Riding offers veterans the chance to refocus their mental energy to a positive outlet.
“While riding you have to be aware, constantly processing, a side effect which many who suffer from invisible scars said they find soothing.”
WHY WE DO THIS:
- 22 Veterans die by suicide every day, that’s 8,000 veterans every year
- 7% of US population are veterans, yet 22% of suicides in US are veterans
- More active duty personnel die by own hand than in combat
The Science:
THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF RIDING A MOTORCYCLE
A team of three researchers from UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, led by Dr. Don Vaughn, set out to identify and measure the neurological and physical effects of riding.
The study found that motorcycling increased metrics of focus and attention among participants and decreased relative cortisol levels, hormonal markers of stress. Here’s what they found:
- Riding a motorcycle decreased hormonal biomarkers of stress by 28%
- On average, riding a motorcycle for 20 minutes increased participants’ heart rates by 11 percent and adrenaline levels by 27 percent – similar to light exercise.
- Changes in study participants’ brain activity while riding suggested an increase in alertness similar to drinking a cup of coffee.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A LIFE-CHANGING ADVENTURE?
If you are a Veteran or First Responder interested in having fun while also increasing your quality of life, this is the program for you. In the last few years, researchers and psychologists have looked beyond motorcycle riding as purely an adrenaline kick. They discovered that motorcyclist find riding to be a therapeutic process that allows them to de-stress. Motorcycle riding is good therapy.
It doesn’t matter if you have never ridden before or have been riding for years. We have programs for everyone. The best part: it is free to you. We recognize that serving in the military or as a first responder is hard work. For many of you, serving came at a great personal cost. That alone is enough for us to want to serve you back.
MT-101: New Rider Boot Camp
Motorcycle Therapy's New Rider Boot Camp is basic training for those Veterans and First Responders who are ready to ride. New Rider Boot Camp is designed to give you the skills and confidence to feel comfortable on a motorcycle - on any road, in any situation. You begin by learning how to start the motorcycle. By the end of it all, you're confidently handling a motorcycle.
Our Coaches:
Our coaches not only have extensive training, but they are certified by the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation). You'll leave knowing you've received the best coaching - while having some serious fun along the way. You learn the best when you learn from the best.
Learning to ride a motorcycle is just the beginning and is the start of a life-changing adventure.
What You Need
- Know how to ride a bicycle
- Driver's License
- A DOT approved helmet
- Protective eyewear
- Full fingered gloves
- A long sleeve shirt or jacket
- Over-the-ankle boots
- Jeans or motorcycle pants
MT-102: Rider Boot Camp
Motorcycle Therapy’s Rider Boot Camp is for those Veterans a First Responders who already have basic skills. Similar to New Rider Boot Camp except speeds are higher and you should be on your own motorcycle. An excellent refresher course for practicing and renewing riding skills. Includes an informal classroom component for discussing safety concepts based on past riding experiences and current knowledge.
What You Need
- A street ready motorcycle
- Driver’s License with motorcycle endorsement
- Proof of valid motorcycle insurance
- A DOT approved helmet
- Protective eyewear
- Full fingered gloves
- A long sleeve shirt or jacket
- Over-the-ankle boots
- Jeans or motorcycling pants
MT-201: Advanced Rider Training
Motorcycle Therapy’s Advanced Rider Training is a one-day course that complements your basic skills and helps with personal risk assessment. It includes a fast-paced classroom segment with several fun interactive activities to improve perception and hazard awareness. Range exercises enhance both basic operating skills and crash-avoidance skills. Improving your braking and cornering finesse is emphasized.
What You Need
- A street ready motorcycle
- Driver’s License with motorcycle endorsement
- Proof of valid motorcycle insurance
- A DOT approved helmet
- Protective eyewear
- Full fingered gloves
- A long sleeve shirt or jacket
- Over-the-ankle boots
- Jeans or motorcycling pants
MT-301: Motorcycle Therapy Rides
Motorcycle Therapy Rides are 4-day tours and are specifically designed to provide relief to veterans and first responders suffering with mental health issues, such as PTSD and other invisible injuries. Participants get to ride on some of the most scenic paved roads in the country. Accommodations are in hotels and lodges where group members unwind from the day's journey and participate in workshops and group discussions.
Participants learn simple techniques for relaxing and dealing with trauma that can help them better manage their internal stress and move toward recovery. Participants in Therapy Rides are sponsored by generous donors who are concerned about the toll that serving one's country and community takes on many of our veterans and first responders.
What You Need
- A street ready motorcycle
- Driver’s License with motorcycle endorsement
- Proof of valid motorcycle insurance
- A DOT approved helmet
- Protective eyewear
- Full fingered gloves
- A long sleeve shirt or jacket
- Over-the-ankle boots
- Jeans or motorcycling pants
GOLF YANKEE SIX VETERAN PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM
A Veteran Peer Support program for all Veterans. When you need to get it off your chest or you're looking for a different perspective on your post service life or just miss that camaraderie, talking with other Vets or just want to help your fellow Vets by sharing what works for you.
We are Vets helping Vets through everyday challenges with various methods in coping, maintaining, and moderating those stressors and triggers.
Our end goal is to help each veteran find a way to pursue the happiness, we fought for and deserve. We're impact and solution driven. We are problem solvers together as a team. We're organic and authentic to the military way and we stay until we know that every veteran is on a path to success. No one gets left behind.
"We Got Your Six".
Contact Us
If you are needing assistance or want to contact us directly to ask questions and find out more about what we do, or how you can support our efforts please contact us.
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 71973
Tuscaloosa, AL 35407
Phone
(205) 201-1094
Training Facility Address
Alabama Traffic Safety Center
Vacca Hall
985 Shelby Street
Montevallo, AL 35115
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