On Oct 3, 2026, ALR from different posts came together for a group ride. It was mid-morning, and at the pre-briefing for the Nation of Patriots Ride, it was mentioned that about 100 bikes from 20 different posts came together. The weather was wonderful, the turnout was extraordinary and it is an honorable function to attend.
As the bikes were on the road, a rider had a medical health episode that took him off his bike at about 65 miles an hour, and he made contact with a trike. The trike rider is doing good.
This article is not intended to detail that situation, only to call awareness for the needs of safety, health, proper attire and attention to procedures.
All riders know about the importance of paying attention when on two wheels. All riders know the importance of wearing the proper attire while on two wheels (this rider had on the proper gear for the ride but is still in the hospital recovering at the time this article was written, and this article is not giving details about his condition).
However, one thing we all take for granted is our own health. On a few rides, riders talk at the early-morning gathering about how tired they are, drinking energy drinks or coffees to wake up for the ride. Or after the hour or two on the road talking about how sore they are. As riders, we want to be on the road, on those two wheels with our people.
But we have a responsibility to each other to ensure that we take account of our health. It’s OK to sit a ride out because you’re not feeling up for it.
Of course we know medical emergencies are unpredictable, so it’s not just the responsibility of individuals, but of the group also. The 2-second distance, having your spatial awareness in mind, and following the procedures set by your entity and your road captain is essential.
There is a position in ALR for a ride safety officer. It is a very important position where safety conversations and communications have the opportunity to be a constant reminder to all on group rides.
As I am writing this article, I am googling “rider health safety checks” and similar wording to see if there is anything to reference for a guide for the rider specifically, not just the ride or the motorcycle. I can’t find any pictographs on the internet regarding our health and safety. We focus as riders so much on our motorcycle’s health and making sure we have awareness for others on our rides.
Let’s be sure to focus on our health too, for the good of the riders.