Everyone has a favorite pastime to help them relax, be it reading, exercising, gaming, or watching movies. But for some Sailors and Marines of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), it's riding motorcycles.

Iwo Jima consistently holds quarterly command motorcycle safety rides, ranging from 70 to 160 miles, to sustain and increase the knowledge and experience level of riders while building camaraderie along the way. Participants range from junior enlisted to seasoned officers, with a variety of motorcycles, such as cruising and sport classes.

"Riding is like an evolution," said Chief Culinary Specialist Scott Henderson, the ship's motorcycle safety officer. "It requires a plan, a brief, an execution and a debrief. The goal is to help everyone become better riders."

Using the Tires Controls Lights Oil Chassis Sidestand (T-CLOCS) pre-ride check list, Sailors conducted a brief prior to their departure covering safety precautions, group-riding positions, and a complete inspection of each rider's motorcycle.

"That's what the safety ride is all about," said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Ryan Rees. "We ride safely and do it the right way. We show everybody that not only can you have a good time, but do it with all the right gear as well."

During the ride, the group formed a side-by-side staggered formation and practiced communication through hand signals used to relay traffic maneuvers or identify possible road hazards.

Riding can be an exciting activity for some Sailors, but involves a level of inherent risk. Command safety rides, although leisurely, helps encourage safe practices to ensure everyone returns home safely.

"When you're riding by yourself, you only have to worry about yourself but when you're with a group, there is a whole dynamic that you learn to follow," said Henderson. "Having this group of Sailors come together will help them grow as riders and, most importantly, increase their chances of being safe out on the road."

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