Long-Distance motorcycle rides to visit beautiful places can be an exciting and thrilling experience. However, riding solo can become slightly boring and monotonous. While riding alone, it could also be difficult to navigate new areas in the absence of GPS. This is where riding along with a bike riding group or a club can be beneficial.
When you are riding in a group, you can enjoy communication and support from your fellow riders. In addition to having people you can talk to, riding in a group provides a sense of belonging and companionship, and you are also less likely to get lost and have people to help you out if you get injured. If these benefits sound intriguing, you should think about joining a motorcycle riding club.
Now, a common question many riders ask themselves is, “Where can I find a bike riders club near me?” or “Are there any motorcycle riding clubs near me?” In this blog, we will discuss the importance of riding groups, and their types, and also help you find a riding club near you.
A] Why Should You Join A Motorcycle Bike Riding Group?
Joining a bike riding group or a club can vastly improve your riding experience. Riding alongside experienced riders can help you become a better rider and improve your riding skills and learn more about riding, bikes, and bike riding gears. Riding groups can boost your confidence on the road and in new places. They can also help you get first aid if you get injured.
It is also an excellent way to meet new people who also share the same passion for riding and adventure. Many riding clubs host or are associated with events and being a part of the community can provide you access to these events. Being part of a riding group can also get you good discounts on riding gear.
B] Types Of Motorcycle Bike Riding Groups/Clubs
- Adventure Touring Clubs: If you like to travel long distances and discover new terrains and cities, adventure touring clubs might be perfect for you. These groups usually ride adventure bikes and seek out remote places to travel and camp.
- Sportbike Clubs: Sportsbike clubs specialize in high-speed riding in races and events. These clubs are for people who prefer sports bikes with an emphasis on speed and agility.
- Leisure Riding Clubs: Leisure riding clubs are meant for people who like relaxed and casual riding experiences. They usually have short riding distances and are for people who ride on weekends.
- Vintage And Classic Motorcycle Clubs: If you are someone who likes riding vintage or classic motorcycles, these types of clubs are perfect for you. They usually ride and discuss motorcycles that have a vintage model.
- Charity-Oriented Groups: Charity-oriented groups focus on helping the community by hosting and participating in charitable events. The main focus of these groups is to raise money for various charities and NGOs.
- Women’s Motorcycle Groups: These are women’s only groups that are focused on promoting sisterhood and community among women riders.
- Off-road Riding Groups: Off-road riding groups are for riders who like to ride on tough terrains such as deserts, rocky roads, and rural roads. Off-road riding groups usually wear tough riding gears that can keep them safe from the environment, such as the Raida riding boots.
C] Where To Find Motorcycle Bike Riding Groups/Bike Riding Clubs?
Finding a bike riders group in India that suits your riding style can take some time; however, it is not impossible. There are many ways that can help you find a club that matches your riding ideologies.
1. Online Motorcycle Forums And Websites
There are several online forums and websites that help you find people with similar interests. Riders can log into these websites and search for terms related to motorcycles, riding, and riding gear to find motorbike groups.
These are a few websites that you can visit:
- XBHP: XBHP is a dedicated platform for motorcycle enthusiasts to go on dream rides with experienced rides and offers a chance to share your story. It is a platform created in partnership with JK Tyres and has a good reputation.
- Bike Advice: Bike Advise is an engaging community of riders created to provide detailed information about everything related to bikes in India.
- Team-BHP: Team-BHP is mostly associated with cars; however, they also have a motorcycle section. They offer a platform for bike enthusiasts to discuss everything related to bikes from riding gear to tour routes and guides.
- Meetup.com: Meetup is a website for finding like-minded people and events within your city. You can find motorcycle events and clubs in your city on this platform.
2. Social Media Groups
Social media is one of the best platforms for finding people with similar interests as yours. Currently, Facebook and Instagram are two of the most popular and active social media platforms.
- Facebook: You can find various dedicated Facebook groups for motorcycles and riding. You can find these groups by searching simple keywords like “motorcycle riding groups India” to find relevant groups.
- Instagram: You can find accounts of motorcycle riding clubs on Instagram. Follow motorcycle-related hashtags and accounts to connect with riders and discover group rides.
