rupperadio.com ~

The United States Army (as well as the other branches of military) has increased it’s motorcycle safety standards to the point of creating the ‘Motorcycle Mentorship Program.’  …

Its basically a program where all the riders in a unit get together for a decent length’s ride in-order-to spend the day observing/learning from each other different riding techniques.  This ride gives the senior ranking rider as well as the rider with the most experience (because they are not necessarily the same) a better assessment of each riders’ capabilities, which can reported back to the Commanding Officer (if he/she isn’t a rider himself) in-order-to identify any potential high risk riders…

Prior to this program, a Soldier still hand to attend (and still does today) a Basic Riders Course in-order-to ‘legally’ ride on, or even off, post.  When I say legally, I mean that if a Soldier wrecks on a motorcycle and has never attended the course, he could be held responsible for the medical care cost. 

Beides the Basic Riders’ Course, a Soldier must also wear the proper protection gear required by Army Regulation 385-10 which includes the following:

• DOT apporved helment
• Full-fingered gloves
• Long pants
• Long sleeve shirt
• Over-the-ankle boots
• During the daytime, a light/flourescent colored shirt or reflective vest/jacket
• At night, reflective vest or jacket

Here’s a video of my first bike, a 2009 Green Kawasaki Versys.  I kind of leaning more towards a regular sport bike now, but I guess I’ll wait a bit before I make the switch…   Not the best of vids but anywayzzzz:

Ride Safe!