| Author |
Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
scout06
Member
Posts: 863
Location: Killeen, Texas
Joined: 04/08/07 |
| Posted on 09/26/2008 12:21 |
|
|
On Friday, 7 November 2008, III Corps and Fort Hood is having a Motorcycle Mentorship Ride to enhance awareness of safety issues that have killed or caused serious injury to soldiers on Fort Hood.
III Corps has asked the Patriot Guard Riders to participate and lead the 1,200- 1,500 strong bike procession along its intended route. The exact number of bikes participating will depend on the number of soldiers who are present for duty that day on Fort Hood. This event is "mandatory fun" for soldiers stationed on Fort Hood who own a motorcycle, so the number of participants is pretty much written in stone.
This ride has a 65 mile route through Central Texas and will also include a concert (free of charge) upon our return to Fort Hood Stadium along with eats and drinks (adult beverages will be available) provided by various vendors, so food and drinks are not free.
Numerous celebrities have already committed to attend this ride such as: Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston, Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola, Kid Rock, "Uncle" Ted Nugent, Willie Nelson, Gov. Rick Perry and numerous others as well as the 1,200-1,500 soldier/heroes of Fort Hood.
To facilitate our participation, Fort Hood has waived all DoD Motorcycle Safety requirements for Patriot Guard Riders with the exception that each rider must wear a DOT approved helmet during the ride. No safety course, long pants, full-fingered gloves, long sleeve shirt or over-the-ankle-boot are required. We will have access through the Santa Fe Gate to Fort Hood.
We do have to provide the names (not road names, but actual legal names) of our riders who are participating by 24 October 2008 so the security guards at the Santa Fe Gate will know who to allow access to.
We must also sign a waiver of release and turn that waiver in to the ride coordinators upon our arrival at the Fort Hood Stadium. No cages are allowed to participate in the ride per Fort Hood directive, so don't ask me to make an exception. If you drive a cage and want to participate, find someone to ride with. However, people driving cages may attend the Memorial at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery and the concert on Fort Hood. More infor to follow concerning times to arrive for these two sub-events.
For us to accomplish our (PGR) participation, we will need anyone who is going to attend this mission to RSVP me at stevec@hot.rr.com with your full, legal name by 24 October 2008 and a method to contact you if it becomes necessary. Any PGR not on the access list will NOT participate in the ride, so no last minute decisions are acceptable.
For those outside CenTex who wish to participate, you certainly may and should organize locally. However, we will not accept any last minute additions to the access list and everyone who rides must be present at the local (CenTex PGR) staging to sign the "Hold Harmless Agreement" that will be provided at the PGR staging site.
With all that said, PGR staging for the ride will be held at Kay's Motorcycle Mania in Nolanville, Texas. Kay's is located just to the south of the Nolanville exit off US Hwy 190 between Belton and Killeen. Staging will begin at 0600 hours and end at 0700 hours. KSU enroute to Fort Hood's Santa Fe Gate and Fort Hood Stadium will be at 0715 after our internal safety briefing.
This is your chance to ride with the soldiers who stand in the breech for us and porvide us an opportunity to show them that America cares for our soldiers and their safety before they come home as a Fallen Hero. Fort Hood has assured me that they will welcome as many PGR members as we can muster as long as they meet the criteria as posted above to participate. Please join us?!
Steve "Scout" Cole
Deputy State Captain
CenTex
Scout
Edited by scout06 on 09/26/2008 12:28 |
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
LilDragon
Member
Posts: 956
Location: Copperas Cove
Joined: 04/09/07 |
| Posted on 09/26/2008 14:15 |
|
|
Scout,
THANKS !!!!!  That's wonderful news.
I just sent you an email with my name and contact info for the ride.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Ingrid
==================================
In the final measure, nothing speaks like deeds.
-General John A. Wickham, Jr.- |
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
Waveband
Member
Posts: 9
Location: Thrall,Texas
Joined: 09/02/07 |
| Posted on 09/26/2008 14:26 |
|
|
I'm glad this event is happening, but doesn't it seem ironic that a ride about safety issues requires barely any safety gear?
I am talking about helmets and basic gear at a minimum. How does a group of riders showing up in only a helmet supposed to show safety?
I know I don't always wear all the gear, but when making a safety statement, it seems hypocritical.
