What is a motorcycle club?
A motorcycle club is a group of people who ride motorcycles together and participate in social and group riding events. There are over 6,000 motorcycle clubs in the US, and new clubs are forming all the time. Although many motorcycle clubs are organized around a particular brand of motorcycle, there are also clubs for people who ride any type of motorcycle. Joining a motorcycle club is a great way to meet other riders and make new friends. Motorcycle clubs often have a strong sense of community and camaraderie, and they may also have charitable or philanthropic activities. Many motorcycle clubs have an established history and hold regular meetings. Joining a motorcycle club can be a great way to make new friends and become part of a supportive motorcycle community.
Benefits of joining a motorcycle club
- Build a Supportive Community - Joining a motorcycle club can be a great way to make new friends and become part of a supportive motorcycle community. Motorcyclists are often a friendly bunch, and many clubs have regular social events where you can get to know other members.
- Get out and Ride - Many motorcycle clubs organize group riding events, and almost all clubs host regular group rides. If you’re brand new to motorcycling and want to learn more, riding with a club is an excellent way to practice and get feedback from more experienced riders.
- Explore New Destinations - Many clubs have regular ride destinations, and some clubs are dedicated to touring. If you’re interested in traveling by motorcycle, joining a touring club is a fantastic way to meet people and make new friends while seeing new places.
- Support a Great Cause - Motorcycle clubs often have a strong sense of community and camaraderie, and they may also have charitable or philanthropic activities. Many motorcycle clubs have an established history and hold regular meetings.
Types of motorcycle clubs
- Riding Clubs - These clubs focus on riding, riding skills, and safety. Riding clubs are a great way to improve your riding skills and meet other experienced riders who can give you feedback and advice as you improve.
- Social Clubs - These clubs focus on social activities such as group riding and going to events like car shows and rallies. If you’re looking to join an established group, social clubs are a good choice.
- Special Interest Clubs - These clubs focus on a specific interest, such as vintage bikes or a specific type of riding. Special interest clubs are often a great way to meet people with similar interests.
- Women’s Clubs - Many women’s motorcycle clubs focus on riding or social activities and are a great way to meet other female riders.
Guidelines for joining a motorcycle club
- Do Your Research - Before approaching a motorcycle club, it can be helpful to do some research and find out more about the club. You can use internet forums and social media to learn more about different clubs in your area.
- Be Willing to Jump In - Joining a motorcycle club can sometimes be a little awkward at first, and you may be the only beginner at first. Be willing to jump in and take part, and you’ll soon make friends with other club members.
- Ask Questions - When you approach a motorcycle club, be sure to ask questions and actively engage with members.
- Get Involved - Once you join a motorcycle club, be sure to get involved and make the most of your motorcycle club experience. If you’re a beginner, don’t be shy about asking questions and learning from other members.
The friendliest motorcycle clubs to join
- American Veterans Motorcycle Club - The AVMC is an excellent choice for riders interested in touring. AVMC is a large club with chapters all over the US, and members are very welcoming to new bikers. The club hosts annual rallies in many locations and is dedicated to serving veterans and their families through charitable events and activities.
- Iron Butt Association - The IBA is a riding club with a focus on riding long-distance, and the group has an excellent reputation for being welcoming to new members. Members of the IBA host regular group rides and are always welcoming to new riders.
- American Legion Riders - The ALR is a large motorcycle club with chapters across the US. The ALR is dedicated to serving veterans and their families and hosts an annual rally in August each year. The ALR is a very welcoming club that is a great choice for new riders.
What to expect when joining a motorcycle club
- A Lot of Questions - When you join a motorcycle club, you’ll likely be bombarded with questions from other members. This is normal, and it will help you get to know other bikers as you ask questions and learn from other riders.
- A Variety of Riding Skill Levels - Not all motorcycle clubs are focused on high-skill riding and some clubs have members at all skill levels. If you’re a beginner, don’t be shy about letting other members know.
- A Variety of Riding Styles - Although many clubs tend to focus on a particular riding style, most clubs have members with a wide range of riding styles.
- A Strong Group of Friends - Joining a motorcycle club is an excellent way to make new friends and start riding groups. Once you’ve found the right club, jump in and get involved.
How to find a motorcycle club near you
- Use the Internet - Search online for local motorcycle clubs, and you’ll likely find many clubs to choose from. Many clubs have online forums where you can read about the club and ask questions.
- Ask Friends and Family - It can be helpful to ask friends and family if they know of any nearby motorcycle clubs. Your riding buddies may also be able to recommend clubs nearby.
- Join a Motorcycle Event - It can be a great idea to attend a motorcycle event in your area. You can approach motorcycle clubs at these events and learn more about the clubs in your area.
Questions to ask before joining a motorcycle club
- What Are the Club’s Goals? - Before joining a motorcycle club, it can be helpful to know what the club’s goals are. You can use this information to decide if the club is a good fit for you.
- Is the Club Active? - Clubs come in all shapes and sizes, and some clubs are much more active than others. If you’re looking to get involved in a club and meet other riders, you’ll want to choose a club that is active and holds regular events.
- Does the Club Have an Interview Process? - Some clubs have an interview process for prospective members. If your club has an interview process, it can be helpful to know what questions they might ask.
