My motorcycling activity began in 1958 with daily riding of a German Zundapp racing bike which progressed to a BSA Lightning and then to a HD Sportster by the early 1960s. Riding became less frequent during my college years, and I sold my bike before I graduated in 1969 with my professional clinical doctorate followed by a residency in pediatric vision care. Time became even more restricted in the early 1970s while I helped to establish a large comprehensive health center in the Midwest at which I eventually became the Assistant Director of Health Services in addition to providing clinical patient care. During this time period, however, I learned to fly and bought an airplane which I soon learned was far more costly than any motorcycle. Careers evolve, and my aviation interest led me to join the Air Force in 1976. I was commissioned in the medical service, and, before I knew it, I was back in school pursuing post-doctoral graduate degrees in both health/hospital administration as well as epidemiology. Later, I completed another academic doctorate concentrating in vision research. Before I retired from the Air Force in 2002, I had functioned in a number of areas including: a deputy clinic commander; coordinator of trauma care exercises; epidemiological investigator for accidents/health care ; researcher in pilot vision; and, of course, provider of clinical services. I would visit various motorcycle dealerships for “demo” rides during this time, but I did not own a bike. Motorcycling is considered one of the most unsafe due to a lack of visibility by other vehicles. In order to help minimize this situation, we ordered our new HD 1200 Sportster Roadster in bright “Yellow Pearl. Matching colored bags and side panels over the battery/oil reservoir were also ordered. In addition, a “gradient yellow” windshield, two additional flashing headlights and an air horn were added. We also wear matching yellow full-face helmets and yellow leather jackets. We definitely want to be “seen and heard” “.It is our feeling that both flying and motorcycling are similar: both demand specialized training and an acknowledged responsibility by the pilot/rider in order to fully realize the freedom which both enable the participant to enjoy. The ASMI program offers unique information which allows the rider to not only be better responsible for him/herself, but, more importantly, may contribute to the increased welfare of his/her fellow riders and the general motorcycling community.
To contact us e-mail: ghensley@truvista.net
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