JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Soldiers and civilians from the 404th Army Field Support Brigade enjoyed a day of learning and camaraderie as they geared up and hit the road for the brigade's first Motorcycle Mentorship Program check ride, Sept. 12.
The nearly 180-mile ride, coordinated by Sam Dresel, the brigade's Motorcycle Mentorship Program mentor, started at JBLM, then headed to the twisting roadway bordering Olympic National Park and Hoods Canal before returning.
"I was able to enroll in the local Military Motor Cycle Mentor [program] sponsored by the 160th SOAR [Special Operations Aviation Regiment] at JBLM [Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington]," Dresel said. "Simultaneously, the brigade commander was introducing the program to the 404th AFSB. I was up for the challenge and put the program together."
Prior to departing, participants received a briefing on "T-CLOCS" which stands for:
T -- Tires and Wheels
C -- Controls
L -- Lights and Electrical
O -- Oil and Other Fluids
C -- Chassis
S -- Side Stand
T-CLOCS is a detailed inspection checklist used by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to ensure a motorcycle is in top condition prior to riding.
Before revving up, Col. James Moore, brigade commander, addressed the group on the importance of the Motorcycle Mentorship Program. He also provided a short safety briefing. Then … it was time to roll.
Participants concentrated on mastering following techniques throughout the ride:
• Cross wind management when crossing long bridges
• Heavy to moderate traffic management techniques/Defensive driving
• Staggered riding formation
• Following local laws and regulations
• Aggressive vehicle management
• Sight distance
• Advance riding techniques thru curves
At the halfway point, the group stopped at a location where a JBLM Soldier had lost his life while attempting to negotiate a curve. Dresel led a nearly 30 minute discussion on how to properly negotiate tight and frequent curves in the road.
Riders also had the opportunity to respond to a "real world situation" when one of the cycles had to pull to the side of the road.
Breakdown procedures were exercised as another rider pulled off onto the shoulder with the problem motorcycle while the main body pulled off the roadway at a safe location. The main body then waited for the lagging riders to catch up, before resuming the ride.
"This was a great team building event focused on safety for all motorcycle riders, military and civilian alike," Moore said.
The brigade plans to expand the program to include its subordinate battalions and Logistics Readiness Centers.
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