GEICO Honda team meets with U.S. military

News release

GEICO Honda Team road racers Jake Zemke and Chris Ulrich recently visited thousands of U.S. servicemen and servicewomen stationed at Camp Roberts near San Luis Obispo, Calif.

The two decorated pro riders took time off from preparing for an AMA Pro event this weekend to teach an important course on motorcycle safety and spend quality time with members of the armed forces.

“I raced for the National Guard in 2010, giving them their first ever AMA Pro Superbike wins, so I know firsthand how cool it is to give back to our military,” said Zemke. “I couldn’t be more excited to teach this class and to be able to hang out with the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.”

“I learned from a very young age the proper precautions to take when riding a motorcycle. I want these soldiers to enjoy their experience but I also want to help keep them safe so they can continue to keep us safe,” said Ulrich. “I am honored to be a part of the GEICO Honda team and to have the opportunity to help these men and women because I hold them in such high regard.”

GEICO recommends the following safety checklist before taking the road:

Always wear a helmet – Make sure your helmet is DOT approved and includes a face shield or protective eyewear to help protect against a critical head injury.

Wear protective clothing – Goggles, leather gloves and riding boots can help protect and minimize severe injuries in case of an accident.

Take a safety course – Safety courses such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF), will help sharpen your riding skills.

Don’t drink and ride – It’s illegal to operate a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol affects judgment, vision and decreases your ability to ride and react defensively.

Follow the rules – Obey the speed limit and local traffic laws. Remember to always pass vehicles and other bikes on the passing lane and give yourself enough time to break.

Ride defensively – Ride with your headlights on and signal well in advance of any change in direction. Always watch for turning vehicles and be extra careful in inclement weather.

For more information, please visit GEICO.com for a motorcycle safety video and safety tips.