The place where celebrities & corporations come to learn how to ride a motorcycle.
The place where celebrities & corporations come to learn how to ride a motorcycle.
Dave took over managing The Riding Academy of NJ (RANJ) in March of 2017. He's been an instructor for the Academy since it opened in 2008 and was the Site Administrator for the Academy since 2011. Dave has an extensive background in training and transportation safety. He was an insurance salesman, financial planner, sales trainer, marketing consultant, seminar leader (for Dale Carnegie, The Silva Mind Control Method, Tony Robbins), motivational speaker, Safety & Training Director for a school bus company, defensive driving instructor for the National Safety Council, and an accident investigator. He's also been an expert witness in court cases involving motorcycle accidents. Dave has been teaching the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) courses since 1995. He attends the MSF National Conference every year, was a presenter at the 2019 MSF National Conference and works closely with the MSF Staff to maintain quality assurance for the Academy. He has also read all the motorcycle safety researches published to date and reads all the current ones that are done. AKA "Super Dave", Dave has personally trained over 5,000 people to ride a motorcycle and has taught for all the major motorcycle schools in NJ. He is frequently interviewed by The Record newspaper's Road Warrior when John Cichowski writes articles about motorcycles.
Mike has been an MSF instructor since 2000. He was the Program Coordinator for FDU's motorcycle program for several years until he became dissatisfied with the program which is now shut down. Mike started riding dirt bikes in grade school. He has been a ballroom dance instructor, had his own landscaping decorating business and currently manages the Bottle King Liquor Store in Dumont with his wife. If you go to our Facebook page, you'll recognize Mike as the one who is sitting on the ground in the lotus position in all the class photos. "Mikey" rides all year long because he doesn't want to own a car. He enjoys the Zen of two-wheels (and three-wheels).
Don has been an MSF instructor since 2007. He was a scuba instructor for several years. He is currently an insurance broker who handles all the insurance for the Academy and not only can Don help you with your motorcycle insurance questions, he can help you with all of your insurance needs. "Mr. Don" is also a Road Captain for the Bergen County HOG Chapter and enjoys riding all over the country with the group.
Sal has been an MSF instructor since 2008. Besides loving to ride and teaching people how to ride, he is also an avid skier, a ski instructor, and a driving instructor. Sal has an extensive corporate background and is well-versed in computers. (He fixes all of the Academy's computer problems). "Doc" (who has a Ph.D. in Business) is a professor at several NJ colleges, and he enjoys helping people as a Life Coach. Sal has ridden the Tail of the Dragon several times and rode Rt. 66 on his own in 2021. Both of his children have taken the MSF BRC1.
John has been an MSF instructor since 2009. "Probie" is an an avid rider with well over 20 years of riding experience. When he's not riding, he's either target shooting at the firing range with his son, who is a volunteer fire fighter, and helping his daughter. who attends MSU, develop her home-based business. John has a house down the shore and captains his boat every weekend during the summer. John truly loves to teach people how to ride and looks forward to each and every class he teaches. John works for the Federal Home Loan Bank and supervises a team of banking professionals. John's son has taken the MSF BRC1.
Blaise has been an MSF instructor since 2004. He has a strong background in teaching which he got from watching his parents run a dance studio. His father handled the business side and his mother, who was a Rockette, did all the teaching. "The Blaze" currently works for a major telecommunications company as a technical field trainer. He has the knack for making complicated concepts easy to understand.
John passed away on 4/14/20 from complications due to Covid-19. He was working as an EMT responding to Covid-19 911 calls. John had been an MSF instructor since 1998. "The Captain" was a Marine veteran serving during the Vietnam War and a retired Fire Captain for the city of Paterson. He was also a certified EMT and a certified EMT trainer who taught EMT training at the Bergen County Police & Fire Academy & the Morris County Police Academy. John also had his own home security business for many years. Up until his death, he was an EMT for the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Rest in Peace, Capt. We will miss you and always remember you.
Samantha is a Board Member and our Social Media Adviser. She is attending Montclair State University and plans on becoming a physical therapist. (She is also Super Dave's niece).
Nelson has been an MSF instructor since 2018. He is a lawyer by trade and has a passion for motorcycle riding. He also taught law classes at a community college. When he's not in court defending his clients or teaching students about law, the "Counselor" is out riding his motorcycle or taking a motorcycle course to keep his skills sharp. And he wants to share his passion and safety-conscious mindset with those who want to learn how to ride. His ability to speak Spanish is also a great asset to The Academy. Nelson is also the legal counsel for The Academy.
