Page 15 - Ft. Irwin High Desert Warrior Jul 1 2016

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BroncoTeam Saddles Up For Summer Safety
Story by Capt. Jennifer N. Simpson
Operations Group, National Training Center
FORT IRWIN, Calif. – As summer heats up, motor-
cycle riders from the Bronco Team, Operations Group,
National Training Center, dust off their seats and prepare
their bikes for a another great riding season here in the
Mojave Desert.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Leo Banaszak, whose call sign is Bronco
3B, the senior motorcycle mentor for the Bronco Team, led
four fellow Bronco motorcycle riders through a safety class and with and mentor less experienced riders. In addition to motor-
a four hour round-trip check-ride to Big Bear Lake, California
on June 3, 2016.
“Don’t do anything you’re uncomfortable with, speed includ-
ed; no peer pressure from the pack,” Banaszak told the group.
Focusing on safety, he ensured every rider knew the route
of travel, order of riders, designated stop locations, appropriate
hand signals, the safety issues that could arise, and arranged a
vehicle to trail the group in case of an emergency.
“It’s more about the community needing to know we’re
there,” said Sgt. 1st Class David Mulkey, whose call sign is
Bronco 71D and an experienced 18 year motorcycle rider.
e Bronco Team periodically organizes these rides to pro-
vide an opportunity for seasoned motorcycle riders to interact
cycle safety, Banaszak focused on the mentorship that can occur
when riding as a group.
“Motorcyclists need to always assume they are not seen and
ride accordingly. Proper lane positioning and following tra c
laws helps greatly,” said Banaszak. “ rough my experiences on
long rides I have found it better to ride slightly below the speed soldiers, civilians, and family members alike. e Bronco Team
limit and let cars pass me. is ensures they see me.”
High Desert Warrior
15July 1, 2016
Safety
Accident prevention and safety are a top priority for everyone
on the Bronco Team, especially the leadership.
“Safety is always a paramount concern at the NTC, and
particularly driver’s safety,” said Army Lt. Col. Scott Nauman,
Bronco 07, Brigade Combat Team Senior Trainer.
As the weather in the Mohave heats up, so does the focus
on summer safety.
“As the 100 Days of Summer begins, taking a little time to
really focus on safety with a team motorcycle check ride really
seems like time well-spent, and I am excited that my Safety
O cer took the initiative to put this together for the Bronco
Team--well done,” said Nauman.
Ensuring road safety throughout the summer is vital to
motorcycle riders completed their safety ride without incident
and, as the days get hotter, are ready to ride o into the sunset.
For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil