Story by Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Oliver (Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Right now, there's great riding weather to take your motorcycle out to view the autumn colors painted on the trees . Before you head out, make sure you gear up for your fall riding.
[caption id="attachment_10398" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Kentucky Guardsman Spc. Joshua Kemp rides his Can-Am Spyder to work on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 6. (photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)"]
Remember that riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous. In order to avoid an accident, riders should always be aware of their surroundings. Allow extra distance between you and other vehicles.
"Obviously, wear protective equipment at all times and stay within posted speed limits," says 2nd Lt. Joshua Witt, Kentucky National Guard Safety and Occupational Health manager. "Take the responsibility for safety on yourself and assume no one sees you out there."
Kentucky Guardsmen frequently ride their bikes to their place of work for gas savings or a lot of times Soldiers just ride for the fun of it.
"I enjoy riding because it's like any other hobby, it's a great way to take the stress out," says Spc. Joshua Kemp, Human Resource specialist.
"I came back from my second deployment and wanted to do something more adventurous so I went through the two day rider safety course on Boone National Guard Center and afterwards bought myself a bike," says Maj. Bill Draper, Kentucky National Guard chaplain.
[caption id="attachment_10399" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Kentucky National Guardsman Chaplain Bill C. Draper shows off his Harley Davidson while at work on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 6 (photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Oliver, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office)"]
"While we cannot change carelessness and overconfidence, we can define standards of right and wrong. I’m counting on each one of you to take a renewed proactive stance toward safety this year. Let’s lean forward and keep safety in the center of everything we do," says Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, State Adjutant General.
For more information about the Boone National Guard Center Basic Rider Course, please contact 2nd Lt. Joshua Witt at 502-607-1281 or email at joshua.lee.witt@us.army.mil