Traditional Outlaw Biker Clubs
Traditional outlaw biker clubs (OBs) are by far the most notorious type of motorcycle club. These clubs have a long and sordid history, often associated with crime and violence, including murder, drug trafficking, and firearms offences. Outlaw biker clubs were formed in the 1940s, when a group of servicemen returning from World War II, who were also members of motorcycle clubs, were banned from joining the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) because of their “bad boy” reputations. They then formed their own clubs, and the outlaw biker culture was born. Although these days, most traditional OBs have cleaned up their acts and abandoned their criminal ways, they’re still predominantly made up of male members. However, some, such as the Pagans and the Hells Angels, have a long history of discrimination against women, and, to this day, women are often not permitted to become members of these clubs. In fact, even today, the number of women in OBs is very low, and some clubs are taking measures to actively encourage more women to join.
Family-Oriented Clubs
As the name suggests, family-oriented clubs are made up of members who are related to each other. Most family clubs are made up of brothers, cousins, uncles, and dads who ride together and enjoy a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. Some clubs, such as the Blue Knights and the 3rd Knights of the Southern Wheel, have a long history of helping out others and are very philanthropic in nature. Others, such as the Flying Rabbits, are made up of families who simply enjoy riding and spending time together. Family clubs are a great way to find a like-minded group of people with whom you can share your interests and have a good time. While most family clubs are open to all, a few are very specific. For example, the Flying W Farms Family Motorcycle Club is made up of farmers and their families, while the Bikers for Boobs Family Motorcycle Club is made up of breast cancer survivors.
Leisure Motorcycle Clubs
Leisure clubs are made up of people who enjoy the camaraderie and fun of motorcycling but don’t necessarily ride for racing or performance purposes. If you just like to ride for the pleasure of riding, then you may fall into this group. Leisure clubs are also open to people who enjoy other forms of outdoor recreation alongside motorcycling, such as camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and more. Many leisure clubs offer great social opportunities, charity events, and other ways to help the community. Some leisure clubs are very specific in the activities they enjoy, while others are more open and inclusive in nature. For example, the Bay Area Tuggers are a tug boat club based in California, while the North American Hill Climbing Council (NAHCC) is a leisure club for people who enjoy hill climbing.
Racing and Performance Motorcycle Clubs
While many motorcycle clubs focus on social events and charitable activities, racing and performance clubs put their skills to the test on the track. These clubs are made up of people who enjoy riding for speed or racing, and many of them take their sport seriously. If you are interested in racing or go-fast motorcycle modifications, you may want to look into joining a club. Some racing clubs are very specific in their disciplines, while others are more general and incorporate a wide range of go-fast sports. Some racing clubs have a long history and are very established. The American Competition in Motorcycling (ACMC) was founded in 1935 and is the oldest motorcycling organization in the United States. Others are much more recent and are open to newer members.
Women-Only Motorcycle Clubs
Ride with us. These are not your standard motorcycle clubs, but they are a growing trend. And, they’re mostly in response to the lack of women in other clubs. These clubs are inclusive and friendly. While many are focused on riding, others are about empowering women and promoting a strong sense of community. If you’re a woman who is interested in motorcycling, but don’t want to feel like an outsider in a male-dominated environment, then a women-only club is a great place to start. Some of these clubs are open to men who are interested in supporting the cause, but the general vibe is one of camaraderie among women. These clubs have many different names. Some have names that focus on riding, others have names that focus on community building, and some have names that focus on both. Some clubs are very large, while others are smaller, more informal clubs.
Charitable Motorcycle Clubs
Many clubs are philanthropic in nature and donate their time and money to worthy causes. The majority, however, are charitable motorcycle clubs. These clubs often raise money for a particular cause and focus on a different project each year. Some clubs have a more general focus, while others have a more specific cause. For example, the American Legion Riders are an American Legion club that offers support for veterans, while the American Society of Mechanical Engineers is a club for students. Charitable clubs are a great way to get involved and help out in your community. Many also offer a chance to make new friends and enjoy social events.
Adventure and Travel Clubs
If you love the open road and adventures on two wheels, you may want to join an adventure or travel club. These clubs are made up of people who enjoy riding and meeting new people on group tours. They often organize big group tours and meetups, and the focus is on exploring the world and having fun with other like-minded people. If you’re interested in joining one of these clubs, you may need to apply to be part of a group before the next big tour. Adventure and travel clubs are a great way to meet new people, get out and explore the world, and enjoy the thrill of riding in a group.
Military Motorcycle Clubs
If you’re in the military and enjoy motorcycles, you may want to look into joining a military motorcycle club. These clubs are made up of current and former military personnel who ride bikes. Some clubs are very specific and focus on a certain branch of the military, while others are more inclusive and welcome all members, regardless of their background. If you’re a current member of the military and interested in joining a motorcycle club, you may want to look into the Patriot Guard Riders and the Wounded Warrior Riders. These are clubs made up of military personnel who ride to attend various events and shows to honor veterans and raise money for charities.
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