Liberty Wing, local motorcyclists hone advanced safe riding techniques
RAF LAKENHEATH, England -- Uniformed and civilian Airmen along with contractors assigned to the three U.S.-operated Royal Air Force bases in East Anglia participated in a motorcycle safety event Aug. 14.
Local community riders were also invited to the closed circuit track where all participants explored more advanced riding techniques in a controlled environment. Participants received noise tests, instruction and time on the track all while connecting and learning from other riders.
Retired Master Sgt. Troy Umstead, a previous motorcycle safety foundations course instructor, organized the training for military members and local riders as a unique opportunity to practice advanced skills like throttle, clutch, and brake control at their own pace in a safe environment.
“This is a continuation of the MSF course all U.S. Air Force motorcycle riders take,” said Umstead. “Having this track day was a way for us to take the course and turn it into something that’s more appealing to the audience while still being able to showcase safety skills.”
Before riders had free reign of the track a pacer takes every rider out for two citing laps, during which you can see proper technique and path of travel while making sharper turns.
The training day means so much to me because we can be in a safe, controlled environment where they can improve our riding skills. Members generally learn more during one or two track sessions than they do while riding normal roads for years without risk of gravel and other hazards.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Malcolm Mills, 100th Security Forces Squadron flight sergeant
Not all lessons were learned from the instructors during the event. Uniformed Airmen received tips and tricks on how to best maneuver local roads from contractors and local area riders who participated.
“Go out and find an open piece of concrete, open parking lot, anything, and practice low-speed maneuvers, practice your clutch, throttle, and brake control,” said Umstead. “The more practice you have, the safer you will be.”