Mike Paulk walked away from his motorcycle spill with just a few scratches on his forearm and a bruised ego.

“It was a mental mistake,” the Millersville resident said. “It will never happen again.”

But four other Marylanders enjoying the spring weather this weekend with cruises on their motorcycles weren’t so lucky — their fatal spills increased the bike-related death toll to 11 so far this year.

The number prompted a renewed call from police for proper motorcycle training.

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Officers from more than three states, including Paulk of the Maryland National Capital Park Police Department, gathered Tuesday at a state-run motorcycle training course to practice high-speed maneuvers including dirt slides, controlled falls and slippery skids.

“They’re really learning to drive responsibly and defensively,” said Elena Russo, a state police spokeswoman.

The training session was coincidentally planned in advance of the deaths, officials said.

Maryland State Police reported four deaths Sunday, all attributable to operator error, First Sgt. Russell Newell said.

Examiner Photographer Kristine Buls contributed to this report.

jmalarkey@baltimoreexaminer.com