TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Combat Center Marines participated in the monthly Headquarter Battalion Dirt Day at the Joshua Tree Dry Lake Bed Oct 25, 2013. All service members and their families were invited to bring their off-road vehicles and participate in the event.
“Dirt Day has a lot to offer,” said Sgt. Jake Seibert, technician, Explosive Ordnance Disposal. “We are out here to have fun and build camaraderie between the Marines but there is much more to it than that.”
Dirt Day began with the Marines finding a place to setup in the middle of the dried lake bed. Once the Marines parked their trucks and trailers, the fun began. Before taking off for their first ride, the Marines were inspected for safety gear. One of the biggest focuses of Dirt Day is to teach participants to be safe when they ride.
“You should always be as safe as possible when riding,” Seibert said. “Most of the people out here are pretty experienced and have plenty of tips or personal stories to share with people who aren’t as experienced.”
Riders of all levels rode together, charging toward the first trail. The service members rode in a variety of trails including, soft-sand, hill-climb and flat-ground trails. After each trail was completed, the riders would ensure their bike was still operational. They also shared their experience on the trail and any advice they had to offer.
“The more you do something, the better you will get,” said Staff Sgt. Andrew Eichelberger, master gunner, company C, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. “This place offers trails for all levels or riders but the first step is actually getting out here and doing it. It is like heaven out here for off-road vehicles.”
The Headquarters’ Battalion Dirt Day is open to all off-road vehicles and any service or family member aboard the Combat Center. It is held monthly in different locations throughout Southern California. This event gives people a chance to join a community that looks forward to spending time in the dirt and teaching one another.
“It truly is a great time,” Eichelberger said. “It’s a full day of riding, learning and playing in the dirt. It doesn’t get better than that.”
For more information on how to sign up, contact Sgt. Jake Seibert, Dirt Day liaison, at (760) 830-5060.