Shaw motorcycle riders cruise in unison Published July 27, 2006 By Senior Airman John Gordinier 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- An Airman decides to get out of the house for a while. Before heading out the door, he grabs his protective gear including a reflective vest, helmet, gloves and boots. He jumps on his cruiser and drives toward his destination -- the main shoppette. He is performing his monthly bike ride with fellow Airmen. "The Shaw Motorcycle Riders Association is a way for fellow riders to get together and enjoy the sport of motorcycle riding in safety," said Paul Henderson, SMRA photographer. "The SMRA is open to any rider with access to Shaw," said Master Sgt. Gregory Patterson, 20th Fighter Wing flight safety NCO and president of SMRA. "We are not the safety police," he said. "Our main focus is to offer the opportunity to ride with fellow servicemembers and dependents." In addition to the social aspect, the SMRA offers other benefits as well. "There are no charges or dues; all money for the SMRA is earned through fundraisers and events," Sgt. Patterson said. "This program instills military camaraderie," he said. "Plus it has the added benefit of riding with fellow Airmen who ride every type of motorcycle and have varying levels of experience. This makes for some interesting fellowship. This allows members to mentor, be mentored or just show up and ride." Members can also earn prizes through the motorcycle points program and even get great evaluation performance report bullets from the fundraisers and events, Sgt. Patterson said. Members get to ride, have fun, learn something that could make them better riders, teach others something that could save their lives, earn bullets and win prizes, he said. "The SMRA meets every third Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. at the main shoppette for its monthly ride," Sgt. Patterson said. "It is a different route and destination every time. All monthly meetings are held the Friday prior to the monthly ride at 3 p.m. in the community center."