A time to ride - safely

  • Published
  • By Erin Lewis
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Car accidents occur unexpectedly and can happen to anyone. Motorcycle accidents can also end in deadly results regardless of how old or experienced the motorist may be. 

The 22nd Air Refueling Wing safety office is offering sports bike classes, which will address correct safety procedures, techniques and operational management tips for sports bike riders. 

The first class is scheduled for June 15 in Bldg. 1127 at 8 a.m. Classes will be held every Friday until riding season is over (usually the end of October). At least six individuals are needed for every class to continue the course. There are no fees included. 

It is geared towards people with at least a year of riding experience. The basic riders' course is a prerequisite. Riders need to take and pass that before they are allowed to ride a motorcycle, according to Air Force regulation. 

"Part of the instruction is done in a classroom, and then five to six hours will be spent doing range/riding exercises. Riders' skills and knowledge are evaluated throughout; no formal test will be given," said 1st Lt. Tim Plante, 22nd Maintenance Squadron. 

The sports bike course, unlike the basic riders' course, focuses on safety techniques, lean angles, body position, stage breaking, and suspension adjustments, specifically targeted to sports bikes. 

"Once people begin to come it will create a buzz and more people will want to participate because it's fun. Who doesn't need to learn more about riding? They'll want to get involved," said Lieutenant Plante. 

To ensure the safety of riders, a motorcycle safety or training course is recommended by most states. The class is mandatory for riders on base as well as specific riding gear. 

"It is not mandatory-yet. It is highly encouraged by the Air Mobility Command, but remains voluntary," said Lieutenant Plante. 

The classes were offered last year with no set curriculum and loose ties to other bases within the Air Mobility Command, so not everyone was learning the same amount of information the same way. 

AMC has taken the initiative to revamp the curriculum to work out the kinks and to create standards for all the bases within the command to follow. 

As instructor, Lieutenant Plante recently attended formal training to ensure that every course is uniform and has the same expectations.
 
Riders can register for the class with wing safety by calling 759-7040.