back roads and enjoy the
outdoors and the friendship
of cycling. Sharon was also interested and very
supportive. She likes being
the passenger as she had taken some short trips many
years ago as a
passenger and enjoyed it. We are both outdoors
people as we enjoy
bicycling, hiking, tennis and general sightseeing.
We felt that motor
cycling was another way to enjoy more of the
outdoors with people that
enjoyed the same things as we did. After riding a
little in 2002 in
Wisconsin and then moving to Arkansas in the Spring
of this year, I quickly
outgrew my original Honda 450 and upgraded to a
Night Hawk 750. After only
riding it for about four weeks we took off for Bull
Shoals. We were very
pleased with the group and how friendly and helpful
they were. We did not
know what to expect, and were quite surprised that
someone would take the
time to go out with us and show us the ropes of
handling the curves of the
local roads. Having only ridden about 600 miles in
my life before Bull
Shoals, I needed some lessons as I did not ride on
any roads in the
qualification course to get my license in Wisconsin.
What I did not realize
was that I needed some coaching in the techniques of
riding the back roads
and handling the curves. I thought that I was doing
it right. After our
coaching the curves feel natural and riding is more
fun. The one thing that
I learned was not to control the bike but let the
bike follow the curve of
the roads. Since we returned home from the BS Rally, we have ridden quite a
bit and it is much more
enjoyable. Everyone should be as fortunate as
Sharon and I were to have
this opportunity early before bad habits and
accidents occur. It was one of
the greatest experiences that I have had in
learning. I will forever be
grateful to your organization for this opportunity.
Clint and Sharon Vogus |
MSTA Member Assistance Partner (MAP) They are a new HSTA member, new to attending MSTA events, a returning MSTA member, new riders, new to "Sport Touring"/"Sport" motorcycle riding, would like to have an experienced rider review their road riding skills, they are uneasy about riding due to a recent accident or close call and/or would like to be introduced to more MSTA members. MAPs will be teamed with members of similar riding tastes and skills. They will introduce their partner to other MSTA members, help to familiarize them with the event, give them a better understanding of what the MSTA is all about, take them on at least one day ride during the event and stress the value of "Riding Your Own Pace" on that ride. The MAP will be teamed with their partner for this event only, unless they both agree that they would like to be teamed in the future.
Riding Style Rating For Both MAPs & Partners Intermediate: You have been riding less than five years, you have been to several HSTA events, you have been riding "Sport Touring"/"Sport" motorcycles less than five years, you like to ride at a quicker pace, you make three or four stops on you ride, a long ride for you is 250 miles, you have mastered all of the basic riding skills and have taken the Experienced Rider Course. Advanced: You have been riding over five years, you have been to numerous MSTA events, you have been riding "Sport Touring"/"Sport" motorcycles over five years, you can ride at a spirited pace, you make few stops on your ride, a 400 mile day on twisty back roads is your favorite ride, your riding skills are top notch, you have taken several Experienced Rider Courses and/or are a MSF instructor and you have participated in "Track Days".
MAP and Partner Rating and Sign-up
( Please Print ) I am willing to be teamed with a partner with a different riding style than mine: Yes No HSTA#_____Room#______Signature:_____________________________________
Yes I would like to have a MAP assigned to me at this event. HSTA#_____Room#______Signature:__________________________________
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