FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Triumph and Special Forces Soldiers aren't four things that would likely be lumped into the same category, however, that was the case Oct. 23, as nearly 100 Soldiers with the 3rd Special Forces Group took part in a mentorship motorcycle ride dubbed the "Sound of Freedom."
The unit took part in the 77-mile, group ride to Elizabethtown, N.C., to promote safety and camaraderie among the unit's riders.
This is the first ride of its type for the group since returning from deployment and is part of the command's motorcycle safety program, which was implemented by the unit in September, said Patrick McGuire, 3rd SFG safety manager.
"The ride gives the command a chance to look at the types of motorcycles the guys are riding and make sure that they are safe and have all the equipment they need," McGuire said.
Soldiers began showing up for the group ride early in the morning to go through a gamut of pre-ride checks, to include the inspection of motorcycles, personal protective equipment, driver's license, proof of insurance and rider course certificates.
All manner of riders and motorcycles from the group made an appearance. Some riders were decked out in dusty leather jackets that had seen thousands of miles on a motorcycle, while others were sporting protective gear that matched the color of their motorcycles.
There were the sounds of rumbling Harley Davidsons to the screaming engines of the 200-plus mph Suzuki Hayabusas. Even a holiday-themed motorcycle made an appearance.
They were all there for a day of safety, fun and camaraderie.
"It's great when we can get together as riders like this," said Sgt. 1st Class Eric P. McQueen, a Brooklyn, N.Y., native with the group's 14th Chemical Reconnaissance Detachment. "It's fun, it's really effective and ultimately it saves lives."
In keeping with the theme of safety and saving lives was the aspect of mentorship.
The group paired seasoned riders with those with less riding experience. They rode alongside each other as many in the unit weren't accustomed to riding in large packs, said Capt. Donald J. Sulpizio, the ride captain for the group.
He said the senior motorcyclists offered different techniques to the junior riders to build situational awareness and mitigate accidents.
The pairings seemed to work well, as the mile-long convoy of riders heading down the scenic routes to Elizabethtown and returned without incident.
Upon return, Sulpizio, the assistant operations officer for the group's 4th Battalion, said the event was an "absolute success."
"The weather was great, the route was perfect and everyone had a good time," he said.
The group plans to conduct quarterly rides similar to this one, with of safety always in mind.
McGuire said he would love to see fiscal year 2010 close out without any motorcycle fatalities or serious accidents in the group.
"That's my goal and if we can do that, it would be a great reward to me personally," he said.
"We hope this ride is a good step in that direction."
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