Feel free to disagree, but I hope you will see my point.
I hope I can attend the event. Be safe out there.
WaveBand
"Anything that doesn't kill me makes me stronger."
Nietzsche |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
scout06
Member
Posts: 863
Location: Killeen, Texas
Joined: 04/08/07 |
| Posted on 09/26/2008 14:44 |
|
|
I see the irony of it too, but they are very concerned that without waving the safety gear requirements for this event, some PGR will not be able to attend.
Heck, it's their ride and they are planning it, so I guess you'd really have to discuss this with the III Corps Commander, but I hope you won't so that everyone who wants to be there can be there.
I ain't about to ask our members to fork out $250 for a motorcycle saftey course just to go on Fort Hood. Our members already spend allot of cash in gas going to missions...
Scout |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
SSG Fade
Member
Posts: 9
Location: Killeen
Joined: 04/29/08 |
| Posted on 09/26/2008 15:33 |
|
|
About the saftey stuff:
The other day in the IPR breifing, when the SGM said that the celebrities could wear or not wear whatever they wanted, there were a few eyebrows raised for the exact reason you mentioned Waveband. Should be intresting thats for sure. Hope you guys enjoy it though. Ill be in school.
People on base are allready complaining about the speed. Many are saying that you wont get out of 3rd Gear. Of course most of those folks are the crotch rocket guys.
Also, there was some discussion if they can fit the estimated 1500 -1800 bikes in the driveway around the cemetery. What do you guys think? |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
scout06
Member
Posts: 863
Location: Killeen, Texas
Joined: 04/08/07 |
| Posted on 09/26/2008 15:42 |
|
|
The bikes will fit easily at the cemetery.
Who cares if they don't get out of 3rd gear. This ride like all rides isn't about how fast they ride it's about getting to where you're riding. The attitude that is displayed by those who are complaining about speed are the reason why so many soldiers die on motorcycles. It's stupid. It's immature. They're idiots and I'll say it to their face.
Look, the Fort Hood riding appearal requirements except for perhaps the helmet have not saved one life. I don't know why they require all that gear, but turn a blind eye to Officers and NCO's who ride like a bat out of hell and influence their subordinates to do likewise.
Before the younger soldiers will be responsible, they must have a responsible person whom they respect to immulate. These mentorship rides should be more about forming the attitudes of the leadership than about going on a ride with a bunch of rock stars, but this is a good start and it might save a life or two.
Scout |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
LilDragon
Member
Posts: 956
Location: Copperas Cove
Joined: 04/09/07 |
| Posted on 09/26/2008 17:35 |
|
|
I know that my bike doesn't like being in 1st gear for a long time (learned that lesson in a Christmas parade), but if I'll never get out of 3rd gear that just fine.
As for the safety gear, e.g. long fingered gloves etc... Even though this is Texas, 7 Nov might be a cool/cold morning even here, and I could imagine that many will wear more "safety gear" just for the purpose to stay warm.....which will still look like "safety" to the soldiers.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Ingrid
==================================
In the final measure, nothing speaks like deeds.
-General John A. Wickham, Jr.- |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
scout06
Member
Posts: 863
Location: Killeen, Texas
Joined: 04/08/07 |
| Posted on 09/26/2008 18:26 |
|
|
Ingrid, you miss the point. They could care less that they damage the bike, they want to ride fast, exceed the speedlimit and push the envelope to the point of extreme danger.
As far as the safety gear, leather is safer than a cotton long-sleeved shirt, but nothing is going to dull the impact of hitting a concrete wall or oncomming vehicle at speeds in excess of 20 MPH, not even the best leather jacket and chaps. DOT helmets are rated to be effective in crashes at speeds less than 30 MPH. Also, once the helmet has been on a shelf or worn for about 2 years, the shock absorbing materials break down and the helmet is less effective durin a crash. Long pants will prevent road-rash at low speeds, but once the speeds get up to highway speeds, the material is just ground into the wound and has to be cleaned up to prevent infection. Summer-weight long sleeve shirts are worse. They offer no protection whatsoever in a crash, but do prevent sunburn.
Nothing any rider wears makes them safer than having the correct attitude towards their safety and the safety of those around them. Therefore, I totally agree with the mandatory motorcycle safety classes for military. But even with the ability to ride safely, without Command emphasis to the Joe's, and leaders setting the example, that ability is only going to be put to the test until it's exceeded and a crash results.
