Wing to host motorcycle safety course in June

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jay Ponder
  • 908th Airlift Wing
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  The 908th Airlift Wing will host a motorcycle safety course during the June UTA. The wing has newly trained coaches; Maj. Carmel Weed, Master Sgt. Matthew Chandler and Technical Sgt. Joseph Peterson.

The purpose of this class, according to Chief Master Sergeant Harold Whited, Senior Motorcycle Coach, is to teach the student riders safety skills they can use while riding their motorcycles.

Whited, who is also a certified motorcycle safety coach was enthusiastic about the safety training.

"The course teaches the students basic stopping skills, starting, swerves, avoiding obstacles, stopping quickly, stopping on a turn, maneuverability in a turn, all the stuff they would use out on the street," he said.

Staff Sgt. Thomas F. Mendiola, 908th Safety NCO, explained the progression of motorcycle skill learning opportunities. "The first class, Basic Rider's Course 1 (BRC)will give you all the basics," he said, "we'll build upon that in BRC 2, then you go up to the advanced rider's course. What the riders are doing is they are building their skills as they take each course."

"This is the best thing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has ever done as far as getting people who are developing their skills and continually build upon those skills. It teaches you to ride your motorcycle more effectively and more safely." 

The course is sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, which is a national, not-for-profit organization sponsored by a dozen major motor cycle manufacturers. The training curriculum is a research-based Rider Education and Training System, (RETS). But the riders not only learn about the safe handling of their motorcycles. Completing the course might save them a few dollars with their insurance company by earning an insurance discount according to the website.

Staff Sgt. Christopher D.  Howell of the Lemay Center, Air University here, took the course last September.

"This course was a refresher as I took the original course about five years ago," said Howell, "It helps bring back to light some of the stuff taught in the basic course as well as more advanced riding positions."

Classes are scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. The June BRC 1 class (16 hours), is limited to 12 slots. The BRC 2 classes (minimum of 4 hours), limited to 12 slots, will be held Aug. 1 and Oct. 3., so reserve your slot ASAP.  You must possess a valid state driver's license.

To sign up or for more information about this course, call the 908th Safety Office at 953-7873.

Senior Master Sgt. Terry W. Shook, 908th Safety, recently sent a copy of the registration form out to 908th members.

"Those who are interested complete a registration form which their supervisor has to sign," he said. "The member will have to turn in their registration to Safety."

Members can reserve a slot up to one week prior to start of class. Dependents can reserve a slot from two weeks to one week prior to the start date. Afterwards, all open slots will be turned over to 42nd Safety to fill.

The course is free! "Get paid and come out here and ride motorcycles on a beautiful day," exclaimed Whited, "We want to make sure our guys stay safe while riding."