MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Hundreds of Japanese and American men, women, and children decked out in leather jackets and vests, studs and spikes, chaps, distressed denim, bandanas and riding boots attended the 2010 Oshima Camp Meeting in Katazoe Saturday and Sunday.
The Oshima Camp Meeting is an annual motorcycle rally put together by the Iwakuni Motorcycle Club to raise money for Oshima Island.
At around 9 a.m. bikers started rolling in, transforming the peaceful serene campground into a rock ‘n’ roll, bikeenthusiast festival.
The campground filled with tattooed motorcyclists, bikes dating back to 1910, tents, charcoal grills, clothing vendors and food stands.
Gary Knable, a vendor at the rally, said he has been coming to events like these for about 17 years.
“I come out for the bikers, to have fun, meet people and just enjoy the bikes,” he said. “Once you come out your first time, you’ll always come out again.”
Inside his airbrushed truck serving as a clothing store, motorcyclists could find leather clothing, animal skins, wallets, hair accessories, belt buckles and even snake heads.
While some people cruised from one vendor to the next, some sat at their tents to cook a meal and others socialized while sitting next to the stage where an array of musicians from the local area played rock music.
Master Sgt. Sherri Stevenson of Marine Aviation Logistics 12 said the best part about the bike rally is the friendships she has made with the Japanese.
“The first time I came out, I fell in love with the Japanese-American relationship,” Stevenson said. “I saw all the proceeds that go to the island, and that really keeps our relationship going.”
Over the past four years, the club has raised more than $9,000 for the island.
“The proceeds usually go to an elderly home, but last year they went to schoolbooks for the kids,” said Michael Gingles, the Iwakuni Motorcycle Club president. “This year the money will be given to the mayor, and he will decide where the money needs to be used the most.”
While the rally carried on throughout the night and into the next morning, there were events catering to both children and adults.
A treasure hunt was held for the children that evening, and adults participated in an arm wrestling contest later that night.
While heavy metal played in the background, a birthday cake was served to celebrate anyone who had recently celebrated a birthday of his/her own.
Even after a long night of partying, everyone was wide awake bright and early the next morning to enjoy a game of bingo together and share in laughter and smiles.
After almost everyone received a prize, the tatted crew packed up their tents and prepared to ride back home.
“(This event) is not for me; it’s for you guys, for the base, to show that service members are good people and we can get along without problems,” said Gingles. “So come out, see what we have here and what friends you can make. They’ll be your friends forever.”
To find out more information about getting involved in the Iwakuni Motorcycle Club, visit www. iwakunimotorcycle.com.