Up To Speed

Aspiring motorcycle riders in Connecticut will finally get to take state-run training classes. Enrollment for Connecticut Rider Education Program courses is expected to open the first week of May following the resolution of a months-long standoff between CONREP and Connecticut State Community College. Classes are expected to begin shortly thereafter …

NEW LONDON, CT – Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson in New London, CT is adding additional New Rider Course classes to its Riding Academy as a result of the continuing absence of Connecticut Rider Education Program (CONREP) offerings across the state. “We’re getting more calls. We’re trying to put more classes on. …

BRISTOL, CT – There will soon be a new option for aspiring motorcycle riders wanting to take the Basic Rider Course in Connecticut and get an “M” endorsement on their driver’s licenses. The Massachusetts-based training school called Training Wheels plans to begin teaching BRC classes at a location in Bristol. …

Will this be the week that enrollment finally opens for Connecticut Rider Education Program motorcycle training courses after weeks of delay, with some classes having already been canceled?  “Registration is currently closed” notices remained posted Sunday night on CT State Community College web pages where aspiring motorcycle riders are supposed …

It’s a frustrating situation for site administrators and instructors of Connecticut Rider Education Program motorcycle training courses, and distressing one for those wanting to take the classes, as a reported course pricing standoff between CT State Community College and CONREP apparently continues with nary a word on a possible solution. …

Making the transition from newbie to experienced rider takes more than time. It requires putting effort into practicing physical riding skills, improving situational awareness, and ensuring your motorcycle and riding gear are ready for the roads ahead.  For this column, I’ve tapped the expertise of some Connecticut Rider Education Program …

An apparent standoff between CT State Community College and the Connecticut Rider Education Program over pricing for motorcycle training courses in 2026 has stalled the start of enrollment for those classes at training locations across the state.  CONREP employees tell RIDE-CT that CT State is seeking a massive 46 percent …

EAST DURHAM, NY – It was an annual meet that catered to Matchless, AJS and other British motorcycle owners, but was open to dedicated members of the broader riding community. Sadly, after staging of the 48th Jampot Vintage Motorcycle Rallye at the Blackthorne Resort here n 2025, event head John …

Haven’t we seen this movie before? Here’s the plotline. Harley-Davidson diverts from past design practice and unveils a concept of a sporty, non-cruiser model and seeks public response. Time passes and, well, nothing comes to fruition. At least not in 2019 or 2020. Here it is 2026 and Harley-Davidson is …

He was known as “Zorro,” a nickname given Wayne Bidwell by his wife, a native of Colombia. “My middle name is Fox,” he explained a few years ago in a profile written on his two-wheeled adventures that was included in a cookbook produced by a cafe that he often visited. …

We all have stories about disappointing experiences at motorcycle dealerships. A recent article on advrider.com reviewed some of the more common complaints. Judging by the reader comments, it seems that most folks agree that dealers are seriously failing their customers. Rather than pile on with my horror stories, I’d like …

PLAINVILLE, CT – The showroom at used motorcycle dealer and repair shop Powerhouse Motorsports at 151 East Street in Plainville stands empty, except for a vintage Indian police trike, a few motorcycle jackets hanging on a rack and a table surrounded by chairs. A large paper sign hanging in the …

A new video shared over the weekend to a group of guys that I sometimes ride with caught my attention and spurred some commenting. It was created by a YouTuber who calls himself Copperdawg. He’s a 61-year-old rider from central Florida who shares his thoughts and opinions on riding. The …

It has been a long slog with untold roadblocks for the revived BSA motorcycle brand to ramp up and eventually return to the United States, but RIDE-CT can now report that it has signed two dealers in the Northeast, although neither is in Connecticut. They are jointly-owned Royal Enfield of …

BROOKLYN, NY – Interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and not staged since, the popular Split’n Lanes Dodgin’ Gutters classic motorcycle show is getting revived at the Brooklyn Bowl bowling alley in 2026. The invitational event, which has drawn show bikes and spectators from Connecticut, will be staged from …