3. Local Motorcycle Clubs And Associations
If you can find local motorcycle clubs and associations, you should ask them about their association guidelines or go on a few rides with them. You can also ask your friends and family to help you find motorcycle clubs that they know of.
There are also annual motorcycle events organized in many cities, attend a few events in your city to get in touch with fellow bike enthusiasts. These events can help you find bike riding groups.
4. Whatsapp And Telegram Groups
WhatsApp and Telegram are great for keeping in touch with a community of riders and staying updated on the plans for a tour or events. You can be part of several motorcycle-specific WhatsApp and Telegram groups where you can know about clubs, events, the latest deals on riding gears, and other related information.
5. Motorcycle Dealerships And Workshops
Motorcycle dealerships and workshops can be some of the best places to find out about motorcycle clubs and groups. You can often find posters for events on bulletin boards at bike showrooms and workshops. Many people who work at the dealership or workshop might also be motorcycle enthusiasts. You can also ask them if they know about motorcycle riding groups.
Certain events like to collaborate with dealerships to gain their sponsorship. If you see posters for these near your city, you can ask the dealership about it. Attending these events can help you meet fellow motorcyclists and be a part of their group.
6. Biking Events And Rallies
Attending biking events and rallies can be a great way to get a start meeting people with similar interests in bike riding. You should try to attend as many events and rallies as possible to find a riding club you like. Try to speak to various people from different groups to get to know everybody.
You can find such bike events and rallies through your local newspaper, magazines, news channels, or word of mouth. You should try to make the most of it by talking to people, participating in workshops, and making acquaintances with the vendors. Even if you are not able to find a club on your first visit, you can learn a lot by participating in workshops such as the ones that teach the importance of good quality gear, like Raida sunglasses or Rynox gloves while riding.
7. Word Of Mouth
Word of mouth can be great for finding out about local motorcycle clubs and riding groups. Talking to people with similar interests can lead you to be part of a bigger community of riders. If you can create a good network of people who share the same passion for motorcycles, you could even be the one to bring all of them together.
D] Factors To Consider When Choosing A Motorcycle Riding Group
- Riding Skill Level: Find a riding group that matches your riding skill level. It can be difficult for new riders to fit in with highly skilled riders.
- Group Size and Dynamics: Choosing a larger group or a smaller one is a personal choice. Find a group where you can be comfortable.
- Riding Style and Objectives: The riding style of the club is very important. Choose the group that meets your objectives (leisure, adventure, off-road, etc.).
- Frequency of Rides: If you have an office job, it is best to find a group that rides on weekends. Your availability and the riding dates should also match.
- Safety Practices: It is crucial to stay safe on the road while riding the bike. Join a group that follows traffic rules, safety practices, and pre-ride briefings.
- Group Rules and Expectations: Every group have their own group rules and regulations. Only join a group if you are comfortable following the rules.
- Type of Motorcycles and Brands: Certain groups ride very specific brands or types of motorcycles such as just sports bikes or Indian motorcycle brands. Make sure your preferences fit with the club’s values.
- Community and Social Activities: Riding groups that focus on community events, activities, and rallies are usually more fun to be a part of.
- Online Presence and Communication: An active riding group with an online presence can bring in new members and can plan elaborate events and rides.
E] Etiquette And Rules For Motorcycle Group Rides
When riding with a group, it is crucial to follow the rules and regulations of the group, and traffic rules, and maintain the riding etiquette. Good riding etiquette can be small things like proper hand signals, turn signals, keeping the traffic clear, and riding in a lane.
Always be friendly and respectful to every person in the group. It does not put you in a good light to trash talk about other members or their biking gear. When riding in a group, honking or riding at higher or lower speeds than everyone else can cause problems. Always try to help other members when they need it.
Conclusion
Joining a bike-riding group has many benefits like meeting new people who share your passion for motorcycles and riding. As a new rider, you can get a chance to learn from more experienced riders, and if you are an experienced rider, you can get a chance to mentor new riders. Online forums, social media platforms, events and rallies, and motorcycle workshops are some of the best ways to find out about motorcycle clubs.
If you are a bike enthusiast and go on frequent rides, having the best quality gear is crucial for a smooth riding experience. Visit Bikester Global Shop to find the best quality helmets, jackets, and more at the best prices.