RiderCoaches for the program are all experienced motorcyclists. Each is certified nationally by MSF, and then by TNMREP.

email Steve

Steve Barber, Site Coordinator

Sometimes it is interesting to hear how people got started riding. It certainly is for Melanie and I. There was no way my parents were going to give me, or even allow me, a motorcycle of scooter as a kid growing up. I had cousins with a mini-bike, but that was about it. So, we didn't learn how much fun it was unitl our kids were grown adults and we made a business trip to Bermuda. There you can't rent a car, so the only transportaion options are taxis or rent a scooter. We had so much fun that week that when I returned home, I deciied to research the purchase of a motorcycle.

Well, for those of you who know Melanie, she was not about to be left behind and did not like riding behind me. I was not a very good rider (but certainly would not admit it at the time), and I insisted that Melanie enroll in rider training. As a show of support, I enrolled with her. I can not begin tell you how much I did not know.

A few years later, I found myself unemployed due to downsizing, so I became an instructor and immediately started Volunteer Motorcycle Training Service with Melanie.

Curently, I ride a 2003 Harley-Davidson Electragide Classic. I can not say that I won't buy another motorcycle, but I can safely say I have no plans to sell my 100th anniversary motorcycle. These will become rare collectables some day. Maybe the grandchildren will enjoy it one day.

If I can be of assistance, send me an email.

email Melanie

Melanie Barber, Site Coordinator

I have been riding for about 10 years. I started with a Yamaha 650 for one season, then changed to a Harley-Davidson Sportster. Currently, I have a 2003 anniversary edition Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic. We have made several trips on our motorcycles, two of which were to Milwaukee for the 95^th and 100^th Harley-Davidson celebrations. Riding is such a thrill that is hard to explain. It is just like the saying goes “if I have to explain, you would not understand”. 

I am an Auditor by profession. I earned my Masters degree in December 2000. I am now working on my CPA certification. 

I decided to become a Rider Coach primarily to help Steve when he first started the training course. I thought I was a good rider before taking the Rider Coach Prep Course; not a great rider but a good rider. Little did I know how much I didn’t know. Being a Rider Coach has sharpened my skills more than I could ever imagine. Even now, I attend the Experienced RiderCourse as a student to help keep my skills sharp. I really enjoy teaching the class room sections of the Basic RiderCourse.

I handle most of the registrations for our program, so if you need assistance, send me an email.

Linda Binkley

email Linda

email Rick

Rick Fredette

I am the Director of Operations for Nashville Superspeedway. My job keeps me very busy during the race seasn from  March through August. Not only do we host the four races (Busch, IRL, Craftsmans Trucks), we have events such as motorcycle races, motorcycle charity rides, classic car shows, stock racing schools such as Monster Racing and The Richard Petty Driving Experience. Check out the website link located under the sponsors section of this website.

Prior to Steve and I becoming friends, most of my experience was riding dirt bikes. When VMTS began conducting the Rider Training programs here at the speedway, I decided it was time I got my license. I had ridden some of the streets, but most of my experience was dirt bikes. I loved it so much that I decided to become on of the Rider Coaches here. My job keeps me so busy, I don't get to teach as much as I want. My current motorcycle is a Kawaski "Mean Streak". As much as I possibly can, I ride it to work.

I live in Franklin with my wife and two daughters. It is so much fun being a father.

If you have questions about the rider course or if I can be of assistance with any of our speedway events, send me an email.

Tom Loperfido

Tom says, "I always look forward to the new MSF Coaching season.  I love being around the other coaches and working with our new class participants each week.  As far as my choice of bikes, it depends on my mood.  Sometimes I just want to rumble down the road on my Harley and enjoy the surroundings.  And then there are those other times when I just have that 'need for speed' and that's when nothing but my Kawasaki will do…ZZROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM"

Motorcycles:  Tom and his wife Suzanne have a Harley Heritage Softail, a Kawasaki ZZR1200 and a Honda Shadow 750 ACE.  Suzanne primarily rides the Shadow but upon occasion she has been known to take a spin on the ole Heritage Softail.

email Tom

email Rick

 Rick Culwell

Rick is the youngest son of a career Navy man.  Originally from Connecticut, he has lived in the Nashville area most of his life.  he has been an avid motorcyclist for 30 years.

He became a Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified RiderCoach in 1986, and has personally trained more than 500 new riders.  1991 brought a opportunity to reach more Tennessee motorcyclists when the Department of Safety (Tennessee Highway Patrol) appointed him State Coordinator for the Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP).  He facilitated the establishment of 17 rider training sites across the state and was responsible for training standards, recruiting new coaches and public information.  New riders trained went from 325 in 1991 to 4,000 plus in 1999.  During his tenure, he graduated from the MSF RiderCoach Trainer school, after which he personally trained more than 100 new RiderCoaches.

Rick is an active Christian, happily married for 28 years, has three grown sons, and is still addicted to motorcycles.  He believes that, like most RiderCoaches, since motorcycling has given so much joy to him over the years, he wants to share that joy with others. When you choose one of our classes, be prepared to have FUN!

email Vickie

 Vickie Wilson

 A transplant from Pennsylvania, Vickie has been in Nashville for nearly 11 years. She is a United States Postal Employee

 Diane Shelton

I enjoyed motorcycling so much, and wanted to share it with others, I decided to become a Rider Coach in 2001. Now I have a lot of fun promoting motorcycling while keeping my riding skills sharp.

I am an active member of the Middle Tennessee Southern Cruisers; I am the Safety Director and Road Captain. My current motorcycle is a 2002 Yamaha V Star 1100.

In addition to riding and coaching, some of my other hobbies are Koi ponds, flower gardening, and travel.

My husband, Chris, and I live in Lebanon. We have one child, Kyle, age 17.

email Diane

email John

John Milliken, State Coordinator

Tennessee Motorcycle Rider Education Program

I am 59 years old (man I hate that) and married to Jeannie for the last 33 years. I was with the Metro Police Dept. for thirty five and a half years. While there I worked in Patrol, Community Relations and Auto Theft Divisions and was assigned to Motorcycles in July 1974. I was still assigned to Motorcycles when I retired.

It was a fantastic life that I miss far more than I thought. It is the only job you get paid for doing the same thing you were doing when you were 18 years old, ridding around trying to get in trouble.They will even pay you to do it on a motorcycle.

I am a graduate of the Univ. of Tennessee and the F.B.I. National Academy. I was also one of the departments police motor course trainers.

I have two adult children, Steve a Nashville firefighter, and Amy,  real estate financing. We have three grand children ranging in age from eight weeks to 10yrs.

I ride a  2004 Harley-Davidson Road King police commerative edition (what else). I love ridding and eating; do far to much of one and nowhere near enough of the other.

If MREP or I can be of assistance, send me an email.