FORT CARSON, Colo.-- The rumbling of 218 motorcycle engines reverberated off Cheyenne Mountain April 9 announcing that these machines and their riders welcomed the change of the seasons.
While the roaring engine sounds were hard to ignore, the safety steps being taken at Ironhorse Park took center stage during the 2nd Annual Spring Kick Start motorcycle safety event and mentorship ride, led by the 4th Infantry Division Chief of Staff Col. Patrick L. Fetterman.
The event featured motorcycle safety inspections, maintenance training, a safety course to test basic riding skills, a demonstration by Colorado Springs Police Department motorcycle unit and a mentorship ride from Fort Carson to the Garden of the Gods and back.
"We (conduct this event) so we can train young riders how to look at their bikes, when to get them ready to ride and then take them out and teach them how to ride safely both as a single rider and in groups," said Terry Mullins, president of the Fort Carson Motorcycle Mentorship Program.
Mullins said the post motorcycle training program's success - to include Kick Start and the motorcycle safety foundation course required by the Army in order to ride a motorcycle on post - is evident in the numbers.
"We have over 4,000 motorcycle riders registered on Fort Carson and we maintain a 6 percent average for accident or fatalities, which is 9 percent better than the national average," he said.
Noting he served four deployments during his time in the Army, Mullins said many enjoy riding because it provides an adrenaline rush.
"You live through 15 months of combat and you come home and there is nothing in the United States to be scared of," he said, "but at the same time you're still living that adrenaline rush, that fear, that high anxiety that you had over there every day. One of the ways to relieve that and burn that adrenaline out is to get on your bike and ride."
The key, Mullins, said is to maintain that level of learning and awareness to ensure they ride safely.
Provost Office Sgt. Maj. John Ladik, agrees: "Motorcycling does provide a certain level of adrenaline rush ... it's one of the things that makes it attractive to servicemembers, because you get the feeling of the freedom of the open air and the speed. But it's a lot different than being in a car. By having events like this, we basically hone some skills and show them there are a lot of military riders out there and there is a safe way to do this."
Spc. Matthew Preston, 1st Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, said it was nice to partake in a ride with fellow Soldiers.
"It's a pleasure to ride with my brothers in arms," he said.
But this "community" ride was not limited to those who wear Army combat uniforms on a regular basis.
A fixture at welcome-home ceremonies and memorial services for fallen Soldiers, riders with the Patriot Guard made their presence felt.
"(This ride) is very special because normally our missions center around silent support for the Soldiers ... and protecting and supporting the Families," said Ronnie "Crippie" Jost, Patriot Guard military liaison. "This is a rare opportunity (for us) to get together (with Soldiers) and work with the young kids ... giving them some pointers and an opportunity to ride with them."
The event concluded with Garrison Commander Col. Robert F. McLaughlin and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. James A. Kilpatrick presenting awards and giveaways, a riding jacket and helmet.
Initiated by the "Fort Carson Riders" mentorship program, Kick Start is an Installation Management Command-sponsored, Army-sanctioned event hosted by the safety offices on Fort Carson.
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