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Marines practice proper riding techniques during an American Supercamp course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., June 16. The two-day course helped Marines improve their riding skills on the track and the street.

Photo by Cpl. Owen Kimbrel

Marines take part in American Supercamp motorcycle training

17 Jun 2014 | Cpl. Owen Kimbrel Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

Marine motorcycle riders learned proper riding techniques during an American Supercamp course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., June 16–17.

The two-day course gave students time in the classroom and on the track to learn the proper techniques to help them in real-life situations.

“We like coming out here in a controlled environment, that’s safe, and let the rider really understand the capabilities of a motorcycle and their own personal limits as well,” said Logan Hahnke, chief operations executive with American Supercamp.

The course teaches students of various skill levels how to respond to different scenarios. It also gives hands-on experience of what it feels like to be on a motorcycle when disaster strikes, whether it is on the street or off-road driving. One drill required the students to ride on a watered down track and respond to a loss of traction. The course encourages riders to push themselves to the limit and crash – but for a good reason and in a controlled environment.

“We make them crash going 10 to 15 mph on a little dirt bike, going in circles, with their gear on,” said Danny Walker, founder of American Supercamp. “We can train those reflexes and show them how those things will save them on a street bike.”

Motorcycle safety is one of the top priorities in the Marine Corps and this course gives riders a fun and beneficial foundation to build upon.

“This course makes Marines safer riders,” said Gunnery Sgt. Corey Cooper, a radar technician with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. “A lot of Marines will panic when something goes wrong; this course teaches us how to ride it out and be under control.”

The next course is scheduled for June 18-19. For more information on future courses contact the Provost Marshals’ Office operations chief.

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar