Statistically I am one of the problem motorcyclists that ACC is worried about - the "born-again" biker in his 40's returning to riding again after the child-rearing years are over.  While motorcyclists account less than 10% of all injuries in the road, we make up approximately 30% of the cost of recovery.  Check out some stats:
 
http://www.transport.govt.nz/research/crashfacts/motorcyclecrashfacts/
 
When I returned to daily riding in July 2013, I assured my wife that I would wear the best protective gear and take defensive riding courses.  As some of you know, I had to go through the new graduating licensing system here in New Zealand to gain my full license as I never held a class 6 license here as rode mostly trail and off-road.  And my US license was not able to be used as was still held at a certain California courthouse waiting for me to have a chat with a judge (long story but it ain't gonna happen!).  So, a prisoner to the new system but I can tell you now - having come through it that it has a tremendous amount of merit especially when going down the Competency-based Training Assessment (CBTA) path.  This puts the training and certification in the hands of authorised training providers which is how I came to meet Karel and Howard at Pro Rider.
 
I know that Karel and Howard are well known to many in our Club (check out www.prorider.co.nz).  The training courses that they provide are sponsored and funded by ACC.  This is a great way to get some of your ACC premiums back!  There are three course levels - bronze, silver and gold.  Even for someone who has been riding for years - I will still recommend starting at the Bronze.  This full day course will set you back the princely sum of $20!  Talk about value for money.  They cover slow speed handling, emergency braking, group riding, technique for twisties and beyond that - the basics of keeping yourself and others alive when you are on the road.  This training was invaluable and put to use at the end of the day when I avoided being clipped at the roundabout on Oteha Valley Road by changing down and moving the bike to another lane as I saw a car enter the roundabout and was not confident that they saw me.
 
After the Bronze course, I took my CBTA full assessment test with Karel - twice.  I missed it the first time due to missing some key things that are over and above bike handling skills.  These were scanning at intersections, blind spot checks, observation, defensive positioning, etc.  I took the instruction from the first assessment and practiced, then came back last month to do the test again and passed.  I would hazard a guess that probably less than 50% of our club could pass the new test.  Having ridden on a few rides so far and heard stories from other members, there are more than a few of us that could do with going through a ProRider course.  And with ACC footing most of the bill, why don't we all do it?
 
The Silver course costs only $50 and I will be doing that in October.  And this time on the Indian.  Who want's to join me?
 
Karel, Howard and the team are outstanding instructors.  Our motto is to grow old disgracefully.  We might get the disgraceful part right from time to time, but the growing old part requires us to stay alive apparently and I think we all owe to ourselves, our loved ones and our club members to be as safe and skilled as possible when getting on two wheels.