More than two dozen riders on 23 motorcycles gathered at the Lindsey Golf Course parking lot April 14, 2023 for the first of a few safety check rides planned this year. The rides are designed to encourage safe motorcycle practices throughout the year and knock off “winter cobwebs” for those who have stored their bikes and trikes during the past season.

FORT KNOX, Ky. —  More than two dozen riders on 23 motorcycles set out for Greensburg, Kentucky from the Lindsey Golf Course parking lot April 14.

Sponsored and overseen by the Fort Knox Safety Office, the riders filled out proper safety check paperwork and received safety and route briefings before rolling out of Chaffee Gate after 9:30 a.m., toward the Dumas Walker Restaurant in Greensburg.

“This is your ride,” said one of the mentors before they left, “not somebody else’s — yours. Keep it safe.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Sherman Waters Jr., senior supervisor for Fort Knox Garrison, shares some encouraging words about motorcycle safety before the riders set off on their journey.

The rides are designed to encourage safe motorcycle practices, including the proper fit and wear of personal protective equipment, what is commonly referred to as PPE, as well as what to avoid and how to communicate while traveling around Kentucky. Mentors told the riders to watch out for dangerous obstacles on the roadways and watch out for each other.

Part of the plan is ensuring everybody gets there and back safely, with regular stops along the way and a lunchbreak at the restaurant. Future safety check rides are planned throughout the year and will soon be announced.

A member of the Buffalo Soldiers motorcycle club fills out his safety checklist before the check ride.