Twenty military motorcycle enthusiasts gathered Friday morning under the sunny skies at Semmes Lake to ride together while reviewing safety practices and procedures for Fort Jackson's Motorcycle Safety Day.
The hour-long, off-post ride incorporated several different kinds of road conditions, demonstrating the importance of safety procedures before and during a motorcycle ride.
"The reason for the ride was to conduct a check ride to ensure our Soldiers and civilians on Fort Jackson had their proper motorcycle endorsements and proper protective gear, or Personal Protective Equipment. I wanted build and promote safe riding and cohesion among the installation and our sister armed forces," said 1st Sgt. Andre Green II, installation motorcycle mentor.
Green led the ride, and started off the event with friendly greetings and an admonishment to drink plenty of water he provided under the soon-to-be-sweltering sun. The riders then fell in formation behind him, putting Fort Jackson behind them.
Riding speeds varied between 45 and 55 miles per hour. There were several curves and up-and-downhill maneuvers, in two-way, two-lane and highway traffic.
"The ride was a check ride for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Army Training Center, and sent an invite throughout the installation. We had Soldiers from HHC ATC, Student Battalion, 193rd Infantry Brigade, and an airman from McIntire Air Force Base. The ride was driven on single back country roads and interstates to prepare riders on the different road conditions," Green said.
Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Watters, motorcycle safety mentor for the Army Chaplain School, rode a vintage bike with a sidecar and passenger. He said the ride was more about the gathering and performing safety checks.
"Part of my responsibilities is making sure all riders within the unit have the opportunity to ride while
being observed, and that they are riding within their skill level. Additionally, we conducted motorcycle safety checks using the T-CLOCK method and inspected all riders' insurance validity, motorcycle endorsements on each operator's license, and motorcycle safety course completion cards," Watters said.
Sam Boone, Safety and Quality Assurance officer at the Army Chaplain School, said, "The Motorcycle Safety ride is an annual event that allows the military riders assigned to Fort Jackson to reflect on defensive driving and check the safety of their personal bikes. Emphasis is on checking the basic
safety features of the cycles (lights, turn signals, brakes, etc.) as well as the training required to safely operate a motorcycle on Fort Jackson. These include: current basic and experienced safety training, current driver's license, proof of insurance, and registration. Safety First."
"Opinions of the rider's performance was positive and satisfying," Green said, "One of the after action Review comments were about us needing training on how to ride with a group in a staggered formation and being extremely aware of the traffic. Always assume that the motorists do not see you, use caution and be a defensive motorcycle rider."
For information about motorcycle safety and proper riding procedures, contact Green at 751-7031.
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