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