Riding alone is great, but riding with a club gives you friends, local knowledge, organised trips and people who will help when your bike breaks down far from home. Joining is usually easy — as long as you pick the right kind of club and show some respect for how it works.
Step 1: Decide what kind of club you want
Clubs range from relaxed WhatsApp groups to formal organisations. Ask yourself what you are looking for:
- Casual rides and coffee stops: a riding club (RC) or local ride group.
- People who ride the same bike: a brand owners' group such as H.O.G. or a BMW, Ducati or Triumph club.
- A cause: charity, veterans' or faith-based clubs.
- Long-distance challenges or touring: touring and endurance associations.
- Tradition, brotherhood and commitment: a traditional motorcycle club (MC).
If the abbreviations are new to you, read MC vs riding club explained first.
Step 2: Find clubs near you
- Dealers and bike shops: many host or sponsor owners' groups and know the local scene.
- National riders' associations: for example, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in the USA and the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) in the UK list affiliated clubs.
- Social media and event apps: search for local ride groups and open events.
- Bike nights, rallies and charity runs: the best places to meet club members in person.
Step 3: Ride as a guest first
Most clubs welcome guests on open rides. Turn up on time with a full tank, introduce yourself to the organiser and ride a few times before asking about membership. You will quickly see whether the pace, the people and the atmosphere suit you — and members will get to know you too.
Step 4: Understand the requirements
- Licence and insurance: almost every club requires a valid licence and insured motorcycle.
- Bike type: brand clubs may require a specific make; some groups ride only cruisers, adventure bikes or classics.
- Experience: some clubs ask for a minimum riding experience before joining group rides.
- Dues: expect a yearly membership fee that pays for events, patches and insurance.
- Commitment: traditional MCs may expect regular meetings and attendance at rides and events.
Step 5: Prospecting in a traditional MC
Joining a traditional motorcycle club takes time. Many clubs follow a path from "hang-around" (a friend of the club) to "prospect" (a candidate proving their commitment) to full member, usually by a vote. Prospecting can last months and involves helping at events and showing reliability. If that level of commitment is not for you, a riding club is a better fit — and there is no shame in that.
Group-riding etiquette
- Arrive ready: full tank, checked tyres, and a short briefing from the road captain.
- Staggered formation: on straight roads, riders alternate left and right in the lane with a safe gap to the rider directly ahead.
- Single file in bends, on narrow roads and in poor visibility.
- Hold your position: do not overtake within the group unless signalled.
- Learn the hand signals the group uses for hazards, stopping and turns.
- Ride your own ride: never ride faster than your skill level to keep up. A good group waits at junctions.
Red flags
- Pressure to ride beyond your ability or after drinking.
- Unclear rules about money or dues.
- Any involvement in illegal activity.
- Members who treat newcomers with hostility rather than humour.
Most clubs are welcoming, so if something feels wrong, simply walk away and try another one.
Prefer women-led groups?
There is a long and inspiring history of women's motorcycle clubs. Read our guide to women's motorcycle clubs.
What to expect at your first club ride
Most club rides start with a meeting point, a coffee and a short briefing: the route, fuel stops, who leads (the road captain) and who rides at the back (often called the sweep). Expect a steady pace rather than a race. Introduce yourself, ask where new riders usually ride in the group — often near the front, behind the leader — and don't be shy about saying it is your first group ride.
How much does club membership cost?
It varies enormously. Many riding clubs and online ride groups are free or ask for a small yearly fee. Brand owners' groups and national associations usually have an annual membership. Traditional MCs often charge regular dues and expect members to pay for their own travel and events. Always ask what the money covers before you join.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a big motorcycle to join a club?
Usually not. Most riding clubs welcome any road-legal motorcycle, although some brand or style clubs have rules about make or type, and group rides may expect your bike to hold highway speeds comfortably.
Can women join motorcycle clubs?
Yes — many mixed clubs welcome women, and there is a strong tradition of women-only clubs. See our guide to women's motorcycle clubs.
Can I be a member of more than one club?
Riding clubs and brand groups generally don't mind. Traditional MCs often expect loyalty to one club, and wearing two clubs' colors would be seen as disrespectful.
I'm a new rider. Should I wait before joining?
You can join a relaxed riding club early, but group riding adds pressure. Get comfortable on your own first, then start with short, slow-paced group rides. Our list of ten skills for new riders is a good checklist.
