Photo By Staff Sgt. Deven Schultz | U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Mark Weber, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System senior...... read more read more
Dover Air Force Base, Del. – When spring flowers bloom and chilly air slowly turns into warm breezes, motorcycle riders across America crank up their steel horses for the first rides of the year.
“Every year around that time, I’m chomping at the bit to get out on the road,” says Master Sgt. Mark Weber, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System senior enlisted advisor. “I usually jump the gun because it’s still too cold, so I do a quick loop around the neighborhood and head back before I freeze.”
Growing up, Weber had dreams of becoming the next big racecar driver or motorcycle stuntman.
“My older brother always said he would get me my first dirt bike, so as a kid that was exciting,” said Weber. “Although I never did get one from him, the thought of having my own bike kept the dream alive.”
According to Weber his father often wore motorcycle garb, such as bandanas. They usually had Harley-Davidson logos on them.
“Even though he wasn’t a rider, my dad always said, ‘If you’re going to ride a bike, it should be a Harley-Davidson’,” said Weber. “I’ve always liked the look and feel of that specific brand.”
While attending college in 1993, Weber purchased his first motorcycle.
“I bought a 1981 Yamaha 250 and rode it for a little while. It wasn’t in the best condition, so I eventually stopped riding,” said Weber. “It wasn’t until 2012 that my sparked my interest again when a co-worker approached me with the idea to attend a motorcycle safety class.”
After passing the class, Weber bought a sport bike and rode it until he bought his first Harley-Davidson in 2019.
“A co-worker here at the AFMES was selling a 2008 Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom motorcycle at a price I couldn’t pass up,” exclaimed Weber. “It had super low miles with hardly any modified parts, almost as if it were in a time capsule.”
Within a few years of owning his new motorcycle, Weber became president of a local military motorcycle club known as the Green Knights.
The club helps emphasize how important motorcycle safety is to riders and their families.
“We have around 12 members, so the club is relatively small, but our monthly meetings usually touch on upcoming events and new or different motorcycle safety topics,” said Weber. “Safety is at the forefront of our minds when we’re riding. You can’t control what someone in front or behind you will do, but you can be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.”
He hopes his experiences from riding leave a lasting positive impact for current and future riders.
“If you ever wanted to ride or try something new, give bikes a try,” said Weber. “Personally, I just love feeling the rumble of the engine, hearing each gear shift, and the smells of the fresh cut grass and fields of flowers as I pass by. The whole experience is very relaxing to me.”
| Date Taken: | 10.18.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.21.2021 16:08 |
| Story ID: | 407730 |
| Location: | DOVER, DE, US |
| Web Views: | 89 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Two Wheels and the Open Road, by SSgt Deven Schultz, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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