In the News
26May2009 岩国基地でのバイク講習
2009年（平成21年）5月24日（日曜日）読売新聞（岩国柳井版）
岩国署日本の交通事情説明 岩国市の米海兵隊岩国基地で23日、基地内のオートパイ愛好者らを対象にした安全講習「モーターサイクル・ロデオ」が開かれた。
4月に結成された岩国署の「特別機動警察隊」(SPI)隊員らが日本の交通事情などを説明し、安全運転を呼びかけた。外国人が絡む事件事故ヘの対応などを目的としたSPI発足を受け、同基地安全部が初めて主催。基地側から約40人が参加した。講習ではSPIの白バイ隊員伊田佳司巡査長が、交通事故の多発地点や安全確認の大切さなどを、英語でジョークを交えながら伝えた。スラロームなどを白バイ隊員が模範演技した後、米国製大型オートバイなど に乗った参加者が同じコースを体験走行した。基地内の愛好者らで作る「岩国モーターサイクルクラブ」のマイケル・ジングルス会長は「日本の道は米国と比べ、信号も交通量も
多い。運転技術や安全確認など、学んだことを生かしたい」と話した。 SPI隊長の大江明吏地域1課長は「受講者から交通安全の気持ちが広がっていってほしい」と期待していた。
29 march 2009 (Visit to Sazanami-en)
広報すおう大島 表紙（Mikeと最長老のご婦人）
On the front cover of rocal brochure in Suo-Oshima
Title:Thank you for coming
On the front cover of rocal brochure in Suo-Oshima
Title:Thank you for coming
29th Mar. members of IMC(who loves motorcycle) visited to Sazanami-en. The club has many American members. They bring unfamiliar juice and home made cookies. They talk with each persons and enjoyed singing. They have had a great day.
Oshima Bike Rally Kick-Starts Summer Season
April 14, 2007; Submitted on: 04/19/2007 09:00:14 PM ; Story ID#: 200741921014
By Lance Cpl. Noah S. Leffler, MCAS Iwakuni
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (April 14, 2007) — The ground shook with the thunderous rumble of engines as leather-clad renegades cruised Route 60 on a balmy April afternoon. Some might be intimidated by hundreds of grizzled bikers swarming the island, but Oshima residents warmly welcomed the motley crew as they have every year.Nearly 500 American and Japanese motorcycle enthusiasts came together for a weekend of choppers and camaraderie during the fourth annual Oshima Bike Rally Saturday and Sunday at the Katazoe Beach Park.The event is an opportunity for the two cultures to share in their love of bikes and raise several thousand dollars to be donated to Oshima Island.“It’s a lot of good, clean fun,” said Mike K. Gingles, Iwakuni Motorcycle Club president and Shreveport, La., native.Donating the event’s proceeds to the island shows local residents the bikers are there as friends, and their open reception to our presence is what keeps everyone coming back, he added.Although there was no shortage of chains, beer and rock and roll, the rally had a peaceful vibe belying many of the bikers’ outlaw images.“It’s a tight group,” said Cleburne, Texas, native William T. Montgomery. “Everyone pulls in with their bikes, you walk around, introduce yourself and will easily get people that are willing to be friendly.”The weekend was packed with activities including bingo, live music and an arm wrestling contest. Attendees were able to observe professional pinstripers detailing motorcycles and helmets as well as try many Japanese and American foods for sale.“It was my first experience,” said Mikie Watanabe, bass player for the Iwakuni rock band Road Rage and native of Hiroshima. “I get to see different motorcycles and different people who love meeting each other.”“Hopefully people are having fun and will enjoy the good memories,” she added.The rally, which is the first of the year in Japan, boasted pleasant springtime weather and a scenic view overlooking Katazoe beach. Many riders felt the locale gave the event an added touch of home.“The Vibes magazine photographer said this reminds him of America with all the palm trees,” Gingles said. “It made it look like a real American bike rally.”Although the rally only lasted two days, the friendships forged and cultural gaps bridged will last long after the last chopper rumbles off into the sunset.“We need to be good ambassadors … it’s all about making friends with the Japanese people,” said Gingles. “It makes me feel good sharing my American heritage with my Japanese friends.
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| Motorcycle enthusiasts from all over Japan arrived at the Katazoe Beach Park for the Oshima Bike Rally April 14 and 15. |
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (April 14, 2007) — The ground shook with the thunderous rumble of engines as leather-clad renegades cruised Route 60 on a balmy April afternoon. Some might be intimidated by hundreds of grizzled bikers swarming the island, but Oshima residents warmly welcomed the motley crew as they have every year.Nearly 500 American and Japanese motorcycle enthusiasts came together for a weekend of choppers and camaraderie during the fourth annual Oshima Bike Rally Saturday and Sunday at the Katazoe Beach Park.The event is an opportunity for the two cultures to share in their love of bikes and raise several thousand dollars to be donated to Oshima Island.“It’s a lot of good, clean fun,” said Mike K. Gingles, Iwakuni Motorcycle Club president and Shreveport, La., native.Donating the event’s proceeds to the island shows local residents the bikers are there as friends, and their open reception to our presence is what keeps everyone coming back, he added.Although there was no shortage of chains, beer and rock and roll, the rally had a peaceful vibe belying many of the bikers’ outlaw images.“It’s a tight group,” said Cleburne, Texas, native William T. Montgomery. “Everyone pulls in with their bikes, you walk around, introduce yourself and will easily get people that are willing to be friendly.”The weekend was packed with activities including bingo, live music and an arm wrestling contest. Attendees were able to observe professional pinstripers detailing motorcycles and helmets as well as try many Japanese and American foods for sale.“It was my first experience,” said Mikie Watanabe, bass player for the Iwakuni rock band Road Rage and native of Hiroshima. “I get to see different motorcycles and different people who love meeting each other.”“Hopefully people are having fun and will enjoy the good memories,” she added.The rally, which is the first of the year in Japan, boasted pleasant springtime weather and a scenic view overlooking Katazoe beach. Many riders felt the locale gave the event an added touch of home.“The Vibes magazine photographer said this reminds him of America with all the palm trees,” Gingles said. “It made it look like a real American bike rally.”Although the rally only lasted two days, the friendships forged and cultural gaps bridged will last long after the last chopper rumbles off into the sunset.“We need to be good ambassadors … it’s all about making friends with the Japanese people,” said Gingles. “It makes me feel good sharing my American heritage with my Japanese friends.