PGR_NTX Patriot Guard - PHANTOM THUNDER III - Motorcycle Safety Ride

Thu Nov 5 21:39:53 CST 2009

PHANTOM THUNDER III - Motorcycle Safety Ride

Members, I know this is a LOT to digest, but please read it carefully if you intend to participate.  There are several requirements herein that we must fulfill in order to participate.  Following the instructions below will help immensely in expediting processing everything for this mission.  I have posted this Mission Order inside the Phantom Thunder news item on the Centex Homepage (http://www.CenTexPGR.org) so you do not have to register or sign in to view it.  Just click "Read More" under the headline to view it and the current RSVP list.  Please be cognizant of any comments you leave there as it is public.

DATE: Tuesday, 24 Nov 09

Staging Location: 440 Plaza parking lot just NW of the intersection of Highways 190 & 195 (Ft Hood Rd) ON Hwy 195 (Ft Hood Rd) in Killeen, TX.

Staging Time: 0530

Briefing: 0700

KSU: 0715

I will be attending numerous In Progress Reviews (IPRs) at Fort Hood to coordinate, so please keep watch on the thread for new developments! 

1. On Tuesday, 24 Nov 09, III Corps and Fort Hood is having their Phantom Thunder III Motorcycle Safety Ride through the greater Fort Hood area to reinforce safe motorcycle operation and demonstrate to the community their committment toward disciplined operations. III Corps has again asked the Patriot Guard Riders to participate. 

2. The ride will begin at Pritchard Stadium on Fort Hood and takes a 75 mile route north through Fort Hood to Hwy 36 and back down West Range road returning to Pritchard Stadium. This event has been made optional for all soldiers stationed on Fort Hood who own a motorcycle, as well as all civilian workers given leave to attend that day. The ride is planned to start at 1100 and end around 1400 with the soldiers being released for the day. Unlike previous Phantom Thunder Rides, this will not include a concert or entertainment at the conclusion.

3. To facilitate our participation: 

  a. We will provide our RSVP information of full legal name, address, city, state, zip code and phone number of each participating rider to III Corps no later than COB (Close of Business) 20 Nov 09. ANYONE NOT ON THAT LIST WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE per Fort Hood Directive. 

In order to accomplish this we ask that you:

    (1) PM your RSVP to Wendi either on the National website (ArmyWife65) or the CenTex (ArmyWife65) website prior to NOON on 20 Nov 09. NO EMAILS WILL BE ACCEPTED as sending a PM verifies for us that you ARE a member of the PGR since you have to be signed in to send one. The RSVP should include your information only, not questions. If you have a question, post it on the mission thread or the comments section of the Phantom Thunder news item on our CenTex homepage. 

    (2) If you will have a passenger, include that person's information.

    (3) Passengers with no ride yet should RSVP their information in anticipation of getting a ride.

    (4) I will post a list of persons who HAVE RSVP'd inside the Phantom Thunder III news item on the homepage (http://www.CenTexPGR.org) so you will know if your name has been received. You will not have to sign in to see this list, just click the "Read More" link. Only first and last names will be posted for privacy.

    (5) We can remove you from the list at the last minute, but we cannot add you to it at the last minute. This information will be used only for official ride paperwork and will not be shared. 

  b. We ARE required to adhere to Fort Hood's requirement for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as listed below. This is non-negotiable, so do not ask. PPE, Motorcycle Endorsement on Drivers' Licenses, Proof of Insurance and a rudimentary visual safety inspection of your bike will be checked at the PGR staging prior to entering post. Fort Hood has waived Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider's Course completion card requirement for us. 

PPE:

* DOT Helmet
* Eye protection. If your helmet is full-faced or you have a face shield that protects your eyes, you do not need to wear additional eye protection
* Long pants
* Boots that extend above the ankles
* Long-sleeve shirt and/or full sleeve jacket. Your arms must be covered at all times while riding.
* Full-fingered gloves

  c. Every rider and passenger must agree to and sign a waiver of release, witnessed by one of our RCs, during the PGR staging on the morning of the ride. Everyone should familiarize themselves with this waiver prior to the ride to expedite signing them during staging. You can download or view the waiver at this link: http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n165/marebear_56/20091124PTIIISJAWaiver.jpg. Your patience is expected during staging to accomplish this task as without a waiver, you will not be allowed to participate.

  d. No cages are allowed to participate in the ride per Fort Hood directive. If you ride a cage  and want to participate, find someone with a motorcycle to ride with. 

  e. We will have access to Fort Hood AS A GROUP through the Santa Fe Gate. Once KSU is called at the PGR staging, no riders will be allowed to join the group.

  f. For those outside CenTex who wish to participate, you certainly may and should organize locally. However, we will not accept any last minute additions to the access list and everyone who rides must be present at the local (CenTex PGR) staging.

  g. Plan to bring your own drinks and snacks as it is unknown at this time if any will be available at the Stadium.

  h. Once inside the Stadium on Fort Hood, RIDERS ARE ASKED TO REMAIN AT THEIR BIKES, prepared for a secondary staging. As units roll in to the staging area, we will be sent in smaller groups to augment each unit. Once you are staged with a unit, you will have time to use the facilities.

4. This is your chance to ride with the soldiers who stand in the breech for us and provides us an opportunity to show them that America Cares For Her Soldier-Warriors and their safety. Fort Hood has assured us that they will welcome as many PGR members as we can muster as long as they meet the criteria posted above. For those of you who are familiar with Fort Hood: Unless you visit often, this may be your last chance to see Pritchard Stadium - It is scheduled for demolition in May 2010 to make room for the new hospital.

Please join us!

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