GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- Over 100 motorcyclists converged on U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria for Motorcycle Safety Day, May 16.
Experienced and trained riders, called motorcycle mentors, led the bikers through drills to hone their skills.
They navigated a slalom to practice handling; braked quickly; rode over small obstacles; and curved through a series of turns.
A 35-mile group ride capped off the day by helping the lone-wolf riders get comfortable traveling in a pack.
While skill-building is essential to safe riding, the day's emphasis was on training bikers how to think when they're on the road, said Staff Sgt. Abel Aungst, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment.
"Biking is more about a thought process. If you appeal to a biker's thought process, you can change the way they ride. It's really a mental thing. Confidence is half the battle when you're riding a bike," said Aungst, a motorcycle mentor for 2CR.
William Whitman, USAG Bavaria safety director, echoed Aungst.
"Motorcycle safety is a whole process from attitude, training and safety gear. It's not just riding a motorcycle. It's a commitment," said Whitman.
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