MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- With more than 80 motorcycle clubs thriving aboard base, one in particular continues to see increased participation and even more exciting events.
The School of Infantry West’s Motorcycle Club geared up Oct. 8 for an exciting ride to Samurai Motorsports for a tour and visit from British motorcycle racer Neil Hodgson, the 2003 Superbike World Champion.
“These clubs build camaraderie, encourage education and give riders a chance to get out and talk bikes, away from the unit,” said 1st Sgt. Marcus P. Chamberlin, first sergeant, SOI West and president of SOI West’s Motorcycle Club. “They also have to be fun and not just another order for Marines to follow.”
More than 35 riders with the club learned motorcycle maintenance and gained advice from Samurai Motorsport staff during the visit. Participants also rode to the base’s new motorcycle training site in Camp Del Mar and conducted handling exercises and maneuvering tactics.
“We encourage the importance of rider education,” said Chamberlin, who also professionally races sport bikes. “I guarantee all these guys know more about the size of rims on their car than they do about their bike.”
The clubs last ride on Jun. 30 included a full tour of Kawasaki USA’s plant by the head of Kawasaki International and complete stunt show performed by sport bike professional Jason Britton who hosts the Speed Channel’s Super Bikes!
“This is probably one of the most active clubs in the Marine Corps with our events,” said Karl W. Vordahl, safety manager, SOI West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “Nobody has matched what we have done, especially our last event.”
Motorcycle clubs were mandated by the Corps last year as part of its Motorcycle Mentorship Program with the goal of reducing motorcycle mishaps, according to Marine Administrative Message 707/08. Unit Motorcycle Club events and rides are a means of developing and maintaining rider skills and safety habits, as well as fostering unit cohesion and morale.
The clubs are intended to continue rider education beyond all initially mandated training, added Vordahl, a retired master gunnery sergeant with more than 20 years of riding experience. This constant education and safety training is the only thing that is going to keep our riders alive.
Because the clubs last two events focused on sport bike riding, the organization’s next planned event is expected to focus around cruisers, or more traditionally designed motorcycles.
“There is plenty of patriotism and support in our communities,” added Vordahl. “We just have to tap into it.”