Motorcycle safety: 'Ride your ride' Published April 7, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Michael Ellis 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO--LACKLAND, Texas -- "I ride my ride and always stay within my comfort zone," said one briefer during the Joint Base San Antonio annual motorcycle safety briefing at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, March 30, 2015."In 29 years, I have never dropped my bike or crashed it," said the 59th Medical Wing Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Maurice James. "I have had some close calls, but I have learned from them."Throughout the hour-long briefing, the main focus was education and proper training.Senior leaders and representatives from the safety office shared their personal experiences and gave practical advice on how to remain safe and vigilant while riding in the seventh largest city in the United States.Col. Glenn Yap, 59th MDW vice commander, gave the opening remarks and stated the importance of having annual joint safety briefings. Yap rode motorcycles up until the time he had his first child. After that life-changing moment, and with some persuasion from his wife, he decided not to ride anymore.Yap explained how there are many people in the room with many years of experience, others with very little and some, such as himself, who may not have rode in a while. "It's important to connect with your fellow wingman and provide that mentorship," he said.Representing the safety office, Senior Airman James Capps, gave some helpful mnemonics to aid riders before and while operating their motorcycle.T.C.L.O.C.S are the things to check during your pre-ride inspection, and they are T-tires, C-controls, O-oil and other fluids, C-chassis and S-stand, explained Capp.While riding your motorcycle, before making a maneuver remember S.E.E, said Capp, which stands for S-scan, E-evaluate, and then E-execute.One of the most senior riders in the room also shared his personal strategies on motorcycle safety.James described his riding experience and what he has learned in the almost 3 decades from when he first began.Three things that have aided to remain safe are: situational awareness-always being aware of what's going on (to include checking the weather before heading out), respecting the bike's capabilities, and ride your ride, James explained."Whether I am riding solo or in a group, I ride my ride and stay within my capabilities," said James. "My bike can go really fast and do a lot, but that doesn't mean I can do (or should attempt) all those things."