TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- For the past 14 years, officers and deputies from across the southeast rev up their motorcycles for the Capital City Challenge.
It's a training seminar and competition that puts motorcycle skills to the test.
Sgt. Mike Germany came from Hendersonville, Tennessee to do just that.
Sgt. Germany says, "This type of riding isn't something we do on the street a lot, but it's critical type riding so it will save your life in the future." He says, the courses are tough, but it's completely worth it to help raise money for the Leon County Special Olympics.
Officer Robert Adams with the Tallahassee Police Department says, working in the field often requires them to make tight turns, and ride through crowds of people or small alleys.
Officer Adams says, "So, we obviously have to hone those skills of driving slow, driving really tight turns, and stuff like that. So out here, we have a ton of tight turns. Probably some turns that Harley or BMW says these bikes can't make, but we make them do it anyway."
In one challenge the goal is to get through the course as fast as possible. The other is a slow ride challenge, which officers say, is harder than it sounds.
Points are deducted for things such as: brushing cones, putting the bike or a foot on the ground, and going outside the course.
Officers say, there's nothing like a friendly competition where they are practicing their skills and it's all for a good cause.
TPD is raffling off a motorcycle to raise money for the Leon County Special Olympics.
Local businesses also donated raffle prizes. In the end, law enforcement officers say participating is rewarding enough.
Officer Tyesha Gates with the Tallahassee Police Department was the only female participating in Saturday's motorcycle competition.
Officer Gates says, "There's not a lot of females doing it and the fact that I'm out here trying gives me a great sense of accomplishment."
