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Runway ride kicks off motorcycle season at Cannon

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ericka Engblom
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Motorcycle enthusiasts gathered behind the Landing Zone at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., to take part in the second annual Runway Ride, May 6.

The ride allowed motorcyclists to apply what they learned during the 27th Special Operations Wing Safety Office pre-motorcycle season safety brief. It consisted of a drive around the base and down the runway, ending in a group photo on the flightline. The event was sponsored by the 27 SOW Safety Office motorcycle safety foundation.

The foundation is dedicated to helping riders learn skills that allow them to operate a motorcycle without putting themselves into unnecessary danger. Courses offered each month range from beginner to advanced riding skills; these courses are required annually to operate a motorcycle on base.

The Safety Office also offers self-help workshops designed to improve skills as well as a motorcycle simulator for people who think they would like to become motorcyclists. The $250,000 machine allows the rider to experience what it would be like to ride an actual motorcycle without being on the road.

"The Air Force as a whole has seen far too many motorcycle mishaps in recent years and training is part of the solution," said Tech. Sgt. Adrian Secrist, 27 SOW motorcycle safety program coordinator. "Leadership involvement and mentoring are two keys to decreasing mishaps. While riding down the runway may seem like horseplay to some, it allows us a fun and safe way to get out there with our fellow riders. Since the airfield is a controlled environment, we can focus on having a safe ride without worrying about other traffic."

Anyone interested in using the simulator or signing up for the programs mentioned should contact the Safety Office at 575-784-2575.