I could go on, but I'd have to write a book with chapters to get all my points accross.
Scout |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
DirtyHarry1
Member
Posts: 6
Location: Taylor, Tx.
Joined: 04/07/08 |
| Posted on 09/26/2008 19:14 |
|
|
Hey Steve, I think you made your point fine.
But let's focus on the things we CAN do to make a difference.
Wear the safety gear you feel comfortable wearing and keep the talk and attitudes positive towards safety.
Even if you feel like a hypocrite because you don't normally wear something, act like you do. You may save the life of a young or inexperienced rider.
I hope to be part of this opportunity. I will e-mail you later with my info. |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
scout06
Member
Posts: 863
Location: Killeen, Texas
Joined: 04/08/07 |
| Posted on 09/26/2008 19:32 |
|
|
You're correct Harry. That's what I plan to do, but I'm going to speak to the Commanders about this every chance I get. They actually do listen. This is a first step.
Scout |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
bonesdaddy
Member
Posts: 573
Location: lagovistatx.
Joined: 01/03/08 |
| Posted on 09/26/2008 20:01 |
|
|
i dont know the half helment saved my butt and no rash due to the leathers.but indeed sometime the leathers are unbearable in the heat.i kinda figure when my shoulder is tapped im gone no matter what im wearing.but maybe we can instill some starting saftey features for the young ones.cant hurt.ill be there,ill send info soon,lookin foward to seein yaw again.
life is so short no matter how long you live |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
steelpony5555
Member
Posts: 80
Location: CopperasCove
Joined: 06/23/08 |
| Posted on 09/26/2008 21:16 |
|
|
I agree with Steve--all the safety clothes {ie chaps jackets gloves} do is prevent road rash. They won't stop you from breaking bones and lacerations. Although, with a good case of road rash you will wish you were dead. Even helmets become a lead weight on your head at 70 mph. So it may save your gray matter if you bash your skull into the pavement but at the same time it will probably break your neck at that speed. And yes I do wear mine cause I wanna leave a good looking corpse. I would wager that most of the fatalities were wearing matching full face helmets and matching jackets and pants with the ballistic pads, cause that is what alot of the plastic rocket riders wear. They don't ride mattel motorcycles in jeans and t-shirts and no helmet. A good motorcycle riding course can make a person a better rider. There are a lot of things you have to look for and be aware of when on a bike that is not that much of a concern in a cage. To most experienced riders it is second nature. Since motorcycles have become the new "in thing" , I have seen a lot of stupid stuff people do while riding. Will a course stop them from doing wheelies and 150 mph on 190, I doubt it. But a person that is a responsible rider will learn from a cycle course, and in turn may save their life someday. There are so many little tips and things to watch for I would love to pass on to younger riders, but most won't listen to you anyway. They already know everything. But peoples got to remember riding is Dangerous. No matter what you do, it will never be safe, even if Honda does put air bags on their bikes. {sort of like you know whats on a boar}--If you want to blame anyone for some of these crashes blame the bike manufacturs. They are putting bikes on the street now that do in excess of 200 mph. And anyone knows a young person being young and dumb and full of testosteone is gonna test it out. When I 1st started riding I had a few crashes, but you can't get up that much speed on a Honda 360---I had time to learn that pain was not fun. At 150 mph these kids don't get that opportunity to experience that learning pain, it is usually death. Only their loved ones experience the pain.
David
Reconn Scout
C Troop 4 Cav 1971-1974 Germany
The longest party I ever attended!!!!
PGR since 2006
Edited by steelpony5555 on 09/26/2008 21:17 |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
scout06
Member
Posts: 863
Location: Killeen, Texas
Joined: 04/08/07 |
| Posted on 09/26/2008 21:39 |
|
|
David, so true. The younguns just think they know it all and don't consider the implications of the actions on their friends and families.
Anyway, see you on the 7th. Thanks for the offer to assist. I appreciate it.
Scout |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
purplebiker57
Member
Posts: 294
Location: Lampasas
Joined: 04/12/07 |
| Posted on 09/27/2008 06:37 |
|
|
I,'ll be there looking forward to the ride sounds like a good one besides the General knows he can place all the safety facts he wants and that will not stop the soldiers from acting like nuts on their little rockets.
