Pop the clutch, bury the needle, wow that’s awesome! Published May 19, 2010 By Senior Master Sgt. Robert Madrigal 375th Communications Support Squadron first sergeant SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Motorcycles. I love motorcycles. The sleek lines. The chrome. The sound. Cruisers or sport bikes. I love motorcycles. I can't get enough of the sensation when you're at a stop light and the light turns green. You accelerate off the line, just you and your motorcycle. It's not the same as when you're in a car. Everyone who owns a bike knows what I'm talking about. For me, the excitement is not unlike weapons qualification. The noise. The pride you feel when you put a round in the target. They teach you three basic safety concepts: always keep your weapon on safe, never horseplay with it, and always treat it as if it's loaded. They also teach you how to disassemble, clean, reassemble, function check, and fire your weapon for accuracy. When you are ready to fire your weapon the warfighter ethos kicks in, and at that moment, it doesn't matter what your job is in the Air Force. If you have to pick up and fire your weapon in defense, then you are the tip of the spear. And, the training you received will guide you to use your weapon effectively to defend your life. Motorcycles are no different than weapons. First, just as with a weapon, you need to be trained to ride a motorcycle. You need to know how it works, how to inspect it, and how to function check it. This ensures your equipment is in the best working order so if you need to brake, accelerate or swerve, it will work properly. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses are designed to give beginner, intermediate, and expert riders the skills to enjoy their ride, while ensuring they do not put themselves into unsafe situations. If you have not taken one of these courses, sign up today. They are required and will help you ride safer, so you can live longer. Second, always treat your motorcycle like a loaded weapon. Most motorcycles, especially sport bikes, are designed to go as fast as a bullet, so treat it accordingly. Learn to control the power and speed. Someday you may need that extra power to get out of an unsafe condition. But for everyday riding, you need to respect the power and torque. Third, always point your motorcycle the direction you want to go. It sounds silly, but it is a simple fact. If your front tire leaves the ground, you can't steer. And lastly, keep your motorcycle on "safe." To do this, you have to keep your mind on "safe." Can I see what is over the next hilltop? If that car pulls out in front of me, do I have room to swerve? Is it too dark to ride this fast? Should I ride after consuming alcohol? Am I controlling this motorcycle, or is it controlling me? We have all heard the stories of the Airman who went too fast around a dark corner, and a car pulled out in front of him, etc. Every story has a different set of circumstances, but they mostly end in tragedy. It happens far too often. And almost every time, it was avoidable. Get trained, know how to check your motorcycle, know how to control it, and know yourself. There is nothing quite like riding a motorcycle. Do it safer, so you can continue to ride for the rest of your life.