Motorcycling Enterprises' Safe Rider, Inc. .:. Rider Coaches

Meet the Rider Coaches

Mary Donovan-Popa
In 1981, I took a beginning rider course and, after much sweat and many tears, I finally mastered the metal steed. I fell in love with the sport of motorcycling then and am still in love with it now! My job, the one that kept rubber on the tires and gas in the tank, was that of a Registered Nurse in the I.C.U. Although I also loved nursing, I retired from the hospital about three years ago. I have five children and five grandchildren. They all ride motorcycles except for the littlest granddaughters; Lily, eight months, and Hazel, four years old, ride in the side car. I also love dogs and cats, staying fit, camping, music, theatre and most of all, seeing smiles on my students’ faces when they begin to master their metal steed!!!

Warren Popa
Warren, a Viet Nam era Army veteran who served in Korea, has been riding for 46 years and teaching Motorcycle Safety for 15. He retired from the Milwaukee County Transit System in June of 2005 so he could devote full time to Motorcycling Enterprises. Besides working as VP/Treasurer and Lead Instructor of the school he coaches the BRC, ERC and Dirtbike classes in addition to teaching the Sidecar/Trike program. Assistant Instructor for Accident Scene Management is another of his hats. Prior to starting the school with wife, Mary, Warren rode in excess of 30,000 miles a year and still rides in the area of 15,000 miles yearly on a variety of two and three wheel bikes. Riding is enjoyed year round, Wisconsin in the summer and Tucson, AZ in the winter.

Gary Varga
Gary Varga is a union electrician for 28 years. He's been riding dirt bikes for 36 years and has a true love for the sport. His sons Gary (9 years old) and Matthew (7 years old) having been riding since they were each 5 years old and do demos for the class. While training his sons to ride, Gary recognized the need for proper safety training and started Midwest Safety School in 2007. Midwest Safety School is located near Wilmot, Wisconsin, and classes are offered on Sundays by appointment only. Call (312) 287-7167 or email midwestsafetyschool@live.com.

Scotty Jr. is a freshman in High School. He helps with dirt bike classes. He is on the wrestling and baseball team. He also enjoys fishing and bow hunting. He is a baseball umpire and soccer referee.

Sammi Jo is in 7th grade. She also helps with the dirt bike classes. She competes in Gymnastics and Cross Country and also enjoys playing Softball. She loves to ice fish and take care of her cats, dog, and pet tarantula. "I like helping with the dirt bike class because, I like to ride myself and I think it is fun teaching other people how to ride."

Lina is an 8th grader now; she learned to ride when she was 9 years old. “I love dirt biking! I love teaching dirt bike classes because I think its fun and a great experience for everyone.” In her spare time she likes to hang out with her friends and go shopping.

Dakota is also an 8th grader. Dakota also helps teach dirt bike classes; “the classes are really fun for everyone, the kids and adults!” In his spare time he likes to skate.

Rider Coach Joe from Waukesha builds large transformers.
He enjoys playing drums in his spare time and enjoys helping new riders develop safe riding skills.

Rider Coach Scott is an Industrial Maintenance Technician. He enjoys the outdoors with his two KIDS. He loves to teach!

Brian now in his 7th year presenting the MSF program. He's been married 30 years and has two grown daughters living in his home state of Minnesota - Yep, he's a transplant. Both he and his wife ride and enjoy long distance touring, camping and spoiling a couple grandkids. If you see Brian during the workweek he's probably playing the role of a Purchasing Manager for a global company producing parts for the automotive industry.

Rhonda
I have been riding since 1993. I started riding because I was tired of sitting behind my hubby on the back of his bike. I have been instructing since 1998 (when I needed extra money to help pay for my retirement home). My current bike is a 2003 Road King that I wash once a season - whether it needs it or not. Let's see - something to make me sound better for the students - I love teaching because I deal with a lot of negative situations in my full time job. Teaching beginner motorcycle safety allows me to see students gain the skills that they need to begin their riding career. There is nothing more satisfying to see a student who is intimidated by a motorcyle gain the confidence necessary to ride a motorcycle. The smiles I see in class make up for the my other job. Let's see - my dream motorcycle vacation is a ride to the Washington DC area to see the historical sights in the Capital. From DC, I want to ride to Civil War battle sights at Gettysburg and in Virginia because I have been studying the Civil War. I think that makes me sound nerdy, but -let's face it - I am nerdy. My only obstacle to this dream vacation is to con someone else into going with me and studying the history involved. I am happily married with my hubby, Greg (who looks like a stud), and who rides a 1995 Ultra. I have three step-kids and two grandkids (both are cute as the devil).

Kelly
I began riding motorcycles in 1991, after taking the beginning rider course. It made sense economically since I was in college and I had always wanted to learn. Although my mom was very against it, she found my first m/c a Kawasaki 550. What a great scoot to learn on. I upgraded to a BMW K100 RS in 1999 and now I am obsessed. I can't get enough riding in.
Since I am a teacher by trade, teaching motorcycle safety was a natural progression. I really enjoy meeting all of the new people who are just like I was a few years ago. It's great to be able to share this activity with so many people.

Don "Boots" has been an instructor for Mary since 1996. Don is a former Marine and a retired Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) Sergeant . Don spent 14 years as a motorcycle Sergeant with the MPD and has allot of knowledge to share with his students.

Besides riding his Iron Maiden he enjoys trophy Northern Pike fishing, hunting the elusive Whitetail Deer, SCUBA diving, and boating.

John
I have been riding motorcycles for the past 36 years, and have been a motorcycle riding coach for 3 years. When I am not working or coaching I enjoy riding my 2004 HD Road Glide across the United States and Canada. I average somewhere between 14,000 to 20,000 miles per year.

Scott
Hi, my name is Scott. I have been riding since 1994 after completing the Beginner's Rider Course on Mother's Day. My first motorcycle was a 1973 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1000 with a right-side shifter. After having the Sportster for a couple of years, I bought a 1990 Ultra Classic Electra Glide. I also purchased a BMW K 1200 LT. Besides the Beginner's Course, I have taken the Experienced Rider's Course (both from MCEI) and that is how I met Mary and Warren. In 1998 I inquired about being an instructor, Mary and Warren became my sponsors, and in August I completed the Instructor Prep Class. The rest is history. I have been teaching with MCEI since 1999. The group of instructors that I teach with are second to none. The biggest kick that I get out of teaching is watching the students evolve; most have never ridden before, and leave with a sense of accomplishment. I also enjoy when past students return for a visit and share their riding experiences. And that gets to the biggest reason I teach for MCEI, the students leave with a sense of family. Hope to see YOU in a class soon.