FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Every motorcycle rider in the Army is required to take a mandatory motorcycle safety class, however riders in the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade took time to refresh themselves on motorcycle safety during motorcycle safety training, March 27 and April 3, at Hunter Army Airfield.
"With the weather getting better and more riders getting out on the road, the goal for the training was to re-focus our riders on getting their bikes ready for the riding season, give them some tips on how to properly maintain them and help them recognize some of the danger spots in the local area," said Chief Warrant Officer Randy Kirgess, 3rd CAB safety officer. "Additionally, we wanted to put them through some maneuvers and drills to brush the cobwebs off of their riding skills that may have accumulated over the winter months."
The motorcycle- riding Soldiers, new and experienced alike, took part in a class March 27 that covered maintenance and general care of motorcycles. The class was given by members of Superbike Specialties, a bike store that also sells parts and has a full-service body shop.
"We wanted to improve their knowledge," said Adam Gati, owner of Superbike Specialties. "Basically, we don't want to come in here and tell them to come to the shop and buy this or buy that. We want them to be safe - that's the main thing."
The second training session was a week later, on April 3, and consisted of riders taking their bikes through various lanes, testing their ability to brake quickly, manage turns and weave. Instructors manned each lane to help riders perform better on each task.
"Everyone should practice the fundamentals of riding to continue enhancing their experience and their safety," said Sgt. Wendy Terry, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd CAB. "What was good about this training was that you were on your own personal motorcycle instead of just the one that is provided for you in the safety course."
The focus and theme of the training was letting Soldiers know there is a time and place for everything, said Kirgess.
"Traffic conditions are continually changing and riders must modify their riding style and habits based on the conditions at the time," Kirgess said. "For those Soldiers, young and old, that want to push their bikes to the limits of their performance, there are closed tracks with professional instructors and control riders available in the local area to give proper instruction and provide facilities that are more conducive to such activities.
Riding fast down Abercorn during rush hour traffic isn't the time or place to see how fast your motorcycle will go. That not only puts the rider in danger, it needlessly exposes innocent others to the risk as well."
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