FORT EUSITS, Va. –
Joint Base Langley-Eustis motorcycle riders gathered at Fort Eustis, to participate in their Experienced Riders Course, or BRC-2, Sept. 17.
The BRC-2 class is one of two advanced-riding classes offered by the 633rd Air Base Wing Safety office that allow active-duty military members to meet Air Force and Army requirements.
"The advanced course is an Air Force and Army requirement where riders must complete a course for the type of motorcycle they ride," said Dawn Joyner, 633rd ABW Safety office safety technician. "We offer this class for cruiser and sport bikes."
According to Air Force and Army instructions, riders have 12 months from the time they complete their beginner rider's class to complete the experienced rider's class that matches their type of motorcycle.
"In the Experienced Riders Course, you ride your own motorcycle, allowing the instructors to see how you handle it," Joyner said. "It also allows them to give you any tips they have and point out any bad habits you may have picked up."
The BRC-2 class is taught by volunteer active-duty military from within JBLE who have taken special classes allowing them to teach the class.
"Without these instructors, we would not have a course," Joyner said. "We would have to refer them off post or to other military installations, so we are very grateful for them."
According to Gary Tripp, 597th Transportation Brigade safety officer, motorcycle accidents are one of the leading causes of Soldier deaths. Improper use of personal protective equipment and not paying attention to surroundings account for many of those accidents.
U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Michael Davis, a BRC-2 instructor, agrees with Tripp, and can attest first hand that proper wear of PPE can save your life after he recently was in an accident that totaled his motorcycle.
"Three weeks ago I was in a group of riders and I was run off the road by a recreational vehicle," Davis said. "I remember sliding along the dirt and my full-face helmet saved my face from getting all scratched up. My over-the-ankle boots and jacket saved the rest of my body allowing me to walk away from the accident with just some cuts and a torn muscle."
In an effort to keep the motorcycle riders of JBLE safe, the 633rd ABW Safety office offers these classes twice a month, with two classes being offered in both October and November.
Riders interested in taking the class should contact the 633rd ABW Safety Fort Eustis office at 501-8261.