Photo By Staff Sgt. Michael Dator | Sgt. Michael McWilliams, an air defender assigned to Regimental Headquarters and...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas - Motorcycle riding is a pastime enjoyed by many Soldiers across Fort Hood. The hobby continues to grow with new riders taking to the streets each day. The warm summer months coupled with longer days create an opportunity for new motorcyclists to learn the intricacies of handling a bike on the open road. But with new riders comes inexperience which sometimes can lead to unintended mishaps.
Experienced riders from the 3rd Cavalry Regiment “Brave Rifles” helped bridge this gap in experience with more than 15 troopers during a 50-mile motorcycle mentorship ride held July 2 from Fort Hood to Round Rock, Texas.
The event took place as part of the U.S. Army Motorcycle Mentorship Program - a voluntary, installation-level program that pairs new riders with those more experienced, according to the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center official website at https://safety.army.mil/mmp/
Participants started off with a safety brief followed by inspections to ensure functions and parts pertaining to tires, controls, lights, chassis, oil and stands were in order. The riders then performed shifting /stopping drills for instilling confidence in being able to stop their bike on short notice. After another round of spot inspections, the riders set off for a 50-mile ride to Round Rock for more classes designed to raise awareness in motorcycle safety.
“As a new rider, I really appreciate this opportunity to learn from others in the motorcycle community,” said Sgt. Michael McWilliams, an air defender, assigned to Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Cav. Reg., who took up riding less than one year ago. “I’ve learned techniques to help me in a variety of traffic situations while building friendships with other riders in the unit – they’re my battle-buddies on the road.”
Unit motorcycle safety rides are required quarterly by both III Corps and 1st Cavalry Division safety policies to help develop and enhance rider’s skills, said Sean Morrill with the 1st Cavalry Division Safety Office
Morrill said the safety rides focus on developing both individual and group riding techniques, such as hand and arm signals, formation riding procedures, methods of communicating road hazards to others and fostering good communication between riders.
“As part of a unit Motorcycle Mentorship Program, these rides provide invaluable mentoring and experience that benefits both veteran and novice motorcycle riders,” Merrill added.
For the ‘Brave Rifle’ Troopers in this day’s ride, the training concluded with a group ride back to Fort Hood followed by a quick after-action review before departing for the day.
“Getting a group ride in with experienced riders teaches younger guys by example instead of just telling them what to do,” said Capt. Bren Watson, ready rear commander of 2nd Squadron “Sabre,” 3rd Cav. Regt and motorcycle enthusiast for over 15 years. “This experience carries over to the workplace and builds camaraderie among the Soldiers, who benefit in a positive way while employing safety and preserving Soldier readiness on the road.”
| Date Taken: | 07.02.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.16.2014 14:36 |
| Story ID: | 136306 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 48 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Veteran 3CR bikers share experience, build camaraderie with new riders, by SSG Michael Dator, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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