Team Hurlburt motorcyclists rally for safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Kim
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Hundreds of Team Hurlburt motorcycle riders and enthusiasts gathered for a motorcycle safety rally on the flight line at Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 10.

The event, which promoted motorcycle safety and awareness, included an elaborate array of bikes displayed for fellow riders from all aspects of life.

"The purpose of this rally is to promote safety for all the wing riders," said Master Sgt. Charles Mann, first sergeant of 1st Special Operations Wing Comptroller Squadron and motorcycle rider. "We have a lot of people who really love to ride; unfortunately we have a lot of accidents in the Air Force and [Department of Defense-wide]. So we're here to promote safety and let everybody know that you can have a good time riding your motorcycle, but you ought to be safe going about doing it."

With the wide spectrum of experience comes sage advice and important lessons from mishaps on the road.

"I've been riding since 1964," said J.D. Lisenby, quality assurance representative for 19th Special Operations Squadron. "I had a lady run over me when I was a flight instructor over in Pensacola. I almost lost my flight status and that almost put me out of commission for six months."

Lisenby completely changed the way he approached motorcycle riding, holding the defensive mindset that cars wanted to hurt him.

"That's the way I look at it now," Lisenby said. "Whether I'm on Route 98, it doesn't matter. I look at the cars coming and going and think 'how's he going to kill me and how can I avoid it,' and it's worked."

The emphasis on safety evidenced in the myriad of safety briefings, combined with information on motor vehicle and environment laws and culminated in personal tales of riding on the road.

The event, however, did not just dwell on the dangers of motorcycle riding and the preaching of safety. From factory stock sport motorcycles to hand built choppers, the seemingly ubiquitous roaring engines combined with swooning admiration for other bikes--one aspect of motorcycle life seemed to shine: modifications and customization.

"I call it 'the big black cadi'," Lisenby said, referring to his bike that looked like a black Cadillac on two wheels. "I've been riding for 34 years, so it's a passion and a hobby. I love [modifying] them, riding them--that's my stress relief, get on the bike and go ride."

While the motorcycle riding demographic may be predominantly male, female riders were also in attendance. Staff Sgt. Audra Spencer, an aircraft structural maintainer from 1st Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron, arrived on what is popularly known as a trike, a three-wheeled motorcycle that had always been her dream bike.

"It's a hobby, I enjoy it, Spencer said. "It's nice to kind of get some air flow through your jacket and through your helmet--it's nice."

At the end of the day, the motorcycles came to do one thing in a show of solidarity for motorcycle safety: ride.

"A bad day of riding beats a good day of work," Lisenby said.