When you hear motorcycle club, what comes to mind? Is it, “biker gang”?
Well, the Beach City Motorcycle Club is just that… a gang of people (men) that have come together to support and empower each other while enjoying their passion for motorcycles. The club was formed in 2006 so that fellow bikers could come together to share their biking experience. The 23-member club is not just a social club for biker enthusiasts; it is an organization that prides itself on community involvement and service. By day the members are professionals, financial managers, entrepreneurs, longshoremen, photographers, men in business suits and ties, but when they put on their leather vests they are identified as the members of the Beach City Motorcycle Club. When they are not riding they are giving back to the community.
On Saturday, December 6, the Beach City Motorcycle Club came together with other motorcycle clubs from Los Angeles County to honor and serve the veterans that have served our nation. Many of the veterans were residents at U.S. VETS-Long Beach located at Village at Cabrillo or alumni of the U.S. VETS programs. The veterans were joined by their families to enjoy a delicious meal, opportunity drawings and music played by 93.5 The Beat. Blankets, shirts, and socks were distributed. A home cooked southern style meal prepared by Young & Worthy Soul Food was served to over 350 people. The menu included: macaroni & cheese, ox-tails, dressing, mash-potatoes, green beans, cornbread, salad, Red-Velvet cake, German Chocolate cake and banana pudding. The lead organizer, Beach City Business Manager Kelvin Washington, orchestrated the event in partnership with other clubs across the county. Washington stated, “The success of the event would have not been possible without the support of other motorcycle clubs and businesses that made contributions toward the event.” The other clubs present included: Buffalo Soldiers, Flawless Diamonds, Foxxy Divaz, LA Rattlers and Unique Women of Today. Sponsors included: Beach City Foundation, Pit-bull Energy Drinks, 93.5 The Beat, Young & Worthy Soul Food, and U.S. VETS.
This was my first experience with the Beach City Motorcycle Club; I was beyond impressed with the organization and collaborative effort put into the event. As each bike entered upon the grounds of Villages at Cabrillo the ROAR from the engines created a vibration underneath my feet that compelled me to look around to see who arrived and what they were riding. As I conversed with the different members of the motorcycle clubs my own misconceptions about motorcycle clubs began to fade. As I learned of the other type of events they have sponsored throughout the community and state of California, I thought… maybe I need to don a leather vest as I tackle issues in my community.
Two Vietnam Veterans show off their biker club memorabilia from their days of biking
Greg McCormack, Site Director for U.S. VETS, help serve the meal.
Kelvin Washington, Beach City Motorcycle Club presents a certificate of recognition to Bill Wallace, Clinical Director of U.S. VETS-LB.
Members of the Beach City Motorcycle Club
Row of bikes.
Young & Worthy Soul Food