Is there a mentor organization to help teach motorcycle riding skills for those with PTSD?

PFC James (LURCH) Janota — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 19:37:54 -0500

I’m trying to get over some fears and mental roadblocks in my life and was trying to find a way to disconnect mentally and was told about motorcycle therapy. So, I’m was wondering if there was any elders in the world of motorcycle riding that I can connect with locally.

Response by Dod Civilian made Dec 3 at 2019 8:15 PM

Dod Civilian — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 20:15:24 -0500

I would recommend reaching Out to Home Base. They are a veterans outreach organization. See if they have any information for you. Great resource.

Response by SrA Carl Pidge made Dec 3 at 2019 9:00 PM

SrA Carl Pidge — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 21:00:49 -0500

Check out Christian Motorcyclists Association cmausa.org

Response by TSgt David L. made Dec 3 at 2019 9:07 PM

TSgt David L. — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 21:07:29 -0500

Riding has made stress and PTSD easier for me, but I had been riding for years before the military. You could start with an MSF basic rider course, even if you have been riding. They refresh some things that you may have either forgotten or never knew.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 3 at 2019 9:08 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 21:08:29 -0500

I use to ride in 70 ton tanks. I barely trust myself driving a truck now.

Response by SrA Carl Pidge made Dec 3 at 2019 9:18 PM

SrA Carl Pidge — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 21:18:32 -0500

As well depending on where you live, there are folks doing amazing therapy with horses. Out-stinkin-standing animals. Here's a pic of me on my four-wheeler Boaz.

Response by Dod Civilian made Dec 3 at 2019 9:55 PM

Dod Civilian — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 21:55:37 -0500

http://homebase.org/

Home Base Program | Veteran & Family Care

Home Base is dedicated to healing the Invisible Wounds of War for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families through clinical care, wellness-based programs, community outreach, education and research.

Response by SrA Sheila Holmes made Dec 4 at 2019 2:04 PM

SrA Sheila Holmes — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 14:04:53 -0500

The Legion has a Legion Riders group that, if it were as it should be, would be a great mentorship. Unfortunately, my experience with them has been less than welcoming.

Response by CPT David Bernheim made Dec 5 at 2019 10:02 AM

CPT David Bernheim — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:02:39 -0500

Most of the installations have an MSF program on-base, or a contract with a local vendor. if you seek simply the Basic Rider Course, I believe that course is free for active duty (or greatly reduced cost.) Check with your MSO (Motorcycle Safety Officer) for dates/times/locations.
Once you have that behind you, work in individual skills. Ride with an experience rider. Best would be if you both had Bluetooth helmets so you could get instant feedback.
Once you have some basics down, visit this link and sign up for rides. I believe this is the group you seek. https://www.motorelief.org/
FYI - I teach for both H-DRA (Thunder Mountain HD in Loveland, CO; and a local MSF school - MTA here in Colorado Springs. Most of our instructors at both organizations are veterans. Though not specifically trained in the PTSD area, comments I have received from mil/vet students indicate the experience was positive and so immersive they only had room to focus on the class and that was amazing for them.
Best of luck on your journey.

Response by CPL Gail White made Dec 5 at 2019 12:58 PM

CPL Gail White — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:58:54 -0500

Where do you live? Most motorcycle stores have riding groups and my group has at least 4 vets. I have PTSD and it is very calming to go out and ride with just me and the wind.

Response by CPL Gail White made Dec 5 at 2019 3:40 PM

CPL Gail White — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 15:40:20 -0500

I have ridden motorcycles since I was in grade school. Road trails for 30 years and loved every minute. Back broke unrelated to motorcycle so now I ride a trike. Do not teach riding, nor do I profess to, but our Sheriff’s office and one motorcycle shop in town for sure teach so you can get your license.

Response by SFC Bryan Livasy made Dec 23 at 2019 6:39 PM

SFC Bryan Livasy — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 18:39:17 -0500

Wind therapy over psychotherapy everyday and twice on Sundays, never see a Motorcycle in front of a shrinks office, unless he/she owns it lol

Haole

Response by PO1 Sherry Shelton made Dec 30 at 2019 11:07 PM

PO1 Sherry Shelton — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 23:07:10 -0500

You might try some of the dealers in your area, I know that some of them offer the courses for free to vets and also if you're close to a base see if they have a course available.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Dec 31 at 2019 5:33 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 17:33:58 -0500

I don't know what area you are in so I can't offer advice on local resources available to you. I CAN tell you riding a motorcycle has done more to improve my mental stability than all the counseling and medications ever did. Riding has given me a sense of peace and enjoyment I haven't felt in a LONG time. Being out on an open road with nothing but the warm of the sun and the sound of the wind and thunder of the exhaust is the best therapy I've found. I'd suggest starting with a local Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. They are well worth the money and time spent. As an added bonus, you just might meet some folks who end up being riding companions long term. Check with your local dealership. Many of them host MSF courses or have literature available listing course locations and contact information.

Beyond that, I'd suggest looking into the local VFW. Many posts have a VFW Riders organization. You might find a group there that can offer both riding and life skills advice.

Response by SGT Richard Gocio made Dec 31 at 2019 5:34 PM

SGT Richard Gocio — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 17:34:03 -0500

Quick Answeer, Yes! There are several mentoring programs that can help you with Motorcycle skills, and comraderie. Many can be found through the internet, and like the other posts indicate, several formal vet groups have ridding programs.
Hardeer answer, which one is available in your area and right for you?
Suggestion, go to your regional VA Hospital. Sit on a bench outside and watch the Motorcyclists as they come in or leave. If you want real information about ridding in your area, talk to real vets who ride in your area. Yeaah, they'll look at you like your crazy at first, but as soon as they see you're serious about ridding, they will welcome you with open arms and get youin touch with the right people or organizations on your area.
Me personally, I have riddin for decades, but now have no balance, so I'm waiting until I can afford a particular Harley trike and all the gas, insurance, and maintenace taht come with it. Ride On!