Courses aim at improved riding skills
Volume 11, No. 47, July 13, 2006

Aerial skills: Capt Matt Bourke gets airborne on his machine.

THE ADF Motorcycle Association (ADFMA) is launching a series of training courses to improve riding skills among ADF motorcyclists. It also aims to raise the organisation’s profile so that it can help more riders.

ADFMA executive manager Capt Matthew Bourke, of 10FSB, said many people were unaware of the association and what roles it will have in the future, “especially in providing more rider training”.

“From its creation as the Australian Army Motorcycle Association in 1991, the Association has always conducted training,” Capt Bourke said.

“Our major aim now is improving rider skills and therefore safety both on and off road, but we also offer advice and support for those who wish to compete.”

Six to eight courses are usually held each year, catering for on-road and off-road motorcyclists.
“So far this year we have run two on-road courses in Canberra and an off-road course at Mudgee,” Capt Bourke said.
In South Australia, an on-road course will be held on June 29-30. In the NT, an off-road course will run from August 21-25 at RAAF Base Tindal, with the date and venue for the on-road course to be advised.

Dates for Townsville also have to be confirmed, but the on-road course will be conducted at the end of July, with off-road instruction at the end of the year.

“On-road courses are generally held over one or two days, depending on skill levels of riders. To cater for varying skill levels, we offer beginners, intermediate and advanced classes,” Capt Bourke said.

“Off-road courses run for five days at beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. Off-road and on-road riding are two very different disciplines. On-road skills don’t necessarily transfer to off-road riding but off-road skills can apply to on-road riding.”
ADFMA caters for the interests of all ADF motorcyclists, focuses on safety training and social activities, and has a diverse group of members covering many types of riders and vehicles.

Most courses are run in conjunction with civilian companies such as Stay Upright in NSW and the Off-Road Academy, which supports the Off-Road Course at Louee Riding Complex near Mudgee, NSW. The Defence Safety and Management Agency has sponsored ADFMA for all training over a number of years.

The benefits for ADFMA members are increased riding skills for recreational or commuter riding, mateship with fellow riders and opportunities to join in weekend activities, and discounted parts and accessories.

For more information about courses and Association activities, email matthew.bourke1@defence.gov.au or visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/Sites/ADFMA/.