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The MTF Tourer's Assistant (MTFTA) is a secure web-based system designed to facilitate motorcyclists helping other motorcyclists. Currently, there are 631 members spread over 57 US states and Canadian provinces. The system continually grows and provides value as more and more people choose to become members and participate. The MTFTA has two main subsystems. First and foremost, the MTFTA is a searchable database of member contact information. Second, the MTFTA is a virtual library that allows members to share books, videos or anything else they want to add to the library and share with other members.

The system distinguishes between members and non-members. Non-members are not required to log in and are limited to performing rudimentary searches, can only view the most basic amount of personal information and cannot directly email any member. Specifically, non-members can only view a member's first name, nickname, city, state and the various services they are willing to provide. If a non-member wants to make contact with a member, the system provides email services that don't expose the member's email address to the non-member. Other than what's listed above, the personally identifiable information of all members is securely maintained.

Members enjoy extended information and services such as:

• access to more detailed information;
• additional search capabilities;
• ability to download the member list in various data formats;
• picture profiles; and
• Laccess to the virtual library.

Securing the personal information of each member is of primary concern. To that end, each member controls the level of security wrapped around their extended personal information. For instance, each member can choose to expose his/her last name to members and/or non-members. The same level of security applies to the other personal information such as address, postal code, primary and secondary phones, personal web page and coordinates. This mechanism allows each member to customize the security settings governing the exposure of their personal information to both members and non-members alike.

When someone signs up to be a TA, they choose the services they are willing to provide others. The list includes:

• provide touring information in their area;
• be a tour guide in their area;
• provide tent space;
• provide covered lodging;
• provide roadside assistance, if available;
• provide tools and expertise;
• serve as an Iron Butt Association witness; and
• there's a comment field for any other type of service they are willing to provide.

After signing up, a member's account is inactive and undergoes a two-stage validation process prior to activation. This validation process is yet another mechanism in place to maintain the integrity of all member data. The validation process is performed by trusted volunteers. The first step is email validation. The prospective member is sent an email instructing them to respond. After the response is received the prospective member is contacted via phone. After the member's email and phone number are verified, their account is activated and they're able to login and enjoy the benefits of full membership. In order to ensure data accuracy, all account information is re-validated once every year. It's through these validation and re-validation processes that the entire MTFTA database is kept accurate and provides the most benefit to all users.

Members have the ability to download the entire TA database in multiple data formats including:

Adobe's PDF for which there's a free reader; HTML that can be viewed in any web browser; CSV which is easily imported into Excel or any other spreadsheet program; and plain text.

Download and print this document before your next trip. Hopefully you'll store it in the bottom of a saddlebag and never need it, but if you need it, it could prove invaluable.

The library is a recent addition to the MTFTA and is accessible by members only. It's a virtual library because items aren't returned to a particular location. Actually, every item is always checked out to someone and the system merely tracks who currently has an item, who's waiting on an item and facilitates the exchange. Members search the library in various ways and, when they find an item they're interested in, they add their name to the item's waiting list. When the current user is finished with the item, they pass it on to the next person on the waiting list or hold on to it until someone else wants it. The only cost involved to participate is the cost of shipping the item to the next person.

The MTF initially seeded the library with a number of items, but it has grown considerably over the past few months by members adding their own items. Currently, there are 72 items in the library ranging from books like Proficient Motorcycling and Against the Wind to videos like the IBA Seminar Series video-taped at the 2005 IBA National Meet in Omaha, Nebraska.

The most popular items are the ones that have been checked in and out the most times. They include:

• Rally Basics with Don Arthur
• IBA Winners Forum
• IBA Women's Forum
• How to Ride like a Pro
• Against the Clock: The incredible story of the 7/49

• Tail of the Dragon, Vols 1, 2 and 3
• Rally Basics with Don Arthur
• Gravity Feed Auxilary Fuel Systems
• More Proficient Motorcycling: Mastering the Ride
• Ride Hard, Ride Smart – Ultimate Street Strategies for Advanced Motorcyclists

• 8th Airforce Album
• A Twist of the Wrist II
• Against the Clock
• Against the Wind

And that's your MTF Tourer's Assistant. We encourage you all to sign-up and participate. It's secure, free and like everything MTF-related, everyone is more than welcome to join. For more information, check out the MTFTA website at: http://mctourer.com/mtfta/mtfta.html

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