Pease Air National Guard Base.N.H. -- A diverse mix of active duty, guard and reserve members from three different military branches and a civilian from the Department of Defense learn how to ride motorcycles during a free safety clinic taught by the Information Science Consulting Incorporation, here, April 3 and 4.
The course is offered to any Department of Defense employee, active duty, guard or reserve member who wants to learn how to ride a motorcycle.
The training is two days long from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A variety of different riding classes are offered from April through November.
The first beginner clinic of 2017 was held April 3 at Pease ANGB despite the snow banks and wet road conditions.
The course begins in a classroom setting and continues into hands-on training with motorcycles provided by ISCI.
“I definitely need more practice,” said Yeoman 3rd class Darrin Sayre, a member on the USS Hampton (SSN 767). “I need to get out and ride more for the sake of practice.”
The key focuses of the beginner class are on safety, clutch and throttle control and stopping.
“You need to learn the basics before you think about speed,” said Dave Anderson, an instructor from ISCI motorcycle training.
Anderson said the most important part of the class was learning about safety.
“Riding a motorcycle is all feeling,” said Anderson. “If you look at the ground, you’re going to the ground, if you look at the snow bank you’ll go into the snowbank but if you look around the corner that’s where you’ll go. Keep your eyes up, look at the horizon and remember safety, safety, safety.”
He added how important it is for the students to form good riding habits from the beginning and always have safety as a number one priority.
“If you don’t learn the basics then you’re going to have major problems learning anything more advanced,” said Anderson. “I have seen so many riders improve and I truly believe this course is saving lives.”