Those who crave a little excitement in the form of roaring engines, open roads and leather pants may benefit from a new motorcycle class.

The Zylstra Harley-Davidson dealership, 1930 E. 13th St., is offering motorcycle-riding lessons October 9—13.

The program, run by Harley-Davidson, is called Rider’s Edge, and is a five-day instructional course that consists of instruction, range riding and skill testing.

“The lessons are through the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Education Program and are taught by licensed instructors,” said Mike Taylor, program manager at Zylstra.

This is the third year the program has been offered, and Taylor hopes it will continue to be as successful as it has been in the past.

The dealership will provide bikes for participants to ride throughout the course.

“Participants will be riding Buell bikes. They are sporty styling bikes powered by Harley-Davidson,” Taylor said.

Taylor said approximately half of the people who attend the motorcycle classes are women.

“These last few classes have been overpowered by females. I think it’s great,” he said.

Many of the women are also novice riders.

The actual riding part of the course will take place on the VisionAire field in southwest Ames.

“We have a very nice course, one of the nicest in the state,” Taylor said.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the Rider’s Edge Program.

The price for students is $249, and the price for nonstudents is $299.

Adam Park, member of the ISU motorcycle club and senior in computer engineering, said he thinks the motorcycle lessons are a good idea.

“It’s a lot better to have someone experienced teach you as opposed to someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing teaching you on the open road,” Park said.

He said those who are interested should take a safety course.

“If you want to ride a motorcycle, there’s always one out there that will suit you,” he said.

Those interested in the Rider’s Edge Program should contact the Zylstra dealership to reserve a spot. Twelve spots are available for each session.

“Before people even consider getting their [motorcycle] licenses, they should get practice,” Taylor said.