Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    Motorcycle event contributes to unit safety and mentorship

    Motorcycle event contributes to unit safety and mentorship

    Photo By Maj. Stephen Von Jett | Two groups of riders pause en route to an Asheboro, North Carolina, motorcycle...... read more read more

    FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

    06.22.2016

    Story by Capt. Stephen Von Jett 

    4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne)

    FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Thirty motorcycle riders from two battalions of 4th Military Information Support Group assembled at Gabriel Range, May 26, to inspect their bikes and practice safe riding techniques before rolling out for a motorcycle dealership in Asheboro, North Carolina.

    Trooper Eric Mellott of the North Carolina Highway Patrol presented a class on state-required endorsements for riders and approved safety equipment. Mellott, a 17-year veteran of the NCHP has been riding since he was 19. While observing the riders on a simple course to practice braking techniques, Mellott shared his passion for riding and his respect for the emphasis the military places on safe riding.
    “Discipline is always an issue with riders, but not the military,” Mellott said. “Military riders are great because we get no issues from them about following the rules.”

    Under the direction of Mark Martin, deputy safety director and motorcycle program manager for 1st Special Forces Command, riders conducted a safety inspection of their bikes and then rode through several evaluated drills to provide feedback on their riding technique.

    There are 125 motorcycle riders assigned to 4th MISG, with 25 of those being new to the sport in the last year. The mentorship program began in 2009 and has resulted in a dramatic drop in accidents and fatalities. According to Martin, the program has facilitated a 400% decrease in accidents within 1st SFC, with several years of no fatalities. He attributes this to the emphasis placed on the program by unit leaders.

    “It’s wonderful when we have leaders that ride,” Martin said before the group departed. “When you have senior support and that leader rides, there is a whole different dynamic.”

    Before the riding portion of the day, bikers completed a T-CLOCS inspection, which stands for tires, controls, lights, oil, chassis and stands. It is a method endorsed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, which provides a systematic inspection method similar to preventative maintenance checks and services used on military equipment.

    Once inspections were complete, riders donned their safety equipment and completed several braking, steering, and accelerating drills meant to knock off the cobwebs for infrequent riders and reinforce safe riding practices. Riders then organized into small groups based on style of bike and departed for Asheboro. Having similar style bikes ride together increases safety since different bikes handle and maneuver in different ways.

    Soldiers assigned to 4th MISG have been conducting the mentorship ride to the Asheboro dealership since 2010. The route is 75 miles, which organizers highlight as being long enough to keep experienced riders interested, but short enough to not over-challenge new riders. The purpose of the ride was to focus on mentorship.

    Staff Sgt. Ashley Rice of 7th Military Information Support Battalion, 4th MISG, organized the event with the Group’s 3rd Military Information Support Battalion. She is a new rider who started riding to save money on gas. Now she is the battalion’s noncommissioned officer in charge of motorcycle safety. She says part of why she organized the event was to provide a resource and environment for riders to get together in a unit event and enjoy a day away to learn more about their bikes and each other.

    For those interested in riding, organizers recommend taking the basic rider course. The course provides a bike and helmet. Prospective riders are required to provide gloves, long sleeved shirt, pants, and boots. The course ran by the U.S. Army Special Operations Command provides an endorsement waiver for the practical driving exam upon completion – something not offered by the Fort Bragg course. The waiver allows riders to bse licensed after completion of the state written exam, without having to take the practical riding portion.

    There are additional advanced training courses available including advanced street skills motorcycle mentorship training, which certifies graduates as rider-coaches. Those interested in riding are encouraged to contact their unit safety officers or motorcycle mentors.

    -#4MISG-

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 06.22.2016
    Date Posted: 06.23.2016 17:29
    Story ID: 202308
    Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US

    Web Views: 235
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN