Motorcyclists attached to the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) conducted an organized group ride from Norfolk to Yorktown, Virginia, June 12.

"Rides like this serve a dual purpose," said Chief Machinist's Mate Devan Jones, the coordinator of the ride. "More experienced riders are able to mentor less experienced riders and the whole thing will help build camaraderie among Sailors who ride motorcycles."

The ride began at 11 a.m. on Pier 14 at Norfolk Naval Station and concluded at Yorktown Harley Davidson. Twenty-five Sailors took part in the ride, which included sport bikes and cruiser motorcycles. The 40-mile trip took roughly one hour.

"This was my first ride with this group," said Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Kyle Redding, who rides a blue and white 2009 Suzuki GSX-R 600 sport bike. "I've been riding for a little bit, but I've never gone out with a mixed group like this before. I was looking forward to it."

The participants varied in both age and level of experience. This was the first group ride for some, but others have been participating in rides like this for years.

"I love them," said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Jason Hickenbottom, who rode his Honda VTX 1800. "I used to do rides like this once a month at my last command. It helps to promote safe riding."

This ride was open to all types of motorcycles, but was heavily weighted towards cruisers. The sport bikes took the rear and were led by Jones on his blacked-out Harley Davidson Softail Crossbones edition.

"We're trying to do these rides a lot more," said Jones. "Riding with people and getting to know each other helps to grow the community in a good way. We learn how to ride safely and we make friends."

George H. W. Bush is currently homeported in Norfolk.
For more information on USS George H.W. Bush follow the ship's fan page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/USSGeorgeHWBush