LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Motorcycles roaring down the flightline, motorcycle state troopers and mounted officers, Supermoto demo shows, free giveaways and burgers burning.
For motorcycle enthusiasts, this may sound like paradise.
The 1st Fighter Wing Safety Office and the Langley Motorcycle Riders Association and club will host the second annual Langley Motorcycle Show, May 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the static display hangar building 371.
In 2006, 17 Airmen were killed in motorcycle related incidents. To date, eight Airmen have died due to motorcycle neglect and rider error, according to the 1st FW Safety Office.
"We want to raise personal awareness for Langley's motorcycle drivers," said Master Sgt. Terry Pearce, 1st Fighter Wing ground safety supervisor. "The event will be a good opportunity to inform drivers while they enjoy themselves."
The event will begin with registration for several competitions including Best-in-Show Cruiser, Best-in-Show Custom and Best-in-Show Sportbike at 9 a.m. The burgers will hit the grill at 10:30 a.m., while local and national motorcycle vendors will fill the flightline with giveaways including helmets, jackets, tires, protective gear, autographed shirts, hats and more.
Tech. Sgt. James Coleman, 27th Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-22 assistant specialist section chief and his motorcycle club, Nexx Dimenzion, plan to capture the Best-in-Sport bike while meeting with new riders.
"It's exciting to meet new riders or potential riders who share the same hobbies," Sergeant Coleman said. "Getting the chance to mentor novice riders is what I'm looking forward to most."
At 11:30 a.m., Dan Green's Supermoto Demo will make its first of two appearances, and at noon, the 1st FW commander will brief attendees on motorcycle safety along with Virginia Motorcycle State Troopers and Hampton Motorcycle Mounted Officers.
"The state police are bringing a huge amount of information for riders," said Sergeant Pearce. "They will inform riders about Virginia State laws specifically for motorcycles."
Bike judging will occur at 1 p.m. and winners will be announced at 2:30 p.m. Meanwhile, attendees can watch motorcycle demos and eat food while learning about motorcycle safety.
According to Sergeant Pearce, the majority of motorcycle accidents occur with Airmen under the age of 26 and who are E-4s and below.
"Anytime you get on a motorcycle that has no seatbelt, and no doors, you take a chance," said Sergeant Coleman. "But the enjoyment and feeling from riding erases the fear - it's well worth it."
The day will end with an unofficial bike ride at 3 p.m., which will go around Langley and give riders the chance to drive down the flightline.
The event is free and open to all Langley personnel including military, retired, family members and civilians. For more information, call Tech. Sgt. Daniel Gregory at 764-5059.