LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Spring is here at last. With its beautiful sunshine and refreshing breeze, motorcycle enthusiasts are ready to throw off the tarps and take off for work on their bikes.
Before any rider goes out, strapping on the appropriate gear and reviewing the rules and regulations per Air Force Instructions and state laws is a must.
To get ready for the riding season, Airmen from the 30th Intelligence Squadron participated in a Motorcycle Safety Rally March 26.
"We thought it would be fun," said Master Sgt. Galen Andrews, a 30th IS imagery analyst who organized the event. "We wanted to get the motorcycle community together."
Andrews put on a show with a total of 35 bikes making it to the showing grounds outside the 497th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group building. Approximately 150 participants took part in the safety-minded event.
Along with numerous safety briefings on changes to Air Force policy and general safety tips from experienced riders, the 30th IS commander picked a sports bike and a cruiser as his personal favorites, and gave the owners a day off.
In addition to the prize from the commander, there was a competition for best in show for sport bikes and cruisers by vote. Rally guests voted for their favorite bike in either category. In addition to bragging rights, the winners took home shining, gold trophies.
"The biggest thing I took away was safety," said Tech. Sgt. Kevin Moore, a sports bike participant with the 735th Supply Chain Operations Group. "Something so recreational can be dangerous."
Moore's 2007 Honda CBR 1000 had a modified exhaust and a portable DVD player wired into the bike frame.
Master Sgt. Casey Moninger, the 30th IS chief of Geospatial Intelligence Experimental Testing and Integration, won the best cruiser award for his rare 2006 Cory Ness custom Jackpot.
"Sergeant Andrews did a great job organizing the event," applauded Moninger.
Staff Sgt. Kio Smith, a 30th IS geospatial analyst, shared similar sentiments.
"It was eye-opening," Smith said of the availability of personal protective gear for riders.
Andrews said he has other events in mind for the season and hopes to end the motorcycle season with a group ride-out in honor of wounded warriors.
For specific information concerning each branch's respective rules concerning motorcycles, call the Langley AFB safety office at 764-5058, or the Fort Eustis office at 878-3740.