FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does "S/TEP" stand for? S/TEP is the Sidecar/Trike Education Program, a nationally recognized training course provided for those interested in learning about safely piloting a sidecar or trike on the street.
When is the class offered? The Novice S/TEP classes will be available May 4,5&6, June 1,2&3, July 20,21&22, August 24,25&26, September 14,15&16, and October 12,13&14,2007. The Novice class starts 5:30 pm Friday.
We are also offering an Advanced S/TEP class Saturday and Sunday June 2&3, August 25&26 and October 13&14, 2007. The Advanced Class starts 1pm, Saturday. The Advanced class requires a valid drivers license with a motorcycle endorsement. Prior sidecar experience is recommended.
Where is the class held? We are located in Hood River, Oregon, 60 miles east of Portland on I-84. Classes are in the Hood River Schools Coe building, 1009 Eugene Street, Hood River. There will be a sign on the entrance directing you to the room. Click for Map
How much does the class cost? The fee for the2 1/2 day novice S/TEP class is $200.There is a $20 discount for Hood River County residents.
The Advanced class is essentially the second half of the Novice class. It is $150 with a $20 discount for Hood River County Residents.
How do I sign up? The S/TEP classes are offered through the Hood River Community Education program. Enrollment is limited to 12 students. Because of insurance requirements, these courses of instruction requires pre-registration and prepayment.
Do I need to know how to drive a motorcycle to take the S/TEP class? You do not need prior motorcycle experience for the Novice S/TEP class. This course includes instruction on basic motorcycle operations and knowledge.
The Advanced S/TEP class does require some experience and a valid motorcycle endorsement.
I am interested in taking the S/TEP class, but I don't have a sidecar yet. Are sidecars provided? We will have sidecars available for use.
I have my own sidecar and would like to use it for the S/TEP classes. Is that O.K.? Yes. You are encouraged to learn on your own vehicle, providing it is in safe operating condition, street legal, licensed and insured. You must bring proof of insurance if you intend to use your own sidecar or trike. Be aware that the course work will be done on a grass parking lot.
I have a trike. Does the S/TEP curriculum have anything to offer me? Yes. Most of the skills and street strategies that work for sidecars also work for trikes and the S/TEP program is designed for trikes as well as sidecars.
Are there trikes available for use in your program? Check the website frequently. We hope to have a training trike built in time for this years classes, but it hasn't happened yet. We will post more information when it becomes available.. If you would like to attend the class using your own trike, you may, provided your trike is in safe operating condition, street legal, licensed and insured. You must bring proof of insurance if you intend to use your own sidecar or trike. Be aware that the course work will be done on a grass parking lot. If you would like to use one of our sidecars for the class that would also be O.K.
Do I need to bring anything to the class? Yes. You need to bring a valid drivers license, eye protection (face shield, glasses or goggles), long sleeved shirt or jacket, long pants, boots or shoes that cover your ankles, full fingered gloves and a DOT approved helmet. Novelty or protest helmets will not be allowed. If you need a loaner helmet please contact us in advance. Dress for the weather-bring sunscreen or raingear as appropriate. The riding gear outlined above is required. Students without the required riding gear will not be allowed to participate in the driving exercises and their tuition will not be refunded. This is both a safety and an insurance issue.
What if it rains? Show up on time, even if it is raining. The first half of the day is in the classroom. Bring your raingear for when we do the driving exercises, later in the day. With a little luck it will clear up by the time we go to the range.
What is your Attendance & Cancellation Policy? Registrations are limited; you are paying for a reserved seat. Refunds will be issued only for cancellations made at least 6 business days prior to the class date. If you cancel out of the course fewer than 6 business days prior to the class you will forfeit the entire tuition fee. You must attend all class sessions and complete all exercises and obtain a satisfactory score on both the written and riding evaluations to obtain a completion card. Please arrive on time for all sessions. Late arrivals may lose their tuition fee.
