The last 11 months or so have been anything but normal. We are all anxious to return to the usual routine and are optimistic that 2021 will provide that... eventually. 

 

For as long as most folks can remember, we’ve begun rider course registration at the Expo. With our friends at Renfro Productions and Management being forced to cancel the Indiana Motorcycle and Powersports Expo for 2021, things will be a little different. 

We will still open enrollment for classes on Friday February 19th, just like if we were at the Expo. Since we won’t actually be at the fairgrounds, we will not be able to sign up people “in person”. 

 

Prospective students are encouraged to visit the website at www.ABATEonline.org to register. The process is pretty simple and user friendly. We want to remind everyone that classes fill quickly. 

 

The schedule will not be posted until February 19th and it will not be possible to enroll prior to then. 

 

Much like everyone else, we are closely watching the COVID situation and the subsequent guidelines and restrictions. This is a continuous process and we evaluate our procedures each week. 

 

At this time, we expect to start the season as we did last year, utilizing a virtual classroom to limit unnecessary exposure. We have incorporated what we learned from last season to improve and enhance the experience for 2021.

 

Given the size of the riding facility, the limited number of participants (12 students per class) and the fact that it is conducted outdoors, we remain confident that we can adequately socially distance during the “range” (on cycle practice riding) portion of the course. 

 

This worked very well last year and we were able to safely train thousands of riders. 

We look forward to returning to “ore-COVID” status soon, but remain thankful and excited that we are able to offer training despite a global pandemic.

 

Ride Safe,

Ride Free,

Jay Jackson 

 

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URGENT - ASSISTANCE REQUESTED 

We continue to search for a new home for training in the Indianapolis and South Bend/Elkhart areas. This is a critical need as we are currently “homeless” and willl not be able to conduct training unless we secure a facility.  If you have contact information for a property that could potentially host a training site, please let us know IMMEDIATELY! ridered@abateonline.org or 800-23-ABATE

 

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INSTRUCTOR CANDIDATES NEEDED - Our most vital resource is our corps of dedicated instructors. Without enough personnel, we will be forced to restrict the number of courses that we are able to offer. If you think you have what it takes to be a motorcycle safety professional, contact Kelly at the state office (ridered@abateonline.org or 800-23-ABATE) to learn more. Instructor training will begin soon, so don’t delay.