Its getting warm out...yes even up here in Alaska. WATCH OUT FOR MOTORCYCLES

SPC Jesse Bruno — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 16:53:58 -0400

Yes that's a two way street. those of us on bikes need to be aware of our surroundings.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 5:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 17:01:48 -0400

Retrain, take it slow, check your bike, Tcloc and maintenance. Safe riding!

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Apr 10 at 2015 5:02 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 17:02:24 -0400

Best way to tell if someone is going to pull out in front of you....don't watch the driver, they are PROBABLY looking THRU you....watch their tires....if tires are moving, they are moving, prepare for impact or evasive maneuvers.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Apr 10 at 2015 5:19 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 17:19:03 -0400

If it has been more than 3 years since your last MSF class, invest the time, take it again.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 10 at 2015 5:20 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 17:20:56 -0400

Great safety thread for the community. I would LOVE to ride in Alaska around now. Send the pictures!

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 10 at 2015 5:51 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 17:51:27 -0400

LOL... oh you live in one of them part time motorcycling states (I spent 5 years in Alaska...so i "get it")

One of the reasons we stayed in Texas was the year round riding opportunity

IOW..... it's always time here to "Watch Out For Motorcycles" which is universally not done all year long.

So like you say... It's our job as successful riders to watch out for everybody else.

An accident may not be your fault.....but on a bike it will always be your problem.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 6:05 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 18:05:01 -0400

Amen, brother Bruno. Keep the rubber side down people.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 9:08 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 21:08:10 -0400

Agreed on all counts. I've risen my bike all over the country and only been hit here at Fort Campbell, twice in 6 months. Ride safe brothers.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Apr 11 at 2015 2:12 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 02:12:25 -0400

I live in AZ so pretty much year round riding weather. Just this morning on my way home from work I was going through an intersection where I had the right of way and some dumb-ass cager started pulling out almost hitting me. A blast of my horn and a one finger salute set the asshole straight!

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Apr 11 at 2015 7:36 PM

PO2 Jonathan Scharff — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 19:36:43 -0400

Just got the bikes out today and gave them a wash...ready to ride tomorrow! Be safe everyone!

Response by 1SG David Niles made Apr 11 at 2015 10:33 PM

1SG David Niles — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 22:33:22 -0400

Watch for them watching for you

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Apr 11 at 2015 11:53 PM

PO3 John Jeter — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 23:53:10 -0400

East Texas
Took a ride today. Sun was out, not much wind. Barely 80 degrees. Sitting on 750 pounds of Harley that can go screaming around curves and bellow a roar that challenges the heavens. I'm on the back roads doing 35 mph and having a great time. I'm seeing all the wildflowers blossoming on both sides of the road. Seeing the mockingbirds doing mock battles with each other. I get to see the kids playing in the yards. Parents working on their homes and yards, wave as you cruise past. Running down roads I've never been on before, no particular destination. Stopped at a public boat ramp and watched the boats for a bit. Checked out one of those tiny backwoods cemeteries and left pennies on the headstones of fellow veterans, including a Confederate Cavalryman. I can't help but wonder what he would think of our nation today. Life is different at 35 mph. You get to see the homes, the people, the countryside. You actually have to recognize what you're travelling through, who you're going past. It forces you to connect with your passage and become part of it rather than gathering fleeting impressions...... It reminds you of where we live and what we have, and just how precious it all is. Somehow it filled a hole I didn't know was there........

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2015 2:48 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 14:48:53 -0400

Agreed!
No matter how good you think you are or experienced you are, you are unmatched against the unexpected. I've been hit twice from the rear, first time I was able to keep the bike up, second time not so lucky. Be safe!

Response by 1SG William West made Apr 12 at 2015 9:35 PM

1SG William West — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 21:35:59 -0400

Got caught in a rain/snow squall in Anchorage Friday-ride prepared for the weather and don't be in a hurry! Keep your head on a swivel and rubber on the road!

Response by CPT Arch Nissel made Apr 13 at 2015 8:26 PM

CPT Arch Nissel — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 20:26:28 -0400

Yes, and among the sheeple it is better to avoid than trust. My wife and I put 48 miles on the motorcycles yesterday.

Response by Sgt Daniel Curry made Apr 15 at 2015 4:41 PM

Sgt Daniel Curry — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 16:41:55 -0400

I agree. More riding with the American legion riders

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Apr 16 at 2015 1:44 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 13:44:20 -0400

keep the shiny side up Brother!

Response by SFC Derek Ashman made Apr 28 at 2015 6:30 PM

SFC Derek Ashman — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 18:30:35 -0400

Stay safe and warm

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 12:04 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 May 2015 12:04:21 -0400

AMEN! I was that statistic in 2012...Not a fun position to be in but its also proof that the DoD/USAF minimum safety gear WORKS!!

Not all situations can be avoided but with the proper gear you mitigate a lot of risk!

Stay safe brothers! Stay aware!