Instructor Backgrounds
ATC is owned and operated by Amy and Jim Kraus. This family run business
is committed to provide the highest level of motorcycle training in the
area. This is brief overview of the background of the instructors.
All instructors are nationally and state certified Motorcycle Safety
Instructors by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. ATC Instructors are
selected because of their great teaching skills and desire to help new riders.
You will find ATC uses the team teaching approach to ensure your learning
experience is a positive experience…
Alpha Training Center in the News!
In May 2004, Michigan's Secretary of State Terry Land, honored Jim Kraus of ATC for his long-term commitment to promoting motorcycle safety in Michigan. ATC is proud of its motorcycle safety contributions in Michigan. Our staff is involved in rider education leadership in the state and is always working to increase our knowledge and skills, so we can share with you the best in rider education. In 2007 Amy Kraus was chosen by Secretary Land to sit on the advisory board of motorcycle safety professionals working to update Michigan's motorcycle safety programs. ATC has been featured in many news articles from the local paper to the New York Times.
Jim and Amy Kraus
Jim is with the local Police Department and is the lead instructor for the Motorcycle Unit and has been teaching police officers in mid-Michigan to ride since 1995. Jim is
certified to instruct in a number of areas and has been teaching MSF classes
around Michigan since 1996 and is one of five RiderCoach Trainers (Chief Instructors) in Michigan. RiderCoach Trainers conduct instructor-level classes on behalf of the MSF nationwide. Jim is also an intructor for Total Control's Advanced Riding Classes. When Jim is not teaching he enjoys long distance riding on his BMW R-1200-GS Adventure. Or just for fun - Jim rides a Moto
Guzzi V-11 Rosso Mandello. Jim competed in the 1999 Iron Butt Rally and earned a
bronze medal. This Rally is an 11 day motorcycle rally covering 11,000 miles
and is known as the “World’s Toughest Motorcycle Competition.” Jim loves
introducing new riders to fun of motorcycling.
Amy is an administrator in the public sector and a certified MSF motorcycle safety
instructor and a Total Control instructor. Amy oversees the operation of Alpha Training Center and always
works hard to make your learning experience with ATC fun and rewarding. Amy
rides a Moto Guzzi Breva 750 and a Victory Vegas. Amy and Jim enjoy vacationing
by motorcycle and have traveled around the country together riding.
Bill Kraus
Bill is from the Detroit area and is a financial consultant. Bill has been teaching for over 15 years. Bill has instructed over 9000 students how to ride. Bill has ridden over a million miles of safe motorcycle experience and is a two-time finisher of the Iron Butt Rally, earning both a Gold and Bronze medals in this tough competition. Bill enjoys teaching and sharing his motorcycling experience based on 35 years of riding. Currently, Bill rides a Yamaha FJR-1300 and a Honda CBR1100XX - Blackbird.
Bill Kraus III
Bill is an attorney in Chicago and has been teaching motorcycle safety the past six years. Bill grew up around motorcycles and helping at training classes. It seemed only natural he would become certified to teach the classes his Dad had taught for so many years. We think you will enjoy Bill’s high level of enthusiasm about teaching.
Leith Curtis
Leith is a police officer and is a police motorcycle instructor for his department and works with other area departments training their motor officers as well. As a MSF certified instructor, Leith spends many weekends helping others learn the fun of motorcycling. When not teaching Leith enjoys exploring on his Gold Wing 1800.
Keith Wilson
Keith is also a police officer and is a precision driving instructor (both motorcycle and vehicle). Keith has been teaching MSF classes for many years and is currently riding a BMW R-1200-RT. Keith teaches driving and riding full-time for his department. His experience teaching really shows.
Lynn Kentner
Lynn is a police officer and has ridden for the Motorcycle Unit for 11 years. As a certified police motorcycle instructor, Lynn has taught many new police riders how to ride. Lynn is a MSF instructor and looks forward to sharing with you how to ride in a positive learning environment. Lynn is active in many running events and puts many miles a year on his H/D Soft-tail.
Dave Thompson
Dave is a police officer in the Grand Rapids area and is a motor officer instructor. Dave teaches a wide range of classes and is an expert in traffic safety education. Dave has been teaching MSF courses for the past five years and looks forward to helping new students learn. Dave currently rides a BMW R-1100-RT.
Denny Harris
Denny is a police officer and is a precision driving instructor. Denny teaches officers both pursuit driving and how to ride police motorcycles. Denny has been teaching MSF classes for many years and and enjoys teaching new riders, Denny is currently riding a BMW K-1200-LT.
Paul Creger
Paul is a police officer and is a is certified MSF instructor, a Total Control Instructor and a Motor Officer instructor. . Paul has ridden for years and is excited about sharing his passion for riding with you. Paul rides a Honda ST-1100. Paul is pictured here on a recent trip to North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway.
Glen Feldpausch
Glen is a IT professional in the Lansing area and is longtime rider. Glen rides a Honda ST-1300, a Suzuki dual-sport and a Suzuki race bike. We think you will find Glen's knowledge of riding and his thoughtful insight about motorcycle riding very helpful as you learn new skills. Glen is both a MSF Instructor and a Total Control Instructor. Glen is widely known to be "outstanding in his field."
Roy Barnett
Roy is a long-time rider, Roy has spent over 20 years teaching folks new skills and he is a natural rider-coach. Roy is a staff sergeant in the USMC and currently rides a Yamaha Warrior. We think you will really enjoy Roy's good natured style.
Dave McGrath
Dave is a real estate professional and a long-time motorcyclist. Dave has worked in all areas of our business and is now enjoying sharing his knowledge with new and returning rider as a MSF instructor. You will find Dave's years of customer service experience really shows as he cares about every students experience while at ATC.
Dave Lowndes
Dave is a police officer and an experienced motor officer. In addition to being a MSF instructor, Dave is a motor officer instructor as well. We believe you will really enjoy his calm teaching manner and helpful demeanor during class. Dave is a BMW rider as well; as he currently is riding a K-1200-LT.