About the Instructor
Hi, my name is Gary Lewandowski, and I share a very similar story with Jerry Palladino and also my counterparts who are offering the Ride Like A Pro classes in other parts of the country. I can go back into the mid-60’s and even before that and recall my total fascination with motorcycles. I began my riding “career” as most did back then…you watched those who had bikes ride and when the opportunity to take one of these machines for a spin came…well, you just jumped on and taught yourself. There was no such thing as motorcycle training unless you were a police officer – and those techniques were not shared with the public. Talk about the school of hard knocks!!
Like my counterparts, I always considered myself a fairly decent rider until I took police motor officer training and was shown (and taught) exactly what a top professional rider really was capable of doing. I was indeed a changed man, and I have never looked at motorcycle riding the same since that day.
On a dark day back in 2000, I witnessed a very close friend die in a motorcycle crash, and that memory still haunts me to this day. It was soon after the shock wore off that I made my mind up to become a Motorcycle Safety Instructor so that I could help people interested in riding to learn correctly, and to help those who have experience become even better. That decision changed my life...and so it began.
I became a certified MSF Instructor as well as an Instructor with Harley Davidson’s Rider’s Edge program. Just a few years ago, I was named the Motorcycle Safety / Training Officer for the Macomb County Sheriff’s Motor Division…a position I am extremely proud of and one that I take very seriously, just like I do riding.
I recall back in 2003, how I came across Jerry’s “Ride Like A Pro” web site and checked it out. My first impression was “WOW! How cool is this?! This guy “Motorman” really has something great here!” So I sent Jerry an e-mail (not really expecting any kind of reply) and he responded!!! I was shocked but moreso; I was impressed with Jerry and Donna’s easy manner, approachability and integrity. That same year in Daytona, (during Bike Week), I got the opportunity to finally meet the "Motorman" himself, and Donna too. I told Jerry that I had come 1,250 miles to shake his hand, and we shared a good laugh over that one, but more importantly a friendship was born.
In May of 2008, I had the opportunity to be welcomed to their home and to also work with Jerry & Donna on an actual "Ride Like A Pro" class, and it was a GREAT experience! They are fantastic hosts, but more importantly, they are genuine, honest people who are totally dedicated to everyone who has ever swung a leg over a motorcycle. We share that same philosophy and the desire to bring a higher level of riding skills to all motorcycle riders.
Now it is not only an honor but a privilege to be part of the Ride Like A Pro Team, and to be able to bring Jerry’s “Ride Like A Pro” classes to Michigan and the Great Lakes area. The classes are challenging as well as fun and relaxed...and most importantly, you have my personal promise that you will come away a better, more informed and confident rider.
My motto:
“There is no graduation from the college of motorcycle riding! Always strive to improve yourself, and never, ever compromise your safety or the safety of others for the sake of image."
Looking forward to seeing you in the classes and out on the roads!
Gary
P.S.
I would like to dedicate Ride Like A Pro – Great Lakes to motorcycle riders everywhere, but most importantly to; Coon, Paul & Charlie...my friends and my brothers. May the roads you ride in heaven always be “big roads.”
And a special “THANK YOU” to all the ladies of Free Spirit Chapter, who always “ride pretty,” and especially to "LA," who has stood by me through this! You are the best!