MLG Marines roll out for east coast Corps motorcycle ride

II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by Cpl. Katherine Solano

Date: 05.03.2012
Posted: 05.03.2012 14:48
News ID: 87815
MLG Marines roll out for east coast Corps motorcycle ride

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — More than 100 motorcyclists with 2nd Marine Logistics Group contributed to the 400-plus attendees at a Marine Corps Installations East rider’s event, spanning the distance between Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., May 1.

The event started with a collective ride from the base to Bogue and served to promote motorcycle safety, riding skills and the overall cohesion in the Marine and sailor motorcycle community.

“The purpose of today’s event is to enhance your riding skills no matter what style of bike you ride,” said Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Robbins, a maintenance chief with Engineer Maintenance Company, 2nd Maint. Battalion, 2nd MLG. “What I got out of it today was knowing my limitations on cornering and the handling of my own motorcycle.”

Expanding their skill set and level of knowledge is not only beneficial for senior-ranking riders, but also enable them to better counsel their junior Marines and fellow riders.

“[It’s for] all of us to come together no matter what our rank or [type of] bike we ride,” added Master Sgt. Thomas C. Sharpe, the operations chief with 2nd Maint. Bn., 2nd MLG. “We get out there on the course and have instructors show [us] what to do and improve [our] riding skills. We can pass that knowledge on to some of our junior riders to improve our mentorship program.”

Throughout the day, the riders also had the chance to compete in a course, enter their bike in a competitive show, and speak to multiple vendors and sponsors in attendance.

As the day drew to a close, the riders were treated to multiple speeches from influential motorcyclists and safety figures in the community. Among the speakers were Brig. Gen. Thomas Gorry, the MCIEAST commander, and Becky Wallace, the director of the North Carolina governor’s Department of Highway Safety Program.

Gorry also awarded the competition winners with trophies and certificates before the day concluded.

Despite the range of experience levels, many riders agreed they learned something from this event and plan on attending others like it in the Marine Corps.

“I think this is a good training event, because after riding for 20 years, even I learned a lot,” concluded Sharpe.