Easier Rider School: rudy Schachinger, owner of Easy Rider School, stands next to his daughter, Lisa. The school was recently honored by the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting and a plaque designating it Easy Rider School Day in Lehigh Acres. Photo by Mel Toadvine

Riding a motorcycle can be fun, but you shouldn’t just buy one and hop on it and take off without some training. So says Rudolf Schachinger, who owns the Easy Riders School at 904 Lee Blvd. Suite 107, in Lehigh Acres. There is much to learn and safety is an important factor and Schachinger and his staff can teach you all the skills and the things you need to know to become a biker.

They will take you out on the road and there are classroom lessons and tests.

Schachinger, who likes to be called “Rudy,” teaches everything from basic riding to an experienced rider course.

“For those who have just bought a bike and have no experience, we have a two-day course which includes required tests for endorsement and that means there is no further testing at the Motor Vehicles Dept. Lightweight motorcycles are provided by the school, he said. If you’re thinking about buying a bike, you can still attend his school and he will provide you with a bike to learn hands on.

Spanish speaking classes are available, too. And his daughter, Lisa Moore, along with his wife, Caroline Schachinger, help in the business which has been opened for about seven months. In Florida, Schachinger said there is no insurance required if you are carrying a good health policy. He can provide more details on insurance. If you are under 21, you must wear a helmet, but there is no helmet law for others.

A ribbon cutting was held by the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce recently to honor Easier Rider School as a new member.

Schachinger has been riding bikes now for 44 years and has competed and been a champion in Florida competition. Both his daughter and his son are also riders.

“When you pass the course, there is an “endorsement” that the Motor Vehicles Administration will put on your licenses that designates you are eligible to drive a motorcycle on public highways.

The school recently became a member of the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce and a ribbon cutting ceremony was held and Lehigh Honorary Mayor Oscar Gamble read a proclamation designating the day as Easy Rider School Day in Lehigh.

A course for basic riding will cost you $225. For experienced riders, the course is $105. You will need long pants, long sleeve shirt or jacket, full finger gloves, eye protection such as sunglasses, etc., and a Department of Transportation approved helmet, which the school will provide if you don’t have one. Schachinger and his Easy Rider School are members of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. You can get more information about their school, how to register and other information on the Internet at: www.easyriderschool@aol.com.