State Farm Insurance sponsors motorcycle skills workshops

State Farm Insurance and FasTrack Riders have teamed up with the non profit foundation Redbird to host a unique motorcycle track experience. On June 7 and September 20, they'll be riding Horse Thief Mile at Willow Springs. Riders will be riding for fun, but also with a purpose.

Reaching out to canyon riders in particular, the decision to create this track series and continue with the technical skills workshops that Redbird has hosted since 2016 was born from the experience of living, riding and loving Highway 2 - Angeles Crest Highway. Redbird has a land base off of the legendary Highway 2, where they have been for the last thirteen years. Most of the time, it's paradise...punctuated by moments of tragedy.

Every year, 49-51% of motorcycle accidents, from minor to fatal, are caused by operator error. Not knowing how to navigate a turn accounts for many of those accidents. And year after year, Angeles Crest remains at the top of the list of California's most dangerous highways.

The rider collaboration knows we won't be able to save everyone. Or even put a dent in those statistics. But it is not far-fetched to believe that this kind of experience could save someone's life.

State Farm Insurance believes they can save lives, and they've sponsored us with a grant to help Redbird reach more riders.

There are around 10 spots left and the group would like to see some more first time track riders and non-veteran canyon riders. Horse Thief Mile is a twisty track, made to be like a canyon. It's a ton of fun but it's also a skill builder.

You can ride your own ride or get professional one on one mentoring and support...or both. Redbird will be giving away a full ride to 4-5 riders, thanks to State Farm Insurance, who are referred by their friends. The person being referred must:

*Have their own motorcycle for the track day as well as full protective gear - we will comp the $125.00 cost of the track day

*Be a first-time track rider

*Be referred by someone who is participating in this track day or who participated in our December 2019 track day

*Referrals must be made by May 20, 2020

*For the persons doing the referring - please mention the person or people as a comment in the Facebook event. Your comment will appear in the discussion section. We will review all the nominees after May 20 and choose 4-5 names. Been referred does not guarantee a free ride.

From the event description: "The price is going to remain $125.00 out of respect for the fact that some people may be affected by measures taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Talk someone into coming who could use some experience at turns and canyon conditions. Or someone who has never done a track day before. This will be a fun day. Horse Thief Mile is a twisty, turn-filled track that emulates the conditions of a canyon including elevation changes and challenging turns. The track surface is comparable to the better parts of our local canyons. Registration is open to riders of all skill levels. If you are a canyon rider this will help hone your skills and your comfort level with your motorcycle. If you have never done a track day this is a good first experience. If you do track days all the time, you'll still have a good time. Bring whatever you ride. All bikes are welcome. You do not need racing tires. You do need full protective gear (leathers, one or two piece) and your tires should be in in new to very good condition. Your bike cannot leak any fluid. Basic track prep is required, which involves taping over glass and taping, folding in or removing mirrors and turn signals. The amount of prep will depend on your bike but should not take more than 15-20 minutes, and can be done when you arrive. We'll have a couple rolls of painter's tape handy."

Here's the event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/461304394559222/