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Vandenberg to host refresher motorcycle skills course
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 30th Space Wing ground safety office is scheduled to host its Motorcycle Skills Rebuilding Course at the base's Motorcycle Range (Located at the corner of New Mexico Avenue and 10th Street) from 8 a.m. to noon May 25.
During the Air Force's 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign, Vandenberg's ground safety office will offer the free Motorcycle Skills Rebuilding Course on a monthly basis.
The purpose of this hands-on motorcycle training course is to reacquaint motorcyclists with a refresher of the basic skills needed to operate a motorcycle safely for both individual and group riding. The first half of the training will focus on honing riding skills such as quick stops, tight maneuvers and proper cornering. The second half of the course, participants will go on a group ride and learn about the safe practices of formation rides.
"We have brought this course to Vandenberg as a refresher course for our motorcyclists," said Doug Harmon, a 30th SW safety and health specialist. "We realize that while in training, people become so focused on what is going on that they tend to forget or have further questions about practical knowledge when they are on their own. To avoid this, we will allow time at the end of the course for these questions to be answered."
The course is open to anyone with base access, but only 12 slots for participants are available per class. Military motorcycle riders are highly encouraged to attend this course, regardless of their previous riding experience.
"This class is important because we have seen the statistics and the numbers show us that motorcycle mishaps tend to occur with our military members and younger riders who have between one and three years of riding experience," said Staff Sgt. Michael Ferguson, a 30th SW ground safety specialist. "Although this course is open to everyone, we are gearing the course to that target population."
Prior to attending the Motorcycle Skills Rebuilding Course, military members are required to complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Rider Course.
"Military riders will have to show proof of completion of the BRC and civilians will need to show an endorsement on their driver's license," said Sergeant Ferguson.
Participants of the Motorcycle Skills Rebuilding Course are also required to come prepared with their own proper protective equipment (Refer to AFI 91-207) and a motorcycle in good working order. All motorcycles will be inspected before the beginning of the course.
"Our ultimate goal is to bring the number of motorcycle mishaps down to zero this year," Mr. Harmon said. "Minimizing these kinds of mishaps is what we strive for."
For more information about the Vandenberg's Motorcycle Skills Rebuilding Course or to register for the course, call Sergeant Ferguson at 605-2607.