Grand Forks AFB holds 3rd annual motorcycle safety ride Published May 27, 2025 By Airman 1st Class Emma Funderburk 319th Reconnaissance Wing GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 319th Reconnaissance Wing Safety Office hosted the 3rd annual motorcycle safety ride May 2, 2025. The ride provided an opportunity for active-duty military members and their families to receive important information on motorcycle safety, while enjoying a group motorcycle ride through North Dakota. Before the ride began, participants went through a safety class to learn about road safety, the danger of other vehicles on the road and highway hypnosis. This class covered all the necessary steps for motorcyclists to achieve Basic Riders Course One. This included a commander safety brief by Col. Bishane Whitmore, 319th Reconnaissance Wing deputy commander, and a pre-ride inspection of all the bikes before beginning the ride. “The purpose of this ride is to help build experience and resiliency in our riders,” said Staff Sgt. Kendall Blair, occupational safety technician for the 319th RW. “The season for motorcycle riding is short in North Dakota, so creating a space to experience the roads in a safe, group setting is important, not only to familiarize new airmen with the environment but also to remind long standing airmen of the risks associated with riding.” The ride was approximately 7-hours long and consisted of 17 riders and two chase vehicles, in the case of an emergency. To allow the riders to see the extent of North Dakota terrain, the route chosen took them towards the northernmost part of the state allowing a pit stop at Cavalier Space Force Station, N.D., and then looped back around to Emerado, N.D., before returning to Grand Forks AFB. Military members and veterans from the Green Knights 62nd chapter and the Combat Veterans motorcycle associations participated in the ride as well. “It’s always memorable when you get to ride with your friends and coworkers, especially from around the base,” said Tech Sgt. Stephen Phelps, 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron air transportation function non-commissioned officer in charge. “The purpose of going on these rides is to experience military camaraderie and connection outside the job, to ride and enjoy life.” Airmen who are interested in participating in the Motorcycle Safety ride should contact the 319th RW safety office at 319RW.SE@us.af.mil to learn about the steps to take to become part of the Motorcycle Unit Safety Tracking Tool system.