KMC hosts motorcycle safety day

Story and photo by Senior Airman Caitlin Guinazu
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Airman 1st Class Vanessa Escobar, 721st Aerial Port Squadron processing specialist, rides her motorcycle during the motorcycle  safety day event June 1 on Kapaun. Throughout the day, certified German instructors guided individuals through various workshops, which included positioning, observation, braking, as well as lapping sessions on the practice course.
Airman 1st Class Vanessa Escobar, 721st Aerial Port Squadron processing specialist, rides her motorcycle during the motorcycle
safety day event June 1 on Kapaun. Throughout the day, certified German instructors guided individuals through various workshops, which included positioning, observation, braking, as well as lapping sessions on the practice course.
The 86th Airlift Wing safety office, in conjunction with the USO and local organizations, hosted its annual motorcycle safety day June 1 on Kapaun.

The event exhibited safety equipment demonstrations and techniques, and showcased road obstacle maneuverability and braking responses.

Throughout the day, certified German instructors guided individuals through various workshops, which included positioning, observation, braking, as well as lapping sessions on the practice course. It also provided new riders the opportunity to go on an instructor-based motorcycle ride off-base.

“This is something the USO has done in cooperation with the 86th Airlift Wing safety office in order to bring attention to motorcycle safety,” said Konrad Braun, USO area director. “This event is important, because we’re trying to stress motorcycle safety with a German touch. If you’re going to be riding motorcycles in Germany, it would definitely benefit you to receive some very good instruction by certified German instructors.”

The all-day event was not just about information and learning. It also gave riders a chance to enjoy the different aspects of motorcycle riding.

“As a new rider, this event was very beneficial,” said Airman 1st Class Vanessa Escobar, 721st Aerial Port Squadron processing specialist. “The instructors gave me some positive advice; they called me to the side and gave me one-on-one feedback on how to ride better. I wish they would have this course at least once a month. It was a ton of fun, and I learned a lot.”

Invitations to this event went to not only bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts, but also to those just looking for something fun to do.

“It’s an opportunity for people to come out and have fun,” Braun said. “With decent weather, plenty of refreshments and raffle prizes handed out every hour, this was great. No matter if you were here to learn about motorcycles or just came to check out the activities, everybody had fun and learned a ton.”

For more information on the Ramstein Green Knights Chapter, visit www.greenknightsmmc.org or find them on Facebook.