Photo By Kristen Wong | U.S. Army Pfc. Augusto Millevolte, computer technician, 303rd Ordnance Battalion, out...... read more read more
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KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii - Motorcycles rumbled across Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay’s P-3 ramp on a sunny day during the base’s first Joint Services Track Day Jan. 19-20.
“I’ll be taking it slowly,” said Gunnery Sgt. Ryan Walker, explosive ordnance disposal technician, Combat Logistics Battalion 3. “I’m looking forward to getting instruction from [the coaches].”
Walker, who has been riding his motorcycle for little more than a year, participated in his first track day Jan. 19. The native of Eagan, Minn., said he hopes track day will provide riders with a safe outlet for speed as opposed to the streets.
While watching track days here, other services have grown interested and have since held their own events. Partnership with the other services can not only help cover costs, but open up other possible venues on Oahu for future events, according to Mario Diprete, Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider coach trainer, Base Safety.
Before sessions began, mechanics at the venue examined crucial areas of each bike, filling tires with air and offering maintenance advice as needed. After a safety brief, participants take two preliminary slow laps to orient themselves to the course. Participants then engage in various exercises on the track.
For example, riders may spend on session purposely do an incorrect technique, followed by the correct technique, so they feel the difference.
During a session, if a coach observes a rider who may need correction or guidance, one of the flaggers stationed around the course will be notified via radio. The flagger will point a red flag at the rider, indicating that they should pull over at the next coach’s station to get feedback about their technique.
During track day, riders learned how to improve on certain techniques, including proper entry speed when turning.
Coaches cautioned riders about common mistakes, such as having “stiff arms” while riding, or “duck feet,” in which the feet stick outward from the pegs, and can result in leg injuries.
Periodically, Superbike staff return for additional instruction as needed and provide support. Pete Castanik, deputy chief riding coach, California Superbike School, who came to track day Jan. 19 and 20, said he only had to make minor corrections on this visit.
“The coaches have come very far,” Castanik said. “When [riders] leave, they’re thinking about the riding and how they can improve.”
Petty Officer 2nd Class Casey Duvall, cryptologic technician, Navy Information Operations Command, participated in both the morning and afternoon sessions on Jan. 19. He enjoyed track day because he can ride fast in a “controlled environment.” The only drawback? Sore legs.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Beckmann, aviation structural mechanic, Patrol Squadron 9, said his first track day was “smooth,” with “beautiful riding.” He said the event gives riders more confidence, and the ability to correct mistakes before they get worse.
“Overall I think they have gotten better,” said Bob Jewell, motorcycle safety instructor, Cape Fox Professional Services. “This is a much higher level of training. We’re concentrating on more core skills, at a much higher, ‘real road’ speed.”
Jewell has been a professional instructor for two and a half years, and a rider for 40. He recommends every rider get as much training as possible, wear protective gear, and know their limits.
For track days, Jewell recommends participants bring eye protection, sunscreen and water. Also, as the base goes through intense roadwork this year, Jewell advises riders to observe operational risk management, and look out for possible hazards in the road.
Track day, a regular base event since April 2009, gives motorcycle riders a chance to practice proper riding techniques. Coaches were trained by the California Superbike School, which helped establish track day on base.
“You can see results,” Diprete said. “They not only see it but they feel it too.”
Through joint efforts with other services, there have been more than 40 events related to track day.
Diprete said there hasn’t been a spike in terms of motorcycle crashes since track day started.
Base Safety plans to hold its next track day in April. For more information about track day, call 257-1830.
| Date Taken: | 01.28.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.31.2011 15:54 |
| Story ID: | 64537 |
| Location: | KANEOHE BAY, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 288 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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