Motorcycle safety in preparation for Critical Days of Summer

  • Published
  • By Steve Johnson
  • U.S. Special Operations Command

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Military members (active duty and reserve), government civilians and dependents participated in the inaugural Military Motorcycle Track Day at Jennings GP in Jennings, Florida, May 11, 2018. This first-time event built upon skills taught in various Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses at more realistic speeds in a controlled closed-course environment. 

Attendees from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., and Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., made up the majority of the participants.


Most people may think riding or driving on a track is only for racers, but nothing could be further from the truth. A closed-course track provides riders with the perfect venue to improve their skills and gain familiarity with their motorcycle’s capabilities without facing the threat of dangerous obstacles such as distracted drivers, 5,000 pound cars and poor road conditions encountered in day to day driving.

 

The theme of the day focused on safety. Riders were instructed on specific guidelines, similar to most track day events not dedicated to preparing for a race. Honing in on safety helped to alleviate apprehension held by those possessing little, or no experience on a closed-course race track. 

 

The day began with a technical inspection of motorcycles and safety gear, followed by a mandatory riders meeting to reinforce the safety guidelines. 

 

Next, participants participated in familiarization laps led by coaches around the Jennings GP circuit. This led directly into a dedicated classroom session for all first-time track riders. 

Throughout the morning track sessions, coaches and control riders supported the new riders by providing a “follow the leader” method to strengthen their understanding of proper track lines and breaking points with individual critiques. 

Upon breaking for lunch, riders received time to relax and refuel before beginning two additional training sessions.

These training sessions focused on body position and a corner-by-corner break down of the Jennings GP circuit. Riders were then asked to create individual goals to work on for their afternoon track sessions.

With the advice of coaches and support from control riders, first-time track riders quickly adapted to the track environment and began to apply proper riding techniques. The enthusiasm was apparent as riders rode until 5:00 PM, using every bit of the seven hours of track time.

By the end of the day, evidence of the improvements and progress made by each rider could be seen. Many commented that the event allowed them to develop a higher level of confidence in their skills, realize the capability their motorcycles and build trust in their ability to handle the unexpected. As a result, the event concluded without incident.

To continue providing active duty military, reservists, government civilians and dependents opportunities to apply skills from various MSF courses, Future Military Track Days are being scheduled for this fall.

A special thanks goes out to the coaches, as each volunteered their time to the event. Without them, it would not have been as successful.

 

For more information on how to participate please send an email to militarytrackdays@gmail.com.