War vets dying in bike crashes

[Ugarte]

This sort of reminds me of the beginning of biker gangs right after WW2. After war action civilian life is boring, so get a motorcycle and live it up....only difference is bikes these days have a LOT more power!!

War Vets

[TallRocket]

My son is doing his second tour of duty in Iraq, outside Baghdad. He thinks the Rocket is too big, but the Kawaski KZ1300 is just right for his first bike. As much as I look forward to riding with him next summer on whatever ride he selects, I also have some concerns. The opinion about bikes replacing "a feeling" appears on target and is a concern based on his first return from action. They do need to decompress...man do I feel more like a mom today than his dad. Think I will point him toward a couple of dirt bikes for him and 8 year old grandson as best way to blow off steam with the family.

And after reading the article more than likely will strike up a conversation with a young gun on a crotch rocket just to check in.

Thanks for the article.

[Marty]

Ugarte
Hello. The article is true. There is a problem. In the wars on foreign soil before Viet Nam, troops were transported on boats. This allowed them to plan for a few weeks before they got to their destination and to decompress on the way home. Now, in our time, we are hugging our wives and children, mothers and fathers on a Friday. Then on the following Saturday we are in a convoy on patrol in a hostile environment on high alert.

There has been measures implemented to counsel soldiers about the transition. The issue with "the need for speed" is addressed in detail as you can imagine. Integration in to a non hostile environment is an issue that needs help.

I personally was thinking about opening a race track near a military base so soldiers can expend some energy in a safe environment. In the research I have done, I have found out that the cost of track is over a million dollars a mile. Even if I win the lottery, 1.5 miles of track will only discourage soldiers from coming out.

I encourage all troops to ride in packs with mature experienced riders so they can ride safe.

Remember, guns don't kill people, people kill people.

[IceT]

you guys have just opened my eyes to something that most western countries would have no idea of whats going on...and of course the US is taking the brunt of the aftermath of war with the most troops coming home..

[REGULATOR]

bases are also starting to experiment with selling helmets in the PX.

There is a requirement to take the MSF course to get a sticker to ride onto a base, but often the courses are backed up with a waiting list.

I know on one Air Force base the Commander ( who also rode) had mandatory riders meetings and had each unit designate a motorcycle safety rep, Jr riders were assaigned a "mentor".
All nice and good and they brief well, but 20 yr old Joe on a 100+ HP bike can't resist the easy thril of topping 100MPH or popping wheelies. ( shoot I'm old and I can't help an occaisional lapse in judgement)

On a second note, if you read the accident reports ( something I do)
You will see a lot of 30 plus yr old Sr NCO's dying on bikes, late at night without helmets. ( hmmm can now finaly afford that big Hog and won't wear a helmet because HD riders just don't think its cool and now I'm going to ride to the bar for a few hours)

Summary, its a problem, it sucks, and its not just the kiddies its also the old guys .

[IceT]

i have been through a bit of sh&t myself....and when your suffering from mild or heavy depression....you sort of start to disregard your own safety...take risks, dont care if you meet your maker. Men arnt suppose to talk about it but it comes out in other forms....

[Ted1296]

As a 20 Yr Serviceman and a Vietnam Veteran I can vouch for this. I'm 57 yrs old and still get a rush of blood to the head which is instantly converted to a twist of the right hand. Maybe it's better than just smacking the dick who caused the rush of blood..........hehe
At least now I have a bike that responds well to the rush

[Apollo_18]

First, let me thank anybody who has been, is now, or will be in the armed forces.

The article that is linked here is another example of what has been discussed recently in many different aspects. It isn't just a motorcycle thing.

The concern is also noticeable in auto and truck driving as well as everyday life. The soldiers who have come back from their tours of duty are no longer protected by their body armor or the plating of a war wagon and the back-up of their fellow soldiers. The "experts" are saying that these vets also may have a sense of being indestructible having survived the fury of war.

I hope that these returning troops can be given a chance to survive on their own streets now that they are home.

HooRaa

Cheers !!

:-g