Photo By Lance Cpl. Suzanna Lapi | Tech Sgt. Trent LaChance waits his turn to practice riding techniques on the track...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY - Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Advanced motorcycle riders spent two days learning new techniques while twisting and turning on a track created just for Advanced Rider Track Day, a motorcycle training event held on the Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay airfield, Jan. 30 and 31.
The riders gathered around in protective gear, some clad in leather, others wearing riding boots. All were excited and ready to get out and ride. After a few days of consistent rain, the riders and coaches were treated to plentiful sunshine and dry pavement to practice their riding skills and learn new ones.
The event, which was created in 2009, started with a safety brief to inform the riders of the track layout, rules and how the day would progress.
Mario Di Prete, a safety specialist and Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider, coach and trainer, said the event is a Marine Corps initiative and spurred by the concern of Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos.
“Gen. Amos asked Keith Code, the California Superbike School creator, ‘What is something we can work on that is most beneficial for these riders in a short amount of time?’” Di Prete said. “We didn’t have a lot of time with the number of riders getting hurt.”
Di Prete said the biggest issue is cornering, with 40 percent of motorcycle fatalities occurring while the rider is executing a turn. Some riders tend to panic in corners, then hit the brakes and get into trouble.
Cpl. Brandon Baria, an instructor with the School of Infantry West, and a native of Charleston, W.Va., said cornering is important to him, especially being a new rider.
“I have been riding for ten months and participated in this event in August,” Baria said. “They pull you aside, talk to you and tell you what you need to improve on. For me being a beginner, I soaked it all in.” Baria said he improved by trusting his bike, leaning and throttle control. He plans to return to future events to further his riding skills.
Di Prete’s counterparts from neighboring bases like Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam found value in this event and decided to support and participate.
“Because of their interest, we have been able to turn the event into a joint service operation,” Di Prete said.
Track day is either a one or two day event, depending upon the number of participants. Di Prete usually sees 30 riders in the morning and afternoon, with some coming back as alternates. The riders tear up the track in groups of ten. The event is held throughout the year, dependent on track availability.
Di Prete said under Keith Code’s recommendation, riders should focus on entry speed, throttle versus lean, and throttle control.
The coaches concentrate on these three concepts during class time and on the track. In order to participate in the event, riders must have completed the Basic Riders Course and Experienced Riders Course if they ride a cruiser, or the Military Sport Bike Course if they ride a sport bike. The Advanced Rider Track Day counts as refresher training and participants receive a card as proof that they completed the course.
Any interested riders can visit the Base Safety Center at building 279, or visit its website for more information and to sign up for training. Riders cannot borrow a motorcycle and must also verify documents such as insurance and motorcycle driver’s license to participate.
Di Prete said riders walk away more confident because of the real-life application the training offers. Motorcycle enthusiasts can transfer what they have learned on base to the windy roads of Hawaii.
| Date Taken: | 01.30.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 02.01.2013 15:06 |
| Story ID: | 101359 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 358 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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