Local BMW Clubs

[dmk]

Guys, I'm sort of a newbie and have recently joined. I own a '04 1150r and am wondering if joining a local club is worthwhile. I ive in Chicago and ride about 2-3K/year and I'm thinking I would probably ride more if I regular rides were going on - your opinion would be appreciated.

[johnnyjs1]

2-3k a year . Boy.....get out and ride!!! I do that in 2 weekends

[Samiam]

NO! Going on club rides really sucks, in my opinion. I would much rather ride when and where and HOW I want to rather than be part of a group "cluster xxxk." I hate riding with other riders and I think the image of a group of riders on Harleys, BMWs or Vespas really hurts two wheeling. no matter what the context.

Besides, BMW riders are insufferable snobs. (Just kidding!!!)

[MikeCam]

I'd say the answer is mixed. Some clubs get you good riding buddies without the groupthink.

But first, hook up with some of the guys here who are within 250-300 miles of you. Plan a Friday meet (300 miles before dark is easy), a Saturday ride all day thingee, and a Sunday return home.

I have met and ride regularly with guys from Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio, and West Virginia. All we have in common is this board and the Roadster.

[Boxer]

I belong to the Georgia club and it has been good for assembling a few like-minded guys at a time for small group rides. Very seldom do we come together for a ride with more than 5 or 6 at a time. The fellowship at the meetings and group meals is nice too.

Some group even have tech sessions. R4R&R has a great group for that around D.C.

[awagnon]

Depends on the club and how social you are. Our club has a monthly breakfast or lunch in a different city each time. Most people ride alone to the meetings, but often they come in small groups. Depends on your preference. Clubs are not for everyone. I don't know how old you are, but it seems like most clubs have an average age over 50. Also, look into riding to some rallies near your home. Good way to meet local riders.

[R4R&R]

My local club is pretty good, well organized and pretty big. But the 'group rides' don't look like Harley themed poker runs. Typically someone may offer a ride on the forum for others to join (this Saturday is one example). The club does do monthly RTEs (Ride To Eat) at a couple locations and they are fun to meet others with common interests. My club also hosts an annual rally (many clubs do - it brings money into the organization) but I can't make it this year. Oh yeah, they host a holiday dinner at different locations every year to - only open to members in good standing. When I joined my club a few years ago, I wasn't very active. I'm still not heavily active, but others are. Some members only go to the RTEs, others only go to the tech days, and others only to the rally. It's all about what you make of the club and how much you use it.

[wbrisett]

What, you guys find time to ride? I spend all my time talking about riding my bikes, not riding.

Our local club has a weekly Saturday breakfast. Usually there is a ride that goes along with it. There are also planned rides throughout the summer to much longer places. However, the local clubs are only as good as the people who organize things.

Wayne

[sjbmw]

I joined my local BMW MOA chapter. Good guys, weekly rides, nice annual rally, and I think there is staff at my dealer that are members also.

With any club, who is in it, and how it's run, will decide.

A nice new wrinkle, is the use of meetup.com to bring riders together.

Motorcycle groups in your area have sprung up, complete with calendars, and planned rides.
Go to meetup.com and search for riders/groups in your zip code.