Celebrating 100 years...'Hog riders' bridge cultural gap

[thedrifter]

Celebrating 100 years...
'Hog riders' bridge cultural gap
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification Number: 20037219285
Story by Sgt Jason D. Gallentine



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Okinawa, Japan(July 1, 2003) -- When the first production Harley-Davidson was introduced in 1903, chances are it was expected to bridge the gap between American and Japanese cultures.

However, locals and Americans come together here a common interest - riding their motorcycles.

According to Gunnery Sgt. Rob Christman, Maintenance Controller, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-265, Marine Aircraft Group-36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and Vice-President of Leathernecks, an all-Marine motorcycle club, Americans and Okinawans come together whenever there is a gathering of riders.

The Harley-Davidson Mayhem Block Party, hosted by Exchange New Car Sales in May, was one such gathering. Harley- Davidson lovers gathered to eat, drink and participate in games and competitions to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the world-famous motorcycle company.

Christman added that this gathering was a good opportunity for all to get together and just have fun.

The party, organized by Rick Luna, MCAS Futenma manager, Exchange New Car Sales, was originally planned to be a small celebration, but grew as the amount of interest rose. Soon, local Harley-Davidson clubs and shops, a Salsa club, and food vendors signed up to participate in the event.

The events for the day included many competitions such as best and worst legs, best tattoo, best bikes and rat bike, and two slow riding competitions. However it was the 'Fear Factor challenge,' that attracted the largest crowd.

During the competition, contestants were required to drink foul concoctions rumored to have ingredients such as pig brains, 25-year-old eggs, cow intestines and lung membrane. However, these ingredients were already blended into a dark liquid prior to the competition leaving all to the imagination.

Once on stage, the contestants picked cards whose numbers matched a bowl full of various raw seafood. Once chosen, the ingredients would be added to the mix and blended once again. Then, the competitors had to drink the chunky mixture in under a minute with the quickest contestant taking home the $300 prize.

While the competitions were exciting for the participants, and with prizes ranging from gift certificates to leather jackets and cash, riders came from all around to socialize and see some of the best and most interesting bikes on the island.

According to Gunnery Sgt. Bill Townley, instructor, G-3, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, this is a good way to get together and show active duty participation.

"It is always awesome to have the local nationals involved," the Fairfax, Va. native said. "It takes away the division between military and locals."

Miyagi Satoru from Gushikawa City had similar thoughts on interacting with Americans.

"This is good, you make a lot of friends," said the member of the Okinawa Motorcycle Club (OMCC). "Whenever there is a show like this I am more than glad to come."

While the competitions offered fun, excitement, and maybe even an upset stomach for some, the gathering of 'Harley lovers' was a huge success, strengthening the relationship between Americans and their host country.




Members of the Leathernecks, an all-Marine motorcycle club, enter the gate of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. They were the first to show up for the Harley-Davidson Mayhem Block Party.
Photo by: Sgt. Jason Gallentine




Gunnery Sgt. Darryl J. Sisneros, squadron Gunnery Sgt., Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron-36, Marine Aircraft Group-36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, throttles his Harley-Davidson during the loudest pipes competition.
Photo by: Sgt. Jason Gallentine


Sempers,

Roger