Paul has been an MSF instructor since 2018. Coming from a motorcycling family, his first experience on 2 wheels was on his uncle's motorcycle at age 3. He has been a member of ABATE of NJ, which is an organization that represents the rights of motorcyclists in NJ. A plumber by trade, the "Wolverine" has great people skills. He helps his clients make good decisions and he wants to help new riders make good, safety minded decisions as well.
Mark has been an MSF instructor since 2018. He is currently a professor at Ramapo College. The “Professor” is, for the most part, a “recreational rider” and loves to tool around the highways and byways of NJ and surrounding areas. Mark is the Entrepreneur-In-Residence at the Ramapo College of NJ, fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem at the school and the community. He also teaches economics and entrepreneurship. So, unless you’re ready for a three hour lecture, don’t get him started on the economy and business. Mark is also the founder and managing director of Alliant Ventures, a business consulting and investing company. Mark gave up riding when life got in the way. He jumped back in, taking BRC1 at the Riding Academy, when his son bought a motorcycle in Poland. (His son later took the MSF BRC1 when he returned to the States). Mark is passionate about motorcycle safety and is hoping to share that passion with the next generation of riders.
Steve has been an MSF instructor since 2018. Steve got into motorcycling later in life. He took the MSF BRC1 at the young age of 50 and fell in love with motorcycles from the first twist of the throttle. Since then, he has logged many miles riding all year round throughout the country. Steve recently retired after 37 years in sales and sa
Steve has been an MSF instructor since 2018. Steve got into motorcycling later in life. He took the MSF BRC1 at the young age of 50 and fell in love with motorcycles from the first twist of the throttle. Since then, he has logged many miles riding all year round throughout the country. Steve recently retired after 37 years in sales and sales management in the food industry. He combines his previous experience as a Dale Carnegie Sales Instructor with his love for motorcycling when he teaches students who attend a course conducted by The Riding Academy of NJ. Steve, along with the MSF, believes that riding a motorcycle is "serious fun" and is excited to help students new to riding learn the proper and safe way to ride. Steve is a former Army paratrooper and is a member of both the Indian Motorcycle Rider Group of NJ and the Central Jersey Motorcycle Rider's Group. In the fall of 2021, Steve and his wife moved to SC to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Now he teaches the MSF courses in SC and NJ when he visits NJ.
Dave has been an MSF instructor since 2018. He is a Certified Project Management Professional with 30 years experience in the media and entertainment industry. He and his team work on helping to make their broadcasting company the best in the industry. Dave has ridden motorcycles since college and enjoys leisurely weekend rides through th
Dave has been an MSF instructor since 2018. He is a Certified Project Management Professional with 30 years experience in the media and entertainment industry. He and his team work on helping to make their broadcasting company the best in the industry. Dave has ridden motorcycles since college and enjoys leisurely weekend rides through the beautiful vistas that NJ, NY and PA have to offer. He became a RiderCoach to encourage the next generation of motorcycle riders to have a commitment to safety as they embark on their own journey of “Serious Fun.”
Michael has been an MSF instructor since 2018. His passion with two-wheeled transportation began at a young age in Russia and it was reignited a few years ago, resulting in, much to his wife’s protest, the purchase of his first big boy motorcycle. Michael did the smart thing by taking the BRC1 at The Riding Academy of NJ to get his NJ mot
Michael has been an MSF instructor since 2018. His passion with two-wheeled transportation began at a young age in Russia and it was reignited a few years ago, resulting in, much to his wife’s protest, the purchase of his first big boy motorcycle. Michael did the smart thing by taking the BRC1 at The Riding Academy of NJ to get his NJ motorcycle endorsement, followed by completing the BRC2 on his first big boy motorcycle to get used to it. Apparently, he loved everything about The Academy that he decided to become an instructor for us. Michael is a financial software developer by trade with a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology. (If you want to see him blush, just call him "Doctor Mike”). Michael became a motorcycle safety instructor because he wants to lend his teaching and personal experience to educate future riders on how to safely enter the motorcycling world. Michael's son and wife have taken the MSF BRC1.
Joann has been an MSF instructor since 2009. "Jo Jo" is an architect by trade and moonlights as a photographer. She is the owner of Green Mojo Eco (a green environmental consulting company) and Scorpion Photography. Joann has been riding since 2006. Joann speaks Spanish fluently and she can ride.
