Klakring Rides For Safety

Leaving early in the morning from 3rd and Atlantic, the riders set Daytona Beach as their destination for the trip, before returning to Jacksonville late Tuesday evening. The riders all brought different bikes to the road, from Yamahas, Suzukis, Hondas to the incomparable Harley-Davidson.

The riders ranged in experience from expert to relative amateurs, but they all shared the same passion for the sport of motorcycling. The idea for the ride itself was hatched by Operational Specialist 1st Class (SW) Michael Bellamy who initially brought the idea for the ride up the chain-of-command in October. With several motorcycle enthusiasts as part of Klakring's crew, the concept quickly gained traction within the command, as it provided an opportunity for the riders to share their interest with each other.

"In addition reinforcing our knowledge of motorcycle safety, the ride helped foster a closer relationship between all those who rode," commented Chief Electrician's Mate (SW) Johnny Hill. "It was great to spend some time together in an environment other than the ship."

The participants were responsible for ensuring they were fitted with proper safety gear, which is SOP for all Sailors who own motorcycles.

With the goal of educating the participants on motorcycle safety, the ride's organizer conducted numerous training points throughout the day regarding the use of hand signals and proper techniques when riding in groups.

Klakring's Main Propulsion Assistant, Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Donato, who attended the ride and is a long time motorcycle enthusiast, noted, "With all the bikers out there today, the lessons we learned here become ever more important, and rides like this give us a chance to pass such knowledge on to newer riders with less experience."

A primary lesson taken from the ride on Tuesday was to always conduct all your pre-start checks (Air Pressure, Fluid Levels, and operation of lights) in advance of a long ride, to include the use of fuel stabilizer if your bike is not going to be used for a period of time, as a few of the bikers had to spend time grooming their bikes throughout the day.

The riders made several different stops on the way, including Daytona Harley Davidson and Ker's Buffalo Wing house.

Doing their part to decrease motorcycle-related accidents, the participants hope to make a tradition of the ride and encourage even more Klakring crewmembers to attend next time.

In the future "we hope to conduct rides like this once a month when we are in port to increase the knowledge and riding ability of our Sailors," remarked Bellamy.

"The Daytona ride was a great opportunity to give something back to some of our deserving Sailors, while emphasizing safety practices in a new and unique way," noted the ship's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Ian Pollitt. "Participants now have a better appreciation for the fact that long trips like this take planning, and preparation to pull off successfully. Hopefully these lessons will translate into safer riders on the streets down the road."

Klakring is currently conducting a CMAV maintenance availability in preparation for its upcoming deployment as part of STANDING NATO maritime Group 1 later this winter.