Proud to honor the soliders who gave all for the Freedoms I and you enjoy. |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
Romad Wife
Member
Posts: 410
Location: Lampasas
Joined: 04/13/07 |
| Posted on 09/27/2008 08:59 |
|
|
Trying to be there........got to have good excuse. Hubby is riding for the unit and PGR. He's the head of the Air Force Motorcycle safety at Hood. Oh boy.......so tried to get off and was told NO.....football night. Humm....Want to be there and going to be there one way or another. Getting a brain melt-down on this one. Darn!  |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
Dragon-6
Member
Posts: 164
Location: D.C. Area
Joined: 04/13/07 |
| Posted on 09/27/2008 09:54 |
|
|
Wish I could be there for this great event. Have to head back to Korea, so I will be there in spirit.
Steve C....here is a thought. Since this is a mentor ship event....and the Army likes demonstrations...find one of those youngsters on a crotch rocket as a demonstrator...have him run (on his feet) in full leathers and helmet as fast as he can and do a diving belly flop on the pavement.....see if he suffers any rash....
Now have the same high speed individual strip naked and repeat the same test.....they learn from doing....not from being told.
Unfortunately I have worked several motorcycle fatalities. Only one was not the riders fault.....and he had on all of his PPE.
If you change the attitude of only one....you have made a difference.
Ride Safe. |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
scout06
Member
Posts: 863
Location: Killeen, Texas
Joined: 04/08/07 |
| Posted on 09/27/2008 10:44 |
|
|
Good idea Steve H.
Scout |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
bonesdaddy
Member
Posts: 573
Location: lagovistatx.
Joined: 01/03/08 |
| Posted on 09/27/2008 21:45 |
|
|
i agree dragon,on 1431 the majority of bike fatalities are the riders fault.there are some that are not but the majority are from flying through the curves and not paying attention to what mite be around that curve.stupid cages for sure but you gotta be ready for that.
life is so short no matter how long you live |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
LilDragon
Member
Posts: 956
Location: Copperas Cove
Joined: 04/09/07 |
| Posted on 09/28/2008 07:08 |
|
|
Dragon-6 , that's a great idea. But I doubt that any of those youngsters with a crotch rocket will want to mess up his color matched leathers by doing a swan dive on the pavement like that. It might ruin the looks of his leathers....
I could imagine it might be easier to talk someone into doing that naked (well, with underwear on). LOL
* * * * * * * * * * *
Ingrid
==================================
In the final measure, nothing speaks like deeds.
-General John A. Wickham, Jr.- |
|
|
| Author |
RE: Motorcycle Mentorship Ride - Fort Hood |
scout06
Member
Posts: 863
Location: Killeen, Texas
Joined: 04/08/07 |
| Posted on 09/30/2008 09:49 |
|
|
To answer a question, that shouldn't be a question because I explained it in the first posting, but people still ask because they have the reading comprehension level of a rock or they try to read something into everything or whatever...
Those who meet at Kay's (and are on the list, meaning if you don't RSVP and you ride in with us from Kay's, you'll be turned away) and ride enmass will only need a DOT Helmet and an ID.
If you wish to ride onto post by yourself (even if you're on the list, but don't ride with the PGR group), you can enter any gate at any time, but you must have a DoD sticker or visitor pass, driver lisence, proof of insurance, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, full fingered bloves, a DOT Helmet, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, reflective vest and profe of having passed motorcycle safety course and some sort of eye protection if your helmet doesn't have a face shield just like everyone else entering Fort Hood regardless if you are on our list or not.
Those are the rules and they apply to every motorcycle rider entering Fort Hood. They (Fort Hood Command Group) have made an exception for the PGR and the VIP's and it probably also extends to Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association who will act as rear guard for the ride.
Just because they have relaxed the rules some so more of us may participate doesn't mean we should dress like we're at a beach party. This ride is meant to mentor young riders about how to be safe on the road and we're being used as an example of how a group can travel millions of miles (individually & collectivly) to attend missions without having a single death or serious accident (that's our reputation on Fort Hood).
So dress normally and safely. Set a good example to our soldiers in how we ride. Talk to them when you get an opportunity and let them know some of the tricks we use to remain safe.
Scout |
|
|
