Author Michael Milbourn
For many of you, the open road embodies freedom and self-reliance. However, there’s undeniable value in the camaraderie and support found within a motorcycle riding club. While riding solo is enjoyable, clubs can unlock unforgettable adventures and forge lifelong bonds. We’ve spotlighted five reasons to consider joining a motorcycle club.
1. Skill development and education
No matter how experienced you are as a rider, there’s always room to grow and improve your skills. Whether you’re trying master the art of cornering, fine-tune your riding technique, or expand your motorcycle maintenance skills, being part of a club gives you access to valuable resources and mentorship opportunities that can help you become a more confident rider. Through the Dan Clark Fund we offer members partial reimbursement for the cost of taking motorcycle training classes. Some of our members are MSF and/or Total Control ride instructors and often put on classes throughout the year.
2. Enhanced safety with fellow riders
Not every ride is sunshine and smooth asphalt. When you’re with a club, you’re not facing unexpected challenges alone. Experienced members can guide you through unfamiliar territory, spot potential hazards you might miss, and even lend a hand with roadside repairs. It’s a backup plan on wheels that can bring a comforting sense of security. Many of us can speak to this through personal experience!
3. Explore new routes and destinations
One of the greatest perks of joining a motorcycle club is the opportunity to discover new routes and destinations you might not have found on your own. Whether you’re craving the thrill of twisty mountain roads or the serenity of coastal cruises, there’s always something exciting on a club’s ride calendar to satisfy your wanderlust. We have 16 regional/national events this year on the MSTA calendar. And that’s not counting all the LOCAL stuff going on every week around the country! We also provide our members with dozens and dozens of great routes to try in many areas of the country. With members in almost every state, there is always someone to call on for route information and advice.
4. Give back to the community
There’s immense satisfaction in leveraging your passion for motorcycles to uplift others. Motorcycle clubs actively engage in charitable initiatives and local outreach programs, channeling their love for riding into positive community impact. Whether it’s a charity ride or volunteering at an event, you have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and support those in need. We here in the MSTA have raised thousands of dollars through the Ride for Kids Foundation. Money that has paid for pediatric brain tumor research and treatment for many kids over the years.
5. Connect with your tribe
Joining a motorcycle club is more than planning the next ride—it’s about bonding over shared experiences, late-night tinkering sessions, and unspoken camaraderie. They’ve felt the rain on their visors, savored freedom on winding mountain roads, and patched up road rash. They’re your trusted allies, fellow road warriors, and chosen kin. Whether you’re a rebel, cruiser enthusiast, or café racer aficionado, it’s about finding your tribe. Many of us have found friends for life through the MSTA. People that will remain friends even after the bikes are gone. That is why we say that you will…..”Come for the rides, and Stay for the friends.”
TYPES OF CLUBS
In your quest for the perfect motorcycle club, prioritize reputable and established ones that resonate with your values. Here are five types to explore:
Brand enthusiast
These clubs unite owners passionate about a specific motorcycle brand, such as Harley Davidson and BMW. Members enjoy model-specific rides, maintenance tips, branded merchandise, and insider access.
Regional
Regional clubs connect riders within a local area, such as a state or city. Members participate in events like charity poker runs, regular group rides (day and weekend trips), and build a local riding community. The MSTA has active state and local groups in many areas of the country. Chances are there is one near you.
National
National clubs, such as the MSTA, offer nationwide camaraderie. Members benefit from a vast member network and lots of rallies and activities to partcipate in.
Niche
Niche clubs cater to specific motorcycle types and riding styles, such as Goldwing cruisers, sportbike racing, off-road dirt biking, or vintage motorcycles. These clubs allow riders to find a community that shares their unique riding passion. Large nationwide clubs, such as the MSTA, often have members involved in all of these different things.
Invitation-only
Highly selective, invitation-only clubs require existing member sponsorship and emphasize commitment and loyalty. This NOT the MSTA. We welcome all riders and all kinds of bikes.
FINDING A CLUB
Here are steps to help you find a club that aligns with your style and location:
1) Consult fellow riders: Tap into the knowledge of fellow motorcycle enthusiasts for recommendations or group affiliations.
2) Online exploration: Use platforms like Meetup.com, Facebook groups, and forums dedicated to motorcycles for local riding group listings.
3) Visit local motorcycle shops: Drop by nearby motorcycle dealerships or repair shops, often central to the riding community, and ask about affiliated groups.
4) Attend motorcycle events: Engage with local events, rallies, and group rides to connect with fellow riders and explore potential clubs.
5) Reach out directly: Contact clubs of interest directly through their websites or listed contact information for membership inquiries and event details.
But Hey! You’ve already found us! We encourage you to look over our website, check out our Facebook page and our forum, attend a local event or one of our rallies (membership not required), and if you like what you see….Join Us! The yearly membership fee is only $39. (A little over 10 cents per day.) That money supports us in our work to bring riders together as friends and to build the sport-touring and adventure-touring communities. There is a membership tab on this website. Click on it and follow the link to where you can explore the different types of memberships we offer. Click on the ‘perks of Membership’ tab and explore the other tangible benefits to being an MSTA member (using them PAYS your membership dues!). If you like what you see, give us a try. we don’t think you’ll be disappointed!