Command hosts mentorship ride

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman La'Shanette V. Garrett
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Vroom, vroom, is the sound of the rumbling and roaring of pipes and mufflers being heard  five-miles away, as the smell of exhaust enters the air. Motorcycles pull in one-by-one, filling the parking lot of Hoban Hall.

More than 45 service members, Department of Defense employees, retirees and civilian motorcycle operators gathered for the Air Force Global Strike Command's Fall motorcycle mentorship ride here Nov. 23.

"The first mentorship ride took place in May as a way to support AF officials' decision to make 2011 "the Year of Motorcycle Safety," said Tech. Sgt. Mary Circe, AFGSC ground safety deputy chief.

Before the event kicked off, safety topics were covered by AFGSC motorcycle safety representatives and  2nd Bomb Wing Commander Col. Tim Fay, shanred some encouraging words on the release of the new Air Force Instruction 91-207, The U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program.

Safety representatives also informed riders on how to combine their passion for two-wheeled travel with good practices that will keep them riding safely.
The ride was approximately 50 miles long. It began at Hoban Hall and was escorted by the Bossier City Police department. The ride continued through south Bossier City and the Bistineau Lake area and ended back at Hoban Hall.

"This is an important event here at Barksdale because it promotes safe riding in a fun atmosphere for all types of riders," said Circe.

Studies have shown a steady rise in motorcycle ownership among service members leading to an upward trend of motorcycle-related deaths and injuries.

"Now that Winter is upon us and the temperatures are decreasing overnight, be aware of current road conditions and the potential for black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses or any other roadway that is elevated," said Master Sgt. Ed Pope, AFGSC motorcycle safety representative. "Drivers of four-wheeled vehicles will not expect to see motorcycles on the roadway this time of year, so their awareness levels will decrease. That means as a rider, your awareness will have to increase."

For more information on the next AFGSC mentorship ride, contact Tech. Sgt. Mary Circe at 456-7887.