NC Marine Riders Group

National Meeting Marine Riders Group

jarhead@mcl260.org — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:51:00 GMT

The Marine Riders National Meeting will be June 26, 27, 28, 2009. Place Kickstand Lodge (www.kickstandlodge.com), Robbinsville, NC. It's in the Maggie Valley/Cherokee area. There will be Live Music, camping and camaraderie.

If you plan on attending contact SgtMjr Greg Ross nc_sparky@ncmrg.org

This is the first time the National meeting is held in North Carolina. If your interested in attended or joining the Marine Riders Group contact Lamar Mullis lamar@triadep.com or Trish Winsett Patricia.winsett@mcl260.org

For more information go to www.ncmrg.org

Carolina Marine “Bikers”

jarhead@mcl260.org — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:33:00 GMT

So how far back in history do Carolina Marines on motorcycles go? Well in the early forties Jim Haslem (shown above) rode the unpaved/paved roads on his Indian Chief. (Most will tell you he traded in his dinosaur for it). The Indian Motorcycle company manufactured many of the motorcycles originally used by the Marine Corps.

Today we have thousands of Marines riding motorcycles including thousands of Marine Veterans and yes hundreds of Marine Corps League riders. I ride the roads of the Carolinas with Active Duty Sergeants Major, Officers, Marine Veterans that have served in every conflict since WWII, yes that’s right some of our WWII veterans still ride today! The State Commandants in many states ride including Virginia and North Carolina as well as many other Detachment Officers and members. The Marine Corps now has specific groups within the Corps to help new riders and seasoned riders maintain a higher level of safety.

The old mentality of Bikers from 20 years ago has drastically changed over the years. Now days one of the most frequent and successful fund raisers for Veteran organizations are based on motorcycle events such as Poker Runs and Rallies.

The most predominant motorcycle group tot he military is the Patriot Guard. This motorcycle group of both Veterans and Patriots have given a presence of honor to our Fallen servicemen that has never been experienced in History. They have gained the recognition and respect of not only all branches of the military but also Congress.

So when you out driving Watch Out Marine Crops bikers are everywhere. Look twice save a life.

Marine Riders Volunteer at the 1st Carolina Bike Rally

jarhead@mcl260.org — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:47:00 GMT

The Carolina Bike Rally previously named the Outer banks Bike Rally held it’s first rally in Jacksonville, NC near the New River Air Station. The rally was held as a fund raiser for Hope for the Warriors, a non-profit group located at Camp Lejeune that tends to the needs of wounded servicemen from current conflicts. The rally for 7 years was held at the Outer Banks then the promoters decided to move south to the Crystal Coast providing more for it’s patrons.

The Guest of Honor this year was USMC Cpl Zach Fincannon. Zach sustain several wounds in a gun fight in Falusia, Iraq 5 years ago along with the loss of his left arm. Zach is a tribute to all that serve in his set mind to adapt and go forward. Zach's dad and some of his friends built him a Custom Trike which he road from Stony Point North Carolina along with his Dad and friends to the rally. It was truly an honor to meet Zach and his family. although not planned the last day of the rally April 26 was the anniversary of the day Zach was wounded. Funny how those things just happen. Zach is a member of the MCL 1160 Hickory Detachment.

Hope for the Warriors manned the gate along with volunteers form the Wounded Warriors Barracks at Camp Lejeune and many Marines that volunteered from the base. The main venue of the rally had over 2000 attendees and the marketing of the event brought over 5000 bikes to the area.

The main sponsor this year was the American Legion Post 7 and as in previous years the Marine Riders Group was one of the core sponsors along with The Blue Star Mothers, Patriot Guard, Christian Motorcycle Assoc., School of Infantry (SOI) and others. MCL Detachments and other veteran groups from around the area also made contributions to Hope for the Warriors in support of the rally and primarily to our wounded Marines.

Various agencies from Onslow County government where involved in the planning of the rally and as a result the rally only had very minor incidents. These officials have welcomed the rally to return in 2010.

for more information on Hope for the Warriors go to www.hopeforthewarriors.org