Ride With Us brings SEMA motorcycle first impressions

“If you’ve ever wondered how much fun riding a motorcycle can be, this is the best way to try it out,” said Cinnamon Kernes, who runs the Motorcycle Industry Council’s (MIC) Ride With Us program. “We provide protective equipment, motorcycles and buses. All you need to take with you are smiles.”

“Many of the exhibitors at the SEMA Show manufacture products for motorcycles, so it’s great to have the Motorcycle Industry Council participate in the show,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “The Ride With Us Moto Intro program is a great interactive feature that anchors the West Hall area.”

Ride With Us has traveled across the country, providing first-time experiences to hundreds of participants aged 16 and over. Motorcycle Safety Foundation-certified coaches help riders prepare and then guide them on the bikes at their own pace.

“We know a lot of people want to ride a motorcycle, but it can be difficult to get the right gear, then find someone to lend you a bike and show you how to ride,” said Kernes, vice president of market development at VPK . “And some people aren’t ready to dedicate an entire weekend to a licensing class. But the experience only takes about 30 minutes, from prep to drop, so it’s the perfect way to find out if you want to do it.”

There is no charge for SEMA and AAPEX attendees, and Ride With Us is also free for anyone with tickets to the SEMA Ignited Friday Experience.

“We are very excited to bring this opportunity to SEMA,” Kernes said. “It’s no exaggeration to say that almost all of our participants rated the experience a five out of five, even those who decided the bike wasn’t for them. It’s 0% pressure, 100% fun, and we can’t wait for the thousands of automotive enthusiasts at SEMA to take their first spin.”