Bonds strengthened behind handlebars

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nicole Sikorski
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Tightening their helmets and straddling their seats, ten motorcyclists from Ramstein Air Base rev their engines before the ride begins, Aug. 15, here.

Airmen assigned to the 435th Contingency Response Group came together for a mentorship ride in the local area to show new riders what it's like behind the handlebars on German roads. 

"It's important to have that mentorship available to show the (younger guys) how to ride both properly and safely." said Tech. Sgt. Marc Warman, 435th Contingency Response Support Squadron NCO in charge of current operations.

The annual ride started out as a squadron event and eventually branched out to the wing, giving inexperienced riders the opportunity to ride alongside someone who is familiar with European roads.

Safety is paramount when operating any motor vehicle, but one with two wheels can pose concerns that newcomers may not be familiar with upon arrival to Europe. 

There are a few important things newcomers should be aware of in Germany as opposed to the U.S., said Warman.

"The signs and speed limits are different here," he said. "The autobahn is pretty safe with the fast lane being to the left and the slower lane to the right, but the speed limits are a lot higher. On a motorcycle you don't take up a lot of room on the road so it is very easy to get into someone's blind spot."

Also reinforced in the group is the adherence to the Air Force motorcycle regulations and ensuring newcomers are equipped with the proper personal protective equipment before the ride.

"If you fall over, you need gear to keep you from getting road rash as well as other accidents that could occur," Warman explained.

Not only does the mentorship program keep drivers safe on the roads of Europe, but also builds morale and camaraderie within the group. 

"I joined the (group) in an attempt to break out of my "to work and back" riding routine," said Staff Sgt. Randall Summers, 1st Air and Space Communications Operations Squadron intelligence systems operations supervisor. "This has not only done just that but has introduced me to a completely different side to riding that I'd never known about before-- that being the (brotherhood) mindset...This felt very much like the military camaraderie that I've grown to know over my years of service."

The mentor ride program will continue to keep Airmen safe by encouraging safe practices, while still filling their appetite for adventure with the open road.