Motorcycle season kicks off at Vance

  • Published
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Motorcycle weather has finally arrived in Northwest Oklahoma, and Airmen are pulling batteries off of tenders and getting their two-wheeled toys ready for another season of freedom on the open road.

The arrival of riding weather does not just draw out Team Vance's current motorcycle owners. It also brings out the newbies, intent on getting a piece of the action, and officials from the 71st Flying Training Wing Safety Office want to keep riders new and experienced safe on the road this summer.

Wade Koehler, the Safety Office ground and weapons safety manager, has been spinning the tires on dirt bikes since he was a child and now rides a Harley Streeglide.

There are no new requirements or changes to military motorcycle safety regulations for 2015, said Koehler.

All Airmen and civilians can begin signing up for a Motor Cycle Safety Foundation courses that will be held on base throughout the summer.

The first Basic Riders Course I and BRC II of the season are scheduled for April 4 and 5. The Basic Riders Courses on base are for active-duty military only.

The BRC is for Airmen who are learning to ride. A driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement is not required, and bikes and helmets will be provided to students.

The first Advanced Riders Course of the season, which is available to active duty, DoD civilians, retirees and dependents, is scheduled for May 16. A driver's license with an "M" endorsement, proof of insurance, a helmet and motorcycle are required to attend all other courses.

A Military Sportbike Rider Course is scheduled for May 9. The MSRC is open to active duty, DoD civilians, retirees and dependents. For the ARC and MSRC, active duty military will receive priority placement.

Airmen who ride sportbikes are required to attend MSRC.

All courses are free and limited to 12 students.

To sign up for classes Airmen should stop by the Safety Office in Building 455.

AFI 90-207 has a list of required personal protective equipment that all Team Vance members riding on base must wear. All military members who ride off base must also wear the PPE outlined in the AFI.

For more information about proper PPE, motorcycle safety classes, or other concerns about riding contact your unit safety representative or call the Safety Office at 213-7793.