Lori has been an MSF instructor since 2005. She has a strong background in retail sales and customer service. She started out working for a women's clothing store in college and has managed several department stores. She switched to the motorcycle industry by becoming the Apparel Manager for several local motorcycle dealerships. Her Dad g
Lori has been an MSF instructor since 2005. She has a strong background in retail sales and customer service. She started out working for a women's clothing store in college and has managed several department stores. She switched to the motorcycle industry by becoming the Apparel Manager for several local motorcycle dealerships. Her Dad got her interested in motorcycles. He was a mechanic who loved cars and motorcycles. Her older brother is a motorcycle police officer for the Lyndhurst Police Dept. She became an instructor to help get more women into the sport. (That's Lori's niece and dog in the photo).
Ralph has been an MSF Instructor since 2003. While it is essential to acquire good physical skills, Ralph strongly believes that riders must develop superior mental and attitudinal skills to operate their motorcycles safely and responsibly - the goal of the BRC1. Ralph "Top Gun" is also an MSF Instructor Trainer who trains licensed motorc
Ralph has been an MSF Instructor since 2003. While it is essential to acquire good physical skills, Ralph strongly believes that riders must develop superior mental and attitudinal skills to operate their motorcycles safely and responsibly - the goal of the BRC1. Ralph "Top Gun" is also an MSF Instructor Trainer who trains licensed motorcyclists to become MSF Instructors. In addition to his extensive motorcycle experience, Ralph is a former attorney. When not riding his motorcycle, Ralph enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons.
Wendy has been an MSF Instructor since 2020. Wendy is Paul Huelsenbeck's sister. They are our first brother/sister instructor team. She also has a strong background in fundraising and grant writing and handles all of our fundraising and grant programs. She is also a member of the Garden State Girls NJ women's riding club encouraging more
Wendy has been an MSF Instructor since 2020. Wendy is Paul Huelsenbeck's sister. They are our first brother/sister instructor team. She also has a strong background in fundraising and grant writing and handles all of our fundraising and grant programs. She is also a member of the Garden State Girls NJ women's riding club encouraging more women to ride. Wendy got into riding because her husband didn't want her on the back of his motorcycle.
Marc has been an MSF instructors since 2012. He has over twenty years of riding experience. Early in his riding career, Marc was the Safety Officer of a motorcycle club providing helpful riding tips and strategies to its members and constantly stressing continued riding skill development. He has also participated in track schools and tra
Marc has been an MSF instructors since 2012. He has over twenty years of riding experience. Early in his riding career, Marc was the Safety Officer of a motorcycle club providing helpful riding tips and strategies to its members and constantly stressing continued riding skill development. He has also participated in track schools and track days to hone his riding skills. Marc is a licensed New Jersey Professional Planner and certified national planner with over 30 years of experience. His job entails promoting economic development in cities, improving their municipal design, their transportation system and the environment.
Dan became an MSF Instructor in 2021.
He has over 20 years riding experience. Dan works in sustainable energy, advising investors on financial risk management. He is also an FAA licensed pilot, a Cavalry Scout with the NJ National Guard and is licensed on the M1 Abrams tank. Dan loves helping new riders gain the confidence to safely enjoy the road on 2 wheels.
Rob became an MSF Instructor in 2023. After retiring in 2018 from a 30-year career in financial services, he bought his first motorcycle in 2019, completed the BRC1 class with The Riding Academy of NJ a few weeks later and the hook was set. The second motorcycle was added to the garage in 2020. The biggest casualty of his motorcycle fixa
Rob became an MSF Instructor in 2023. After retiring in 2018 from a 30-year career in financial services, he bought his first motorcycle in 2019, completed the BRC1 class with The Riding Academy of NJ a few weeks later and the hook was set. The second motorcycle was added to the garage in 2020. The biggest casualty of his motorcycle fixation has been his mountain biking and road cycling. However, he still finds time to pursue his passion for auto racing and also instructing drivers who are new to high-performance driving on closed tracks.
Rob is originally from Staten Island and currently lives in Randolph with his wife and 2 daughters.
Jan became an MSF Instructor in 2021.
He's been riding motorcycles for 30 years. It is his primary means of commuting year round. Jan has been around motorcycles his entire life having grown up on the back of one. He enjoys touring, local rides, and adventure touring having completed part of the NEBDR and the MABDR this past year. Jan a
Jan became an MSF Instructor in 2021.
