Objectives
To provide veterans with education, events and a place for “brothers in arms” to be with one another and find support with the everyday activity and hobby of motorcycling.
To provide a safe way for veterans to learn to control their adrenaline response in a non-combat environment.
To provide veterans a chance to talk with other vets in a non-threatening, non-judgemental way about the effects of PTSD, encouraging them to open up without pressuring them.
Why Motorcycles?
Since World War II, returning veterans have been drawn to motorcycles, the freedom of the road, and using motorcycles to find solitude and comfort, and to free themselves from the horrors witnessed in the theatre of combat. Back in the day, “Battle Fatigue” and “Shell Shock” were terms used in an attempt to explain why so many veterans were troubled and had difficulty adapting back to civilian live. Today, we have a better understanding of this and we now know it as PTSD. Researchers have found that activities which require concentration and focus to be of great benefit to anyone with PTSD, whether mild or severe. Motorcycling can be looked upon as a type of “non-traditional” therapy just like horseback riding and pottery making. Only with motorcycling, there is also a camraderie for “brothers in arms” to gather together and experience the joys and thrills of riding a motorcycle together.
More than ever, we are seeing our veterans turn to motorcycling and for a variety of reasons. We want to help these veterans understand how to ride a motorcycle, enjoy the sport and hopefully aid them in learning to control their adrenaline response and risk assessment while riding.
For the enjoyment and happiness found in riding a motorcycle, we’d like to say:
“Using two wheels to put distance between you and PTSD.”
Who We Serve
We serve those who have served us and protected our freedoms.
The Countersteer program is open to all post-9/11 veterans at no cost.
What Is Countersteer?
The name Countersteer is taken directly from a term used in all forms of vehicular control and literally is defined as “opposite to direction.” Countersteering is the process of turning the wheel in the opposite direction to keep the vehicle “on track” and “going in the right direction.” The average driver that loses control of their family automobile in the snow has learned when the car is skidding/sliding off the road they should turn the wheel the opposite direction to keep the car on its correct path. This is the act of “countersteering.” When the effects of PTSD over take the veteran’s life, Countersteer is here to help keep them on track with education, events for veterans, and a place for “brothers in arms” to be with one another and find support with the everyday activity and hobby of motorcycling. Many veterans that suffer from the effects of PTSD go undiagnosed for years. This program will raise awareness for veterans, as well as their family and friends.