Sheppard Rider’s Association seeks to make motorcycle safety a priority

  • Published
  • By Julie Caldwell
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The mission of the Sheppard Rider's Association, according to its Web site, is "to provide Team Sheppard with a comprehensive motorcycle safety mentoring program that will minimize potential safety mishaps and maximize the fun of motorcycling." 

Capt. Pattie Jackson, an administrator in the association, fills in for the president, a reservist who happens to be her husband. She said the association, which began about five years ago, has more than 100 members. 

Captain Jackson said only about 20 members usually attend meetings the third Thursday of each month. She said a major part of the organization is to provide information by e-mail, whether members come to the meetings or not. 

Master Sgt. Jerry Crawford, superintendent of the 82nd Training Wing Safety Office, said he often attends meetings, even though he is not a rider himself. He said many riders have safety questions, especially in light of the new safety policy, Air Force Instruction 91-207, published in May of this year. 

He said the most significant changes in this policy include requirements, not suggestions, for over-the-ankle shoes and brightly colored or reflective clothing.
Sergeant Crawford said Texas does not require any Personal Protective Equipment to be worn at all. But, Air Force requirements are different. 

"We go way above and beyond what the state requires," he said. 

He said that although some riders are moaning and groaning a little, the bottom line is that all must comply in order to be allowed to ride on base. Active duty military members must comply at all times, whether on or off base. 

Even in hot summer weather, all riders must continue to wear all PPE required. Sergeant Crawford said his best safety advice is to stay hydrated, especially on long rides, and to consider goggles that protect against ultraviolet rays. 

Besides safety mentoring, the association also organizes or participates in other events, from escorting bikers in the Hotter 'n Hell, to group rides to dinner or to work. 

Captain Jackson said some members are also a part of the Patriot Guard Riders. According to their Web site, http://www.patriotguard.org/, these riders attend funerals of fallen military men and women as invited guests of the families, as a way to show respect for the American heroes. If necessary, they also step in, in a non-violent manner, to shelter the mourners from the distraction of any war protestors. 

She said another main activity of the association is riding for charity. These rides can be 60 to 100 miles or more. Recently many entered the Ride for Olivia, benefiting a 2-year-old girl in Iowa Park who has cancer. Riders helped bring the total raised for this little girl to over $40,000 in just days. 

Fees that riders pay to enter are a big portion of the funds. Some rides also sell food or T-shirts, Captain Jackson said. 

She said Compassion Run is one in which the association is highly involved. This year, $6,680 went to Patsy's House. The ride starts at Evangel Temple, a local church which also holds a special Biker's Sunday. 

"We drove our bikes on stage at the church," Captain Jackson laughed. The Christian Motorcycle Association then blessed the bikes in the parking lot before the event. 

Next year's Compassion Run, an annual event held in March, will benefit Hospice. Captain Jackson said their goal is to raise $10,000 for the organization.