He's been riding motorcycles for 30 years. It is his primary means of commuting year round. Jan has been around motorcycles his entire life having grown up on the back of one. He enjoys touring, local rides, and adventure touring having completed part of the NEBDR and the MABDR this past year. Jan also rents motorcycles through his company Fastlane Motorcycle Rentals.
Sonu became an MSF Instructor in 2021. She is passionate about riding motorcycles and rode in her home country India for many years. Sonu is a mechanical engineer working for Stryker Corporation helping to develop artificial prosthesis for joints and travels around the country advising surgeons on new technologies & procedures for joint r
Sonu became an MSF Instructor in 2021. She is passionate about riding motorcycles and rode in her home country India for many years. Sonu is a mechanical engineer working for Stryker Corporation helping to develop artificial prosthesis for joints and travels around the country advising surgeons on new technologies & procedures for joint replacement. When she's not working, she enjoys training new and seasoned riders how to ride a motorcycle safely.
"Dr. Ray" started teaching the MSF courses in the 1980's. His education is in Traffic Safety. Before getting involved with the MSF, he taught college classes in traffic safety and also conducted experiments on vehicle and driver safety. Dr. Ray later became a motorcycle instructor, then a motorcycle instructor trainer and a Motorcycle Pro
"Dr. Ray" started teaching the MSF courses in the 1980's. His education is in Traffic Safety. Before getting involved with the MSF, he taught college classes in traffic safety and also conducted experiments on vehicle and driver safety. Dr. Ray later became a motorcycle instructor, then a motorcycle instructor trainer and a Motorcycle Program Provider managing 15 motorcycle sites in KY. He was later selected by the MSF to be their VP of Training Systems. He was hired by the MSF to develop updated motorcycle courses to improve rider education and safety. He is the developer of the current Basic RiderCourse and all of the other motorcycle courses the MSF currently offers. We consult with him periodically on different ways to present the Basic RiderCourse.
Doc started teaching the MSF courses in 1999. He's been riding motorcycles for over 40 years. Besides being an Air Force veteran, Doc has a BS in Post-Secondary and Adult Education from UNLV and an MS in Management from Troy University. He used to run his own motorcycle school in NV but now teaches the MSF courses to military personnel a
Doc started teaching the MSF courses in 1999. He's been riding motorcycles for over 40 years. Besides being an Air Force veteran, Doc has a BS in Post-Secondary and Adult Education from UNLV and an MS in Management from Troy University. He used to run his own motorcycle school in NV but now teaches the MSF courses to military personnel at Nellis Air Force Base in NV. Doc is also an appointee to the Governor's Advisory Council on Motorcycle Safety in NV.
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Tina is one of our Staff Members. She answers most of our emails. (We get about 75 emails a day).
Frieda is another one of our Staff Members. She returns our phone calls.(We get about 50 phone calls a day). Frieda is also a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker.
Our team of award-winning instructors must attend workshops at least once a year on MSF Instructor Development, Adult Learning and Coaching to further develop their knowledge of the MSF curriculums they teach and how to present the material in ways that will help our students learn how to ride a motorcycle, ride it safely and retain the i
Our team of award-winning instructors must attend workshops at least once a year on MSF Instructor Development, Adult Learning and Coaching to further develop their knowledge of the MSF curriculums they teach and how to present the material in ways that will help our students learn how to ride a motorcycle, ride it safely and retain the information for years to come. We maintain high standards for our instructors. If an instructor used to teach for us and now teaches for another motorcycle school in NJ, it's because we cut them loose. They didn't measure up to our high standards.
Our mission is to help reduce motorcycle crashes in the State of NJ.
Our goal is to help our students become safe, smart, responsible motorcycle riders.
Our vision is motorcycles sharing the road with other roadway users with zero crashes.
(973) 742-2300
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We are a NJ MVC motorcycle safety training school located at Montclair State Univ. Our class schedule is posted on the Course Schedule page of this website. We usually post classes two months in advance. We offer classes from mid-March to the end of October.
The answers to most of your questions are on this website if you take the time to read it thoroughly.
Go to the Course Schedule page and follow us on Eventbrite for email notifications when we post more classes. Follow us on Instagram, "Like" us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter under the "Dashboard" section of our Home page.