Dirtbikes & Soldiers (formerly "Random Thought")

[troy]

On the way home from School Creek yesterday, I got hit with a thought while filling up the gas tank in Junction City. I had dropped Daryl, Mike & Mike (not Daryl, Larry & Larry) off at the Freddy's to get ice cream while I hit the gas station. I had a truck and trailer loaded with orange dirt bikes and gear. Filling up at the same time were young men that appeared to be soldiers most likely stationed at Fort Riley.

The thought that hit me was how many of these young men have sacrificed a lot to be "stuck" at the fort to ensure freedom for the rest of us. Even without going to war, it is a sacrifice I would not choose myself.

As I caught them eyeing the bikes--trying not to be noticed--I thought how many of those men would jump at the chance to spend a few hours riding a dirt bike around School Creek. I don't know a lot about military life, but my assumption is that they usually don't have much cash to spend nor time to play--especially for the young guys getting started in life. That is, they probably don't have $2,500 to go buy a used dirt bike or a place to store it. I figure they do occasionally get time away from base to do what they want.

It's far-fetched, and probably not very feasible--especially due to liability issues--but would it be possible to setup an organization that makes dirt bikes and gear available for an afternoon at School Creek for these guys? A no-strings attached, no cost afternoon of fun dirt biking for some guys that need a break. (I'm thinking mild-mannered, easy-to-ride dirt bikes like the Honda 230, etc.)

I know many of you have served in the military and spent time on these bases. What do you think about this stupid idea?

[bird man]

I think it is a great idea. The military might even be of some help ???? My nephew who is now a helicopter pilot took his cycle to base with him. The military has a strict protocal for their men when it comes to riding. He had to complete a riding course (which he thought was silly until he completed it and discovered it made him a better and smarter rider) and ATGATT is enforced for all military personel. From my experience time spent on a dirt bike made me a better street rider ,this would benifit them also.
It will take quite a bit of effort to make happen but would likely be worth it.

[Rusty Jug]

I think it's a good idea, a little bit of leg work involved, it could be done. Liability would be the issue if a bike broke and injured a person. I know Debbie Downer!

I'm just glad to see somebody else thinks of unique ideas while pumping gas, or wonder how the guy next to me has a job, being pierced and tatted from head to toe!

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1354586749.425953.jpg (52.49 KiB) Viewed 832 times

[Stu]

Interesting idea. It involves a lot of organizational time, money for dirt bikes and the base commander's ascent since he ultimately has responsibility for the guys & gals under his command.

School Creek can be both intimidating and dangerous for a beginner if they encountered some of the easily gotten to hills. Some years ago I rode on the base when this was allowed. Cautions were to stay away from water on trails (tanks go in with their snorkels deployed) and to stay away from the firing range since live rounds from tank practice are out there. If approval was granted it might be possible to ride the Flint Hills trails on the base, most of which are a lot easier than School Creek, with a supervised program. Just another angle on your random thought, Troy.

Stu

[troy]

Interesting, Stu. A few years ago, we had a forum member who was based out there for awhile and he talked about riding his dirtbike on the base property trails. It's a HUGE area. As I recall, it was very restricted both in when and where you could ride.

I know the military uses motorcycles, and it seems in a general, prepared-for-anything sense, it would be good for all those guys to have at least some motorcycle skills. I can see the movie---guys are taken as prisoners of war. They break out, steal the enemy's motorcycles and tear off through the desert to freedom....except that one guy who doesn't know how to ride. Sorry, Charlie.

[MrHix]

Interesting, Stu. A few years ago, we had a forum member who was based out there for awhile and he talked about riding his dirtbike on the base property trails. It's a HUGE area. As I recall, it was very restricted both in when and where you could ride.

I know the military uses motorcycles, and it seems in a general, prepared-for-anything sense, it would be good for all those guys to have at least some motorcycle skills. I can see the movie---guys are taken as prisoners of war. They break out, steal the enemy's motorcycles and tear off through the desert to freedom....except that one guy who doesn't know how to ride. Sorry, Charlie.

Steve McQueen: The Great Escape!

Very interesting idea Troy.

Cheers,

MrHix

[troy]

Notes to self and interested parties

• Polaris and others sometimes offer grants up to $10K to support trail maintenance, education, safety, etc.
  Example: http://www.pi54.com/ATV/PDFs/TRAILSGrantAppForm.pdf
• To receive grants, attract sponsors, and to protect folks from liability issues, is it necessary to form a 501c3 or 501c7? How much hassle is this? Downsides?
• There is a Fort Riley recreational organization, and we are in the process of connecting with them.
  http://rileymwr.com/odr/
• Consider that many soldiers have family with them. Would this opportunity be open to soldiers' spouses and children, too?
• Frequency of events? 2nd Saturday of every month weather permitting? Ad-hoc as schedules permit? Maybe to serve the most people in one weekend, we run a full weekend with 4 "sessions" that riders can sign up for: Sat morning, Sat afternoong, Sun morning, Sun afternoon. Volunteers would work the entire weekend or whatever part they can cover.
• We will need lots of protective gear. Would a company be willing to sponsor this part? Motorcycle Closeouts? Cycle Gear? Rocky Mountain? Local motorcycle shops? I'm thinking no more than 10 riders on a trail day. We would need a variety of helmets, goggles, gloves, chest protectors, boots, etc.
• Would be cool to provide lunch. Would a company be willing to sponsor lunch? Junction City Subway? Junction City BBQ joint?
• Motorcycles. Yeah, we'd need bikes. Smaller, tamer dirt bikes. Biggest concern is liability I think. Would the bikes need to be owned by the 501c to protect folks? Or could 5 to 10 people volunteer a personal motorcycle on trail days yet be offered some protection from liability? I know not everyone has a spare bike or money to buy one, but if the word gets out, I bet we could find 5 to 10 people with a spare Honda 230 or similar or the willingness to buy a used bike for $2K or so to make available. Maybe local dealers would donate a used bike for the cause.
• Volunteers to ride along and help folks. There may be 2 different rides that need to be offered--one for folks that have skills and one for relative newbies. Could offer these on different days--depends on how many people we have to help out.
• The military could officially nix the idea, so no need to continue much until we make some initial contact to see if the idea is viable.

[troy]

End of year update: I received a nice reply from a military office regarding this idea and was told the appropriate departments were being contacted for me. I'm waiting on follow-up.