Photo By Staff Sgt. Anne Henry | U.S. service members participated in an Advanced Rider Track Day held by the...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA — U.S. service members participated in advanced rider track days held by the California Superbike School Sept. 8-9 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.
“At California Superbike School, we are looking at thousands of different riders,” said John H. Haynes, a coach from CSS’s branch in Australia. “We are able to increase their confidence and control over the motorcycle by teaching them the proper techniques.”
The training sessions each started with a brief and then riders were organized into two separate groups.
“Before they go out on the track there will be classroom sessions,” said Aaron M. Davis, event coordinator and supervisory occupational safety and health specialist for Camp Foster. “Each time they go out on the track they will be practicing a different skill.”
The riders were sent on an “L”-shaped track down the Futenma flight line for 12-minute training sessions.
Throughout the course there were coaches with flags posted at individual checkpoints. Their purpose was to observe the riders for any mistakes. Any errors made by the riders warranted a red flag from the coach, signaling they did something wrong.
“We have flagmen and coaches posted up around the track,” said Davis. “Everyone riding on the flight line is being watched. If we see them doing anything wrong, we will flag them down and send them to the coach for further instruction. This is a very controlled training environment.”
The controlled environment allowed service members to practice their techniques safely.
“The goal today is for the riders to be comfortable with throttle control, proper braking while negotiating curves and corners, and lean,” said Kathie A. Carter, an instructor at the course. “We do this because 65 percent of motorcycle crashes take place due to improper braking.”
Nearly 100 riders with various types of motorcycles, from mini-bikes and scooters to cruisers and sport-bikes, attended the annual training event.
“As long as the motorcycle has a motor, two wheels and met the safety qualifications, it can be here,” said Gunnery Sgt. Kristopher L. Joiner, an instructor at the course and information security technician with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
The safe and controlled environment gave the riders an opportunity to practice their skills and understand their bikes without the stress of being on the open road.
“I have improved my steering techniques and feel I have better control over the motorcycle,” said Ensign Aaron L. Mitchen, a security officer with Commander Fleet Activities Okinawa. “This training is teaching me to ultimately be a safer rider and has given me much more confidence.”
| Date Taken: | 09.09.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.13.2012 21:05 |
| Story ID: | 94697 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 166 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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