Online registration for the 10th Annual Freedom's Thunder Motorcycle Safety Rally May 14 is under way. Freedom's Thunder emphasize motorcycle safety in a festive environment with a briefing, organized ride, entertainment and door prizes. The rally and ride typically draws hundreds of riders.
On site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Impact Zone/Sheridan Theater parking lot. A mandatory safety briefing for all Fort Sill active-duty riders is at 9:40 a.m. in Sheridan Theater, said Kenneth Broughton, Fort Sill Installation Safety manager. The commanding general also encourages all active-duty motorcyclists to participate in the ride that follows.
The 65- to 70-mile ride begins at 10 a.m. with a blessing, and the Fort Sill Field Artillery Half-Section firing a cannon. The route takes riders on Highway 62, across Highway 115 and through the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, then to the Wind River Harley-Davidson dealership and back to Fort Sill.
At various designated stops on the ride, motorcyclists can answer safety-related questions. Correct answers create opportunities to win door prizes provided by Fort Sill FMWR and sponsors. Some of the prizes are really nice, and include helmets and riding leathers, Broughton said.
Ride captains will lead groups of motorcyclists of usually less than 20 riders to ensure a safe ride, said Master Sgt. Johannes Bowers, 214th Fires Brigade motorcycle mentor. They particularly watch new riders, and make sure no one rides beyond their abilities.
All riders must wear military-regulation personal protective equipment to include DoT-approved helmets, full-fingered leather gloves, long pants, brightly colored upper garment, sturdy footwear, long-sleeved shirt or jacket and goggles or face shield.
All active-duty motorcyclists must also possess a valid Motorcycle Safety Foundation Training card.
After the ride, door prizes will be given and entertainment will be provided at the IZ parking lot. Food will be available for purchase.
Vendors and sponsors will also be on site. Sponsors include Fort Sill FMWR, Lawton Motorsports, Billingsley Hyundai, Morris Motorsports, Chaps-My-Ass apparel, Sprint communications, USAA finance and insurance, Wind River Casino, Fast Break Sportswear, Fort Sill Federal Credit Union and K-LAW and Z94 radio stations.
Visitors to the post without DoD identification, must go through the Visitor Control Center. For more information, call 580-442-2025/3081.
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