Motorcycle mentorship ride

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ned T. Johnston
  • MacDill Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  When motorcyclists gather, they typically have one thing in mind - to ride. To come together and collectively rattle the earth as they take to the open road together.

Current and retired Service members embarked on a mentorship ride promoting military motorcycle regulations and requirements at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Feb. 2, 2016.

The ride doubled as a chance for motorcycle riders from MacDill to come together and learn from one another's experiences. It was also an opportunity to meet the military motorcycle regulation of participating in two group rides per year.

"Today we are focusing on these younger, brand new riders," said Senior Master Sgt. Kelley Latham, the unit deployment manager with the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. "We are trying to get the word out on safety, riding skills, and the classes available here on MacDill with a big emphasis on mentorship."

Although the ride didn't officially start until 10 a.m., the riders met at 9 a.m. for a mandatory tires, controls, lights, oil, chassis and stands inspection, commonly known as a T-CLOCS inspection, and to hear from representatives from wing safety and the Green Knights.

"The MacDill Green Knights chapter is a group that promotes safety, awareness and mentorship for our motorcyclists," said Latham. "We're looking to get newer riders to join the group, so we can be there when they need some guidance to better their skills."

One of the newer motorcyclists from MacDill, Senior Airman James Hughes, a bioenvironmental engineering technician with the 6th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, talked about his experiences as a new rider.

"Before I even purchased my bike, I went to a beginner's course here," said Hughes. "By the time I left, I felt confident enough to buy my own bike and take it out on the road safely. I took it slow at first, but I had a lot of fun."

For more information on safe riding, contact your base safety office, or squadron-level motorcycle safety representative.