By Rhonda Apple
Pentagram Staff Writer
JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - As part of the motorcycle mentorship program, all service members, Department of Defense civilians and family members are invited to participate in the Headquarters Command Battalion Motorcycle Check-Ride, on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Sept. 6.
Motorcyclists will meet from 8:30 to 9 a.m. at the Headquarters Command Battalion parking lot on Sheridan Ave. at Bldg. 417, on the Fort Myer side of the base. A safety brief takes place at 9 a.m., followed by a group ride.
"The purpose of the ride is to establish who our riders are within our footprint at Headquarters Battalion Command and build camaraderie among motorcycle riders," said Master Sgt. James Meyers, JBM-HH senior career counselor, who also serves as the Motorcycle Mentorship Program team lead on the joint base and organizer of the event.
"The event is also being held to get all the riders of different levels together ... and share information about motorcycle safety. Hopefully, more seasoned, veteran riders will attend to help answer questions [from the newer, less experienced riders]," Meyers said.
Those attending must wear personal protective equipment and must bring required documentation, per Headquarters Command Battalion Motorcycle Inspection and Safety Program Policy Memorandum No. 16.
Meyers said the ride itself will cover about 150 to 200 miles round trip, with a stop for lunch. "Ideally, we will ride in a variety of settings, including highway, suburban streets and scenic areas," he added.
"Attending the event and talking to someone who actually rides a bike is encouraged for anyone who is thinking about purchasing a motorcycle … that’s the great thing about the mentorship program," Meyers said.
To sign up for the ride or for more information, contact Meyers at 703-696-1321, or email james.c.meyers.mil@mail.mil, or Staff Sgt. Pablo Robledo at pablo.robledo.mil@mail.mil.