Our Instructors

I am Bruce Downs and I want to tell you al little about myself. I started riding motorcycles in 1968. I got my first motorcycle endorsement at the age of 16 on a borrowed motorcycle against my parent’s wishes. When my father discovered it, he took my license from me. I have ridden dirt and street. I rode motocross and trail for many years in addition to street riding. I didn’t take my first motorcycle safety class after riding for more than 30 years. I was amazed how much they were able to teach me, an experienced rider. As a result I became an Instructor myself. I try to be active in the motorcycling community and currently sit on the Board of Directors for ABATE of Colorado. I am the Northeast Regional Director and the Director of “Operation Save a Life”, a motorcycle awareness program. My wife and I try to put a few miles on our bikes each year. We generally do one cross country tip a year and then all the smaller rides we can fit in. My oldest son has recently completed the course and hopes to join us on some of our rides this year. When I am forced to join the real world I run my own contracting business. I have been doing this type of work for 20+ years. I am married with two sons, a step-daughter and 7 grandkids. That is part of why I need to ride, I have to hide.

My name is Carol Downs. I have been riding for a total of about 15 years. I started riding when I was 14 on the dirt. For my 18th birthday I bought myself my first street bike, a Honda 350. It was a big bike in those days. I was the only woman I knew who rode solo. After a few years I quit riding. The usual excuses, men were threatened by me; I had a family to raise, etc. In 1997 I decided I wanted to ride again. I found a Motorcycle Safety Course and learned how to ride properly this time. And I haven’t been able to stay off the bike since. When I started my second riding life I also determined that I needed to do more than just ride. I loved riding and all of the freedoms associated with riding. I knew if I wanted to continue to enjoy these freedoms I needed to work to preserve them. So I joined ABATE of Colorado. While living in Durango, CO I served as Recording Secretary and Public Relations Officer for my district. I was Co-Chairman of our Toy Run for several years. I put together our first Spring Poker Run. I then sat on the State Board as the Southwest Regional Coordinator until 2002. I volunteered at the Four Corners Iron Horse Motorcycle Rally from its inception through 2001 and was Volunteer of the Year in 1999 for that event. I have been active in various riding groups throughout Colorado. In early 2001 I decided to do more than just talk rights. The rights movement is based on Rider Education being the key to personal freedom. I decided to directly affect Rider Education by becoming a Certified Motorcycle Safety Instructor. In order to be able to teach motorcycle classes full time I moved to the Denver area in 2002. (It didn’t hurt that I married a man I met during my Instructor Prep classes.) I now teach over 40 classes each year throughout Colorado. I am one of those very lucky people who get to make a living (sort of) doing something I absolutely LOVE. I currently sit on the Board for Directors for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. I serve as their Director of Events and Conferences. I schedule and plan three major Conferences every year. The intent is to gather all parties interested in protecting motorcyclist’s rights, conduct seminars and network so all can work together to achieve our common goals. These Conferences are held throughout the United Sates, generally one east coast, one west coast and our large Conference, Meeting of the Minds is generally held in the central United Sates each September. You can get more information about the MRF and our Conferences by checking out their website at www.mrf.org. When I’m not riding I spend as much time as possible with my grandchildren. I have a total of 7 who range in age from 10 down to 4 months. While only three of them live close, I do my best to spoil each of them equally. My husband and I put about 10,000 – 12,000 miles a year on our bikes. We do ride to almost all of our MRF and ABATE functions throughout the Untied Sates. My current ride is a 2003 HD SuperGlide. In my life I have owned and ridden Hondas, Kawasaki’s, BMW’s and Suzuki’s as well as several Harleys. To my way of thinking, it isn’t what you ride, just that you ride. Look for me on the road. Or better yet take a class, get involved in ABATE of Colorado (or your own state) and join the MRF.

