MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay -- Many bikers stand by the belief that riding a motorcycle is more than a fact or a hobby, but a way of life. So when the MCB Hawaii Motorcycle Association was created two years ago, it was fitting that the members quickly bonded as a close-knit group of motorcycling enthusiasts.
Besides the social benefits, the motorcycle association has a much more important goal in mind. Its own mission statement declares that it wants to establish and maintain a spirit of camaraderie and "esprit de corps" that will enhance the prestige of all riders on MCB Hawaii. In layman's terms, this means the association wants riders to be safe, have proficient riding skills and still look good riding.
"The association has built that camaraderie that we talk about. We are friends," said Gunnery Sgt. Douglas Peercy, company gunnery sergeant for Headquarters Battalion, MCB Hawaii, and vice president of the association. "We have also gotten the bullet-riders off the streets, and onto the track where it is legal and safe [to race]."
The association promotes motorcycle awareness, safety and ongoing rider education and skills development without forgetting that "the ride" is most important.
So far, the association is the proud parent of 158 members, military and civilian. "Joining our association is no way near mandatory," said Peercy, "but the more people that are involved, the easier it is to spread the word about coming events or changes in base orders."
Every last Thursday of the month at 3 p.m., the association has a meeting that lasts about an hour to discuss any upcoming issues, projects or events it is involved with. The group also uses meeting time to pass along useful information from people's experiences in the hope that it will educate members.
The most recent meeting on Feb. 26 spotlighted guest speaker Rod Carr, avid cyclist and president of Carr's Insurance Agency in Honolulu. Carr shared his motorcycling knowledge with the audience and discussed different aspects of motorcycle insurance.
For those interested in riding, he explained that in Hawaii you need to purchase motorcycle insurance for your bike before a driving permit can be issued. However, before the insurance company will issue a policy, proof of enrollment in a state-approved motorcycle safety course must be verified. Recently, Carr worked with the legislature to have the state recognize the base safety course as one of the approved courses.
He also explained the importance of "shopping around" and finding an insurance company that fits the motorcyclist's needs best. He mentioned the importance of looking into "stacked insurance" coverage offered within the state of Hawaii, after the meeting.
Stacked coverage means that in the event of a covered, uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) loss, your total coverage will be the sum of the UM or UIM coverage limits for all autos covered under your policy (even though only one covered auto was involved in an accident).
It also means that the individual is covered no matter what vehicle the individual is driving, whether it's a rental or a motorcycle borrowed from a friend in the event of an accident.
Stacked UM and/or UIM coverage can be purchased if you insure more than one auto under your policy.
Personally, Carr loves and has been riding motorcycles for most of his life. "There is no better way to tour than on the back of a motorcycle." But on a more serious note, he stressed that motorcycles, though a great way of life, can be dangerous.
"Take it serious because it is serious and I'd like to see less people hurt. We lose an average of six military [personnel] a year. Don't start out on a 1000cc motorcycle. They're not for inexperienced riders. They have to work their way up to it." Carr strongly emphasized that riders must have respect, and proper instruction to ride safely. Once the details have been taken care of, riders should take advantage of Hawaii's beautiful weather year-round and be active in the many clubs around the island.
The association has many different projects on the horizon including plans for a trip to the island of Hawaii - motorcycles and all. There's the possibility that BayFest 2004 will debut a bike show too. The association also makes frequent trips to Campbell Raceway Park, to watch the bike races, and sometimes members "let it rip" themselves.
"Realistically, we want the public and base to realize we are the good guys," said Peercy. "If we all wear the proper PPE [personal protective equipment], including gloves, helmets and reflective gear, without it interfering with the wear of our uniforms, then that is one less thing to complain about.
"And that goes for at all times! What is required on base is also required off base," said Peercy. "You don't step out of regulation's realm just because you are off base."
Get more details on the association at http://forums.delphiforums.com/ MCBHMA/start, or contact Peercy at peercydm@mcbh.usmc.mil, or call (808) 257-1252.