A lot of clubs also run within the framework of member-voting when it comes to important club decisions, which not only further adds to your sense of belonging but offers an opportunity to be a part of the positive movement of above-board biker club reputations.
People from all walks of life enjoy the thrill, adventure, and sense of freedom that comes with riding a motorbike. For some, riding becomes a significant enough passion and pastime to consider joining a motorcycle club.
Thanks to criminal groups such as the Bandidos and Hells Angels, there is some stigma attached to joining a biker club. People tend to jump to conclusions when they see a group of leather-clad riders noisily cruising the streets or highways. It’s important, therefore, to do your research before considering joining a biker club.
Many are comprised of respectful, law-abiding citizens who simply want to join a community and share in their passion for riding; it’s just a matter of finding the right one for you.
Some motorcycle clubs focus more on a particular group or type of rider than others, and these are commonly known as specialized or dedicated biker clubs.
Here are some of the key benefits of joining a dedicated biker club.
Social scene
Becoming a member of a dedicated biker club often provides you with a whole new world when it comes to social events and community. One of the primary purposes of joining a biker club is to arrange to ride together as a group, but this typically spills over into a variety of social occasions. There is the opportunity to make life-long friends with similar interests and have a calendar that features regular riding and related events to look forward to throughout the year.
While the following may be the most well-known biker clubs, there are plenty of local US clubs looking for new members. Try a local google search for a biker club in your area.
- The Outlaws
- The Pagans
- Bikers Against Child Abuse
- The Iron Order Motorcycle Club
- The Mongols
- The Vagos
- The Bandidos
- The Hells Angels
- Women in the Wild
- American Motorcycle Association
Safety in numbers
Whether you’re on a long ride or a quick detour through the country lanes, it is always better to be with others when biking, as there is safety in numbers. If your bike was to break down in the middle of nowhere or you were to feel unwell or have an accident, being part of a club and having other members with you can give you a great deal of security.
Assistance and discount perks
Many specialized motorcycle clubs offer their members a variety of discounts and perks, as well as assistance with a number of bike-related things. Many members will enjoy getting together as a group and socializing while they work on their bikes in a collective effort. It is also common to receive discounts when it comes to parts, maintenance and servicing, and purchasing bikes.
When you become a member of a reputable bike club, you also qualify for discounts on motorcycle insurance premiums, so again, do your research here to make sure that you access any savings you are eligible for.
Increased sense of mission and purpose
Many reputable motorcycle riding clubs support great causes and advocate for a variety of programs and community groups.
Being part of a club that actively supports worthy causes can create a great sense of pride and purpose, especially if they relate to issues that are close to your heart. Alternatively, if you are passionate about supporting a particular cause, program, or charity that is not already on your club’s radar, perhaps you can introduce it to them. You can positively leverage your newly formed friendships and create events that support your chosen cause while providing great social experiences for your fellow riders, making it a win for everyone involved.
Many people struggle with mental health issues as a result of a lack of purpose and belonging. Combining your club membership and new friendships with an altruistic purpose can make a world of difference to your wellbeing.
Improve your riding skills
No matter how experienced you are as a rider, there’s always something new to learn that can potentially improve your riding skills. When you join a biker club, other members can share their experiences, tips, and tricks with you, adding to your skill set and giving you the confidence to try new riding techniques. Unless you have any mechanical expertise yourself, it is usually very helpful to learn from other members when it comes to better understanding the mechanical workings of your bike, too.
If you are one who is mechanically-minded or particularly skilled and experienced at riding, perhaps joining a dedicated club is a great opportunity for you to enjoy imparting some of your own wisdom! It’s a great feeling to support and guide those less experienced within an area you hold a lot of passion for.
Sense of belonging
Joining a motorcycle club that focuses on a passionate pursuit not only gives you access to a wealth of additional experiences related to doing what you love, but it can give you a profound sense of belonging, too.
Being a member of a dedicated biker club feels like being part of a brotherhood. Not only will you gain new friends and have riders ready and willing to go riding at a moment’s notice, but it is common to feel that you have become part of something greater. A loyal and supportive community of like-minded people and their partners who take great pride in having each other’s back.
Many clubs publish regular newsletters or social media updates that keep you connected to what’s on locally, including upcoming events like Laconia motorcycle week, community projects, and idyllic cruising spots to try out.
Community and friendship
There’s no disputing that the stigma is there when it comes to biker clubs, but that may just be another reason to stand against it and join a reputable, moral club that focuses on community and friendship.
A lot of clubs also run within the framework of member-voting when it comes to important club decisions, which not only further adds to your sense of belonging but offers an opportunity to be a part of the positive movement of above-board biker club reputations.
