2011 Kickoff: Safety Requirements for Motorcycle Season Published March 18, 2011 By Kelly Nathe 341st Missile Wing Safety Office MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Spring is in the air for the 2011 riding season, let's make sure we do it right. We are coming off of one of the best/worst winters in Montana in the last decade! Usually we get several reprieves during the winter with a few good Chinook winds that clear things up for riding, but that did not happen this year. Throughout Air Force Global Strike Command snowstorms and longer-than-normal cold spells, combined with heavy sprinklings of p-gravel, have left streets a hazard-and-a-half for bike riders. Winter is not done yet, it's Montana! Don't like the weather? Stick around, it will change. There are a lot of hidden hazards like snow and ice in shaded areas, pot holes that can swallow a tire, as well as ice and heavy frost on bridges. Let's not forget all the sand, gravel and winter-road grime left all over the place. Use the front brake as little as possible and ease on the rear brake to keep the bike upright and in control. Now that your bike's winter hibernation is over, it's time to give it a good, hard look and prepare for the season to come. Tires - check. Lights - check, check, check. Horn - check. Nice! If you are not 100 percent mechanically inclined, take your bike back to the dealership! Most will do a courtesy safety check free-of-charge to point out areas that need a more detailed look. It is also the time to reacquaint yourself with your motorcycle. Even experienced riders must relearn their bikes when they first pull it out of garage for that spring ride. Remember, the following items are required to be worn every time you ride your motorcycle, on- or off-base, and on- or off-duty for all active-duty members: A DOT or SNELL approved helmet Proper eye protection (your windshield does not count) Full finger gloves Over the ankle boots or shoes; and long pants and long sleeved shirts. Also, wear brightly-colored outer, upper garments during the day and a reflective upper garment during the night! You are not trying to blend in with the background. Your garment should be visible to other motorists. Make sure you review the 28 October 2010, 341 MW/CC policy letter regarding proper motorcycle attire while riding on Malmstrom AFB! Safety is important. As of March 14, the U.S. Air Force lost two members to motorcycle mishaps, and one Airman is hospitalized in critical condition. Remember, no matter what you wear, you are the soft tissue in any accident or mishap! Ride safely! Basic Motorcycle Rider Safety Training Course Dates for the 2011 season are as follows: 9 and 10 April ------------ 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 16 and 17 April ----------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 18 and 19 April ----------- 6 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-by Slots (Thurs and Friday) 30 April and 1 May ------ 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 7 and 8 May -------------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Mother's Day Weekend) 14 and 15 May ---------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 21 and 22 May ---------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 4 and 5 June ------------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 11 and 12 June ---------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 13 and 14 June ---------- 6 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-by Slots (Thurs and Friday) 18 and 19 June ---------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Father's Day Weekend) 25 and 26 June ---------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 9 and 10 July ------------ 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 11 and 12 July ---------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 16 and 17 July ---------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 21 and 22 July ---------- 6 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-by Slots (Thurs and Friday) 23 and 24 July ---------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 30 and 31 July ---------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 6 and 7 Aug ------------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 13 and 14 Aug ---------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 15 and 16 Aug ---------- 6 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-by Slots (Mon & Tue) 20 and 21 Aug ---------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 27 and 28 Aug ---------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 10 and 11 Sept ---------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 17 and 18 Sept ---------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) 24 and 25 Sept ---------- 12 Hard Slots and 2 Stand-By Slots (Weekend) October ---------------- Depends on the weather...... (Tentative) Experienced Rider Course: To be announced Advanced/SportBike Course: To be announced NOTE: All classes will be held at building 500, Rm. 153P (Safety Office classroom.) For sign up information, see your Unit Motorcycle or Safety Representative. There will be several follow-up e-mails and articles regarding the annual "Road Warrior Motorcycle Kick-off day" and Wing-sponsored rides. Remember, as with anything in the Air Force, it is a team effort to keep everyone safe to enjoy another day -- conducting the mission and enjoying the ride. For more information or questions, please call the 341st MW Safety Office at 731-9726.