Reading And Riding And 'rithmetic

ReadIng and Riding and 'Rithmetic

MOTORCYCLE DAY has become an annual event at Starbuck Intermediate School in La Habra, Calif., and it’s not viewed as just a play day or an after school activity. Principal Dean Welin explained that the school faculty is aware of the many youngsters who are not interested in traditional school sports, but enjoy riding motorcycles. For this reason, the school considers motorcycle day to be important, because it is not only a fun experience, but also an educational one.

The first Motorcycle Day, held in the spring of 1972, came about because the students approached Welin and requested some type of a motorcycle event. And the school thought it a good idea. “From there we involved the police department to cover the safety point of view as well as that of the law,” Welin said. “Then we sought to include as a speaker someone who was as interested in bikes as the kids themselves.”

Approximately 30 students brought bikes to the 1972 Motorcycle Day, and 45 trailered their motorcycles to school for the big event in 1973.

The order of the day, which was arranged by a committee of five students under the direction of VicePrincipal Roy Wilkes, began with parents delivering students and machines between 7:30 and 8 a.m.

Following roll call, each bike was inspected by the committee. They were looking for excess noise, poor brakes and gas leaks. Another important check was for verification of insurance from the parents. Permission slips had been turned in to the school several days prior to the meet. Following inspection, the bikes were parked in a roped off viewing area adjacent to the school quad, and during the nutrition break which came at mid-morning, a great deal of interest was shown by the student body.

The bike riders themselves spent their nutrition break in a special meeting to inform riders of the rules to be observed later in the day when each boy and girl would take their own bike onto the course. It was explained that while the jump was there, not everyone was expected to take it, only those who felt qualified. Warning flags were displayed and explained to the students. And the rules about lapping one another, breaking through the rope barrier and other particulars were detailed.

During the lunch hour special speakers commanded all the attention. Standing amidst the display of bikes and surrounded by the bike owners and at least half of the student body, Officer Tom Machado of the La Habra Police Department talked about problems involved with motorcycle riding, and pointed out that in many instances their own safety was jeopardized when the problems arose. He encouraged the students to use their own common sense when they ride and to learn the laws of their city and county.

Pete Metzen, businessman and member of the La Habra Dirt Riders, followed Officer Machado at the microphone. Metzen also pointed out some of the laws which should be obeyed. Another point Metzen brought up was that in order to get adequate riding facilities, changes must be made at the voting polls. He encouraged the boys and girls to ask their parents to use their vote in behalf of motorcycle riders. “There are a lot of us. We need riding areas,” Metzen said. Metzen pointed out the

Marion Bond

need for proper riding apparel for the sake of safety. And he extended an invitation to the students to join the newly formed club which he represented.

The big event of the day began at 2:20 when the riders were excused from their classes to prepare for the riding period. In single file they took their bikes to the rear of the school and lined up at the start of the quarter-mile course. At 2:30 the entire student body was dismissed from regular classes, and they gathered behind a marked line to watch the riding.

The motorcycle riders had been instructed earlier to keep regular intervals between each other, and not to pass. They had been told not to take the jump the first time around, and then they were given the option to take it on subsequent laps. Helmets were required and there was to be no racing.

Actual riding time was 20 minutes. Welin stated that in 1972 they had allotted 40 minutes and had found it to be too long a time. The riders themselves, however, later said that the time went by much too fast and hoped that next year it might be extended to 30 minutes. The audience of students, parents and friends certainly did not lose interest and wander away during the riding period. And an unexpected group of motorists stopped along the back fence of the school to watch the activity.

Parent reaction was entirely favorable. “We’ve had extremely positive comments from the parents of the kids who are involved,” Welin said, and he could recall no negative remarks—only approval from the educational point of view.

One of the fathers who had helped his son start his bike in the beginning of the day was there for the riding period. He explained that he rides with his son frequently, and that he was sure his son had nonetheless benefited from the experience. “I think even my boy learned to observe. Even a youngster who has ridden with his family will learn something from an experience like this,” he said.

“I think it was great,” said one of the mothers who had helped with the hauling and who had watched the riding. “I’m pleased,” said another. “It was good for them,” added yet another.

Motorcycle Day at Starbuck could not really be called a part of the curriculum, but it is encouraging that educators are becoming aware of the need to instruct, encourage, and most of all to understand that motorcycle riding is an important sport to some important people. It’s a fact. And this progressive school is doing something about it.