Husky Riding Academy - Level Up Your Motorcycle Knowledge

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Barks, Bikes & Likes - March, 2025

7 PM sunsets are so close, yet it’s an ice age out there and we have a bobcat on the range! No, not that kind. A machine to clear the range of snow and ice. April riding classes will be ready but feeling a bit like a dinosaur. It is New England, on the (b)East Coast, anything is possible. We’re ready for it and hope you’ll come along for the ride with us this year.

BY NICOLE SALEM, March 5, 2025

Already licensed? We offer advanced training in Greenfield at Husky Riding Academy. The BRC2 is a partial-day program (approximately 5 hours) designed for licensed riders to practice and renew their skills on their own personal motorcycles. It is an excellent refresher course or the perfect way to reinforce your low-speed maneuvers and basic skills such as accelerating, braking, cornering, U-turn, swerving, and multiple curves.

Are you still not sure if the Basic Rider Course or motorcycling is a good choice for you? We also offer a two hour 1:1 course. The IME (Introductory Motorcycle Experience) which is designed to help you determine just that. A preface to the basics where you will learn about a motorcycle's primary parts and controls and you don’t even need a permit. Are you already licensed and maybe just need a refresher? We have something for you too! Give us a call. Let’s talk about these options and how we can help you build confidence and skills.

I love the career path I have chosen. It’s so exciting and I continue to learn and grow. When I’m passionate about something or someone and I care, I’m all in. 100 mph, all throttle all the time. I love motorcycle culture and one of the things I love most are the stories, the ones that stick with you. Perhaps a random one at a gas station in the middle of nowhere. Certain folks stick with you too. What does a 51 year old woman and a gentleman 44 years her senior have in common? A lot!! Just to name a few things besides bikes; boats, ballroom dancing, overalls, poetry and so much more. I’m talking about myself and Bob Hicks, THE New England motorcycling Legend from Wenham, MA and someone I now call a dear friend. In 1972 he started his 'Trail Rider' publication and organized the New England Trail Rider Association. I wasn’t born until 1973.

I first met Bob Hicks a couple of years ago when he attended an event in the museum we held for another local legend, Don Burnett of Danvers, MA. Don won the 200-Mile National Championship AMA road race on a Triumph in 1962, crushing a 7 year Harley Davidson reign. It was one of the closest finishes ever and no doubt one of the best races in history.

Fast forward, a surprise birthday party in the museum for Bob, a few more visits, we exchanged email addresses and started writing like pen pals. Bob holds a very special place in my heart and I know he mutually values our friendship. We are organizing a series of interviews for a video project where he will talk about his 75 years of motorcycling. He’s not only a rider but also a writer and I could listen to his stories for days. I’m honored he reads my column and I value his critique. It was an honor to sit-down with him for the 1st official interview and part 1 of our Cycles Classic Cafe Museum video project. Details to follow, I promise you will love listening to him too.

What’s better than a woman who doesn’t give you a hard time about riding or the string of motorcycles you have? A woman who loves the culture just as much as you do and wants to share her life on bikes with you (insert your hobbies). I introduce Mrs. Hicks. My focal point for our 1st interview was the love story of Bob & Jane who passed last July. Married just a few months shy of 72 years, a tremendous loss for him. His daily companion, "2 parts, 1 person". God bless, until you see her again my friend.

There is nothing better when you & your partner share common interests & passions. I’d have to say one of the main ingredients in a successful, long lasting relationship. Fall in love with your best friend and marry them. That’s your person. I think I found my Jane and if I’m lucky to have half as many years as Bob had, I will be forever grateful.

I quickly realized there was no way I could condense the love story of Bob & Jane Hicks and 95 years young of inspiration into 1 article. I have to write this story in chapters.

For more information on Husky Riding Academy, upcoming events, questions or comments slide in the DM’s or my Outlook Inbox. Give the socials a follow, content is about to heat up. Ride safe and don’t forget to check twice!!

Thank you for reading, Nicole & The Bandit(s)

@barksbikeslikes
@banditthepuggle

Husky Riding Academy - Level Up Your Motorcycle Knowledge