Motorcycle safety news from Fort Bliss Iron Hide Ride Motorcycle Rally cruise to Alamogordo By Sgt. Valerie Lopez, 1st Armored Division Public Affairs Approximately 214 service members, retirees and Department of Defense civilians participated in a joint armed forces motorcycle rally Friday. The Iron Hide Motorcycle Rally started at Freedom Crossing on Fort Bliss, went through Alamogordo and Whites Sands Missile Range, then back to Fort Bliss. “This was a way for Fort Bliss riders to incorporate safety and fun in learning [motorcycle safety skills],” said Sgt. Maj. James Richardson, former 1st Armored Division senior protection noncommissioned officer. “It’s also a way for the Soldiers to learn a little more about the surrounding area where they live.” Newer riders paired up with seasoned riders with more than 30 years experience for the ride and enjoyed outdoor activities and safety challenges at the Alameda Park in Alamogordo. The activities included slow weave through the cones, tray carry, ball pick up, and loudest bike. Some of the tests were designed to challenge the riders balance, mobility and focus. During the slow weave, the cyclist rides as slow as possible keeping the engine running and the bike perfectly balanced without putting their foot on the ground for assistance. The rally allowed riders to focus on both safety and mentorship, said Richardson. “It was awesome,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. James West, 49th Maintenance Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base. “I’ve been in the Air Force 10 years and this is my first time doing something like this. I will definitely [ride in this rally] next year.” Plans for this rally began in December 2012. The local area leaders from El Paso, Alamogordo, WSMR, Holloman AFB and local police departments worked together to ensure the safety of the riders. “We started this about five or six years ago,” said Sammie Hubbard, White Sands Missile Range Safety Officer. “The rally [continues to] grow … but the biggest thing is for everyone to make it home safely.” “We’re very fortunate to have the best assembly in the U.S.,” said Senator Martin Heinrich, New Mexico State Senator. “This is all about [the riders] and it’s about making sure that [they] get home to [their] families.” As Heinrich addressed the riders, he mentioned a friend lost in a motorcycle accident then commended the riders for their dedication. “Thank you for coming out to relearn [motorcycle] safety skills and to make sure that you’re at top of your game,” said Heinrich. “Not only are you critical to this county and to your families but we want to make sure at the end of the day at the end of the long ride, you get home safely and you get to spend that time with your family and friends.” For more information on motorcycle safety or mentorship, call the Garrison Safety Officer at 568-7819.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Jul 2013 14:06:38 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015