FORT HOOD, Texas - Motorcycle riders from the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), recently spent a week participating in various safety classes and activities that culminated in a group motorcycle ride June 25.
They welcomed guest speakers, including a Texas state trooper who briefed the riders on state laws and accident statistics. The trooper also showed gory accident pictures in hopes of discouraging dangerous behavior.
"Riders can control their situation only if safety is a high priority," said Sgt. 1st Class Oran Spradley, the Wrangler Brigade motorcycle mentor.
Dave Wonders is from Austin and spoke to the Soldiers about the Ride Smart program as well as general motorcycle safety when riding on a track and in the streets. The Soldiers also discussed ATV safety, group riding techniques, and using proper hand and arm signals.
Ride Smart is a motorcycle school that provides classes for beginners through advanced riders. They teach skills for motorcycle racing and riding safely at higher speeds while maintaining control of the vehicle.
Spradley said they created a special hand signal prior to the last brigade ride indicating a hazard unique to Fort Hood - cows in the road.
Part of the week included a motorcycle inspection for all riders in the brigade.
"We found some minor things, like fuses that needed to be changed or light bulbs," said Spradley. "But we all like to take care of our bikes, so there were no major issues."
On Friday morning, the group wrapped up the week with a unit cohesion ride. Approximately 100 people gathered for a safety briefing before the 90 mile ride together.
"The 4th Sustainment Brigade motorcycle operators try to ride safely and we still have a good time while doing that," Spradley said. "I just want to get the message across that it is important to ride the right way before hopping on a bike."
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