NAVSTA Rota 2010 Motorcycle Rally Reinforces the Basics

By Lt. Ben Tisdale, Naval Station Rota Public Affairs

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- U.S. personnel who operate motorcycles or mopeds aboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota practiced their motorcycle skills during the 2010 Motorcycle Safety Standdown Aug. 17.

The event, attended by service members, civilian personnel and dependents, reinforced riders basic riding skills to handle the road safely. The rally included a variety of events, such as emergency stops, weaving, the box-turn, and multiple curves.

"The purpose of the rally is to get back to the basics," said Rob Brown, NAVSTA traffic safety manager. "Improving one's rider skills never ends because safety is an active process, not an end-state."

A former naval flight officer for the S-3 Viking aircraft, Brown emphasized even pilots need to keep practicing their skills, no matter how much experience they have in the cockpit.

"In the aviation world, you never stop practicing the basics," he said. "Skills like how to handle the box-turn can help hone the maneuvering skills necessary to stay safe and have a fun ride."

Tech Sgt. Ron Denson, the 725th Air Mobility Squadron training manager and a motorcycle safety instructor who is currently re-certifying, said events like the rally help refresh skills riders may not practice often, like emergency braking.

"Proper braking helps save lives, said Denson. "It's one of the most important skills, and in a controlled environment such as this, we can provide the training scenarios to help build confidence in our riders."

The experience of the riders varied from those who've only ridden for a few months, to those with years of experience, such as Utilitiesman (SCW) Clinton Waldorf.

Waldorf, an avid track rider of nearly nine years, advocated the importance of safety refreshers.

"It's a good refresher, and provides good scenarios," said Waldorf. "I believe the box turn is a good exercise because it teaches throttle and clutch control in a confined space, a skill that most people don't practice a lot."

During fiscal year 2009, 28 Sailors and Marines perished in motorcycle incidents service-wide. So far this calendar year, Brown said, 17 shipmates have died in the Navy due to motorcycle mishaps.

"Most crashes involve inexperienced riders who are not properly licensed and have not taken any form of motorcycle safety," said Brown. "Just remember - learning and executing proper motorcycle safety doesn't end when you finish your basic rider course - it is a mentality that must be constantly refreshed and applied."