Erik originally hails from Madison Wisconsin, but now lives near Central City. He purchased his first motorcycle, a Kawasaki 120, at 18 and began off-road riding. Next he purchased a 1966 Harley Davidson Sportster and found that street riding was almost as much fun as the dirt bikes. Over the years he’s worn out a variety of American, Asian and European motorcycles. Currently he rides a 2004 Harley ElectraGlide and a 1998 Triumph Trophy. He served in the Air Force in Nevada, Korea, and Arizona until he was assigned to Lowry AFB as an Instructor in 1985. From 1985 until his retirement in 1994 he earned a degree in Instructor Of Technology, and more importantly earned the status of an Air Force Master Instructor. He wrote or updated several hundred hours of technical training curriculum including the NASA Explosives Safety Course, Weapons Safety Officer Course & portions of the Basic Munitions Course. He gained management experience as the Instructor Supervisor for the Ammunition Storage Training Area. Erik was trained as a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) certified Instructor in 1987 and volunteered time to the base safety office teaching motorcycle safety to base personnel. He also worked part time for programs at local community colleges. In 1992 he was accepted for MSF Chief Instructor Training and became one of about 250 Instructors to ever earn this position. MSF selected Erik as their Chief Instructor of the year for 1996. Erik’s philosophy on motorcycle safety training: “Motorcycling should be one of the most fun and rewarding activities you engage in. That fun should start the moment you swing a leg over one of our motorcycles and continue every time you swing your leg over your own. We need to provide Instruction that balances safety, fun, and challenge in a manner that allows people to push themselves without feeling frustrated.”

I have been around the motorcycle training program for about 15 years now. When I was a little guy, I would help my dad on the range kicking cones. I would dirt bike a little bit in my teen years but didn’t really get into street riding until I was about 21. I took the class myself and enjoyed it so much that had to get a bike. I inherited my current bike from my father when he bought a new one. I currently ride a Harley TourGlide Ultra.

Alan Gustafson began riding motorcycles in 1965. A few years after retiring from the U.S. Geological Survey he became involved with the Goldwing Road Riders Association’s, (GWRRA) Rider Education Program. In 2002, Alan received his MSF instructors certificate and has been teaching the Basic Rider and Experienced Rider Course full time. He is also certified to teach Scooter School and to perform third party testing. For enjoyment Alan will ride in excess of 20,000 miles per year. For many of these miles his wife, Debbie, accompanies him on her own Goldwing. Together they share a passion for safe motorcycling.

I started riding in 2002. I have always liked motorcycles since I was a kid. So when I decided that I wanted to ride, I took the Basic Riding Course and enjoyed riding ever since. I currently ride a 2006 Honda CBR1000RR. I became an instructor in May of 05. I enjoy sharing my experiences and knowledge about motorcycle riding. My goal is to help educate how to operate and control a motorcycle safely.

I was riding back from Yellowstone National Park a few years ago and thought it can’t get much better than this, I was wrong. I started riding very young on a Honda 50cc scooter which I rode like a dirt bike. In high school and college I rode a dual sport which was a blast as I lived in the mountains. I took a few years off of riding for family and job. Five years ago I made the decision to start riding again and also decided I better take a class to help me do it right. Taking the class was the best decision I could have made. I took the MSF riding course and was so impressed with all it had to offer I decided to become an instructor. I urge anyone who has never taken a riding class to do so, you will gain more from the course than you could ever imagine. I also attended Jason Pridmore’s, Star course two years ago which gave me another perspective on riding. It seems I have a penchant for riding long distance. Two years ago I completed the SS1000 and this past year the Bun Burner Gold ( 1500 miles in 24 hours or less ). I currently ride a 2002 BMW 1200 LTC which is a definite plus in long rides. I have also gone back to my roots and recently purchased a 2003 BMW 650 GS (Dual Sport). What did I find that was better than riding back from Yellowstone? Helping others learn to ride and or sharpen the riding skills they already have. You will find Iron Buffalo is a superior training organization as we really care for the student. Take the class I believe you will find your time and money very well spent.