Motorcycle safety clinics, workshop Motorcycle safety clinics, workshop (September 21, 2005)

Motorcyclists love riding the sinuous, winding mountain routes of highways 35 and 84, but unfortunately, the treacherous roads don't love them back.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 25, motorcycle riders can hone their skills at free riding clinics and workshops at the La Honda Center in downtown La Honda on Highway 84.

The event, now in its fifth year, aims to reduce the number of injuries and deaths among motorcycle riders, according to organizer Harry "Doc" Wong.

In case the opportunity to pick up first-aid information, survival tips and improve riding skills isn't enough of a draw, there's also a barbecue, a raffle and bike contests.

The coastal mountains' scenic highways host a dangerous mix of automobiles, bicycles and motorcycles on fair-weather weekends, said Mr. Wong.

"The combination of slow-moving autos, bicyclist riding two abreast, deer crossing the roads, driver fatigue and excessive speed all contribute to a high number of bikers never completing their scenic rides," he said.

The event is sponsored by the La Honda Volunteer Fire Brigade, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, the California Highway Patrol, and the newly formed 84-35 Traffic Safety Committee.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.