Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey! I'm a relatively new rider. I put about 500 miles on my bike since october 15th. I'm 21 yrs old, just got my first bike, a Suzuki GZ 250, and i'd like some people to ride with. However, I don't know anyone, or a group that I would feel confident riding with. Is this a typical first feeling? I mean, i couldnt go very far or fast with a bike that tops out at 65 or 70 on a downhill. I'm in the Raleigh, NC area. Let me know if you have any tips. Oh yea, there's Ray Price Harley dealership around here, but i hear harley guys usually stick to their kind. true?

google for some motorcycle clubs around you. I would also look at any "car cruises" there's generally a pack or two hanging out there. Tell them you're just getting started and just hang out with them.

if you find a club online now is a perfect time to integrate...you can just hang out at the meetings with them and don't have to prove your skills yet. Tell them about your trepidation about riding in a group and they'll talk you through it.

\/\/

hey charlesgb34... as someone who rides a harley and belongs to the ray price hog chapter, most of us welcome all riders no matter what you're riding...

with that said, a lot of the hog chapter rides are closed rides, meaning you have to belong to the chapter or be an invited guest to participate in the ride. so it may take a little hanging around and getting to know members to get invited along... i don't participate in many of the rides because of other commitments and i like to just take off... but i think you'll find most of the hog members welcome all riders.

ray price also holds "open" rides and encourages riders of all makes to participate...

thanks guys, sounds like some good tips... how should i go about finding out about the open rides? should i just call the dealership? or is there some kind of website with a listing?

Calling/visiting dealerships is not a bad idea. You can also call your local MSF guys and see if any know of clubs around.

Check out your local bike shops and repair shops for magazines, postings, flyer's and such. Go on a poker run (you can drink pop as I do) or a fun run (no donations). You'll be surprised at how great people can be on runs and how many clubs are out there waiting to hear from you.

You can look up Southern Cruisers here in N.C. (on the web) They don't care what you ride. They have a national website and local groups are also listed on the national site that would be the closest to your area.
If you are new to riding, tell them so. Most groups will place you where you and others will be comfortable. Good luck!

charlesgb34 wrote:thanks guys, sounds like some good tips... how should i go about finding out about the open rides? should i just call the dealership? or is there some kind of website with a listing?

you can check the dealer web site. here's the site for ray price. ray price is having their toys for tots run this weekend - usually a lot of bikes for that event.

a couple other thoughts... you may want to check out no rules riders and scooters.

the no rules riders site supposedly lists rides that any one can attend and, as the name implies, there's basically no rules regarding who can ride, what type of bike you're on, etc. the idea is to get together to ride... i haven't ridden with them, but i talked to the guys that started the group/site and they are extremely nice.

scooters is more of a bar/restaurant. a lot of bikers hang out there on the weekends and you can probably find some rides. a lot of harley riders there, but don't let that scare you off - like all of us, we like to ride and meet new people...