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Motorcycle riders gather

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Williams
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  More than 150 Shaw motorcycle riders met at the Community Activities Center April 10, 2009 for a "Ride Smart Ride Safe" event hosted by the 20th Fighter Wing Safety Office the Shaw Chapter of the Green Knights Motorcycle Club.

With two motorcycle mishaps, including one fatality, at Shaw this year, the goal of the event was to gather as many motorcycle riders on Shaw to bring riding safety to the forefront and explain what is required of riders.

Col. Joseph Guastella, 20th FW commander, led off the event by reflecting on his riding experiences.

"As a young lieutenant going to flight school, everyone in my class went out and bought motorcycles," he said. "The local dealer outside Sheppard AFB must have been thrilled we were there.

"Our thinking was, 'We're pilots. We have a God-given talent to operate incredible machines. We're talented and fearless,'" he said. "Let me tell you something; none of us has a God-given talent to operate anything. It takes training and constant refining of that training."

The colonel provided advice he was given when he rode and shared an insight as to what motorcycle riders are up against when they go for a ride.

"How much does it cost to get a license?" he asked. "About $20 ... when you ride, you are putting yourself in the line-of-fire of someone who paid $20 to drive a vehicle. It doesn't take much for someone else to bring you down.

"If you ride, pretend every single driver out there is trying to kill you," he said. "Always think, 'that guy's going to pull out in front of me,' or 'that dude doesn't see me.' It can be a nerve-racking way to ride, but you need to be alert and watch out for everyone else."

The riders were briefed by Senior Master Sgt. Terry Grimm, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron First Sergeant and the Shaw Chapter of the Green Knights president, who talked about the free membership benefits.

Sgt. Grimm discusses trends he has seen such as riders not wearing appropriate personal protection equipment and what is considered correct reflective material. He also spoke about some upcoming rides and events the club will undertake.

Mr. Scott Eck, 20th FW Ground Safety manager, also spoke about the importance of wearing PPE when riding.

"PPE can mean the difference between bumps and bruises or serious injury and death," he said. "The consequences of our choices can hurt us, our families and coworkers, for the rest of our lives. Be a good wingman and mentor. Watch out for other riders and stop them from doing something that could result in tragedy."

At the conclusion of the event, there were vendors set up in the parking lot and officers from the Sumter County Sheriff's office and Sumter City Police Department who provided training and riding demonstrations through an obstacle course.

"Enjoy riding," Col. Guastella said. "If you do, know the risks. No matter your riding skill, the risks are the same when you get out and ride."

For more information on the Shaw chapter of the Green Knights, contact Sgt. Grimm at 895-2682. For more information on safety, contact the 20th FW Safety Office at 895-1985.