OSHIMA, Japan -- A mighty roar rumbles beyond the hills, a blur of chrome and leather throttles down the road, the scent of ignited gasoline fills the air as the pack of modern day cowboys head toward the island to partake in this year’s meeting.
“I love the freedom of the road, the air thrown in your face, it just takes you to the days of cowboys; instead of having a horse, it’s an iron horse with nothing but the road before you,” said Chief Warrant Officer Leonard J. Tippett, riding enthusiast and organizer of this year’s 3rd Annual Oshima Motorcycle Camp Meeting, April 14 to 16.
The event was one of many hosted by the Iwakuni Motorcycle Club and Power Toys, who intend to boost relations between Japanese and Americans here.
Choppers, cruisers, sport and custom bikes laid the scene as more than 200 motorcycle enthusiasts arrived at Mutsu Park here to partake in the meeting.
The variety of hogs that arrived displayed the diverse personalities present at the event. From the older men resting atop their cruisers and stretching their hands to the handle bars, to the crazier ones who pour blood sweat and tears into building their own custom bike.
“Each bike is styled by the individual. You can tell a lot about a person based on their ride. You can tell whose got the cash, whose been riding a long time or whose just starting out,” said Tippett. “The personality fits the bike.”
“If they are Harley guys, they like to enjoy the scenery, the noise of the ride, the wind in their face. It gives them the feeling of being free,” said Cpl. Brandon J. Boscia, riding enthusiast. “The sport guys, however, tend to be the wild ones. They like to do wheelies and enjoy the dangerousness of it all.”
While each rider displayed their varied personalities, through their bike, there was one trait they all had in common: their love for motorcycles.
“This (the event) is all about having fun with your friends and meeting new people,” said Cpl Ross A. Cooley, Marine Aircraft Group 12 supply. “Even though it’s difficult communicating with the Japanese, it’s still fun to share similar interests. Even if all we can do sometimes is just get a (motorcycle) magazine out and look at the pictures together.”
It wasn’t all about the chromed bikes and leather getups. Camaraderie was a big part of the whole affair. Some participated in events to raise money for the town of Toa, in an effort to give back to the host community and celebrate the Easter holiday. Events included an Easter egg hunt, tug-of-war, arm wrestling, and a slow bike contest.
Vendors were also present at the event, all lined next to one another in an effort to promote their motorcycle or auto shop.
“Most people come out here just to look at the vendors, get a patch and get reacquainted with other biker friends,” said Tippett.
When most think of bikers they picture the tough serious look, but that wasn’t the case at the meeting. The park was filled with laughter and smiles as Japanese and Americans enjoyed each other’s company.
“I like being out here around other bikers and Americans because it’s fun and you get to learn about other customs,” said Tomotaka Sekiguchi, motorcycle mechanic and Japanese national.
Overall, the meeting was a great way to kick off the spring and allow bikers the chance to get their rides out after a long winter, according to Tippett. For those interested in riding, there will be plenty more events for bike enthusiasts new and old.
If interested in riding or getting information about riding, contact Tippett at 253-3585 or Mark A. Parsons, Station motorcycle instructor at 253-5487.