How to Join (or Start) a Riding Club That Actually Feels Like Family

Aug 27, 2025

Every biker knows it,  the bike is half the story. The other half? The riders you share the road with.

Over the last 20 years, I’ve ridden with groups big and small from tightly knit weekend breakfast crews to structured clubs with hundreds of riders. What I’ve learned is this: the best clubs aren’t about engine sizes or badges. They’re about bonds. They feel like family.

If you’re a new rider looking for your tribe or someone thinking of starting your own group, here’s my take on how to do it right.

If you’re an upcoming rider wondering how to find or start a group that feels like home, here’s everything I’ve learned.

Finding Like-Minded Riders

The first step is finding people who share your spirit of riding. Every city in India—from Delhi to Bangalore to smaller towns has biker meetups, weekend rides, and WhatsApp/Telegram groups. Look out for:

  • Local dealer events – Many motorcycle brands (Royal Enfield, Jawa, Harley, Triumph, KTM) host official rides.

  • Online communities – Platforms like Facebook groups, Instagram pages, and biking apps like Asteride are great to connect.

  • Cafes and pit stops – You’d be surprised how many bikers strike up conversations at chai stalls and highway dhabas.

Don’t just look for riders with the same motorcycle as yours. The strongest clubs are built on shared values—discipline, respect, adventure—not just engine sizes.

Starting Your Own Club

Can’t find a group that fits your vibe? Start one. That’s exactly how some of India’s best-known clubs began.

  • Start small: Two or three friends are enough to begin with. Do short rides before planning longer tours.

  • Set up a digital home: A WhatsApp group works at first, but if you want structure, apps like Asteride make it easier to manage rides, roles, and new members.

  • Define your vision: Are you about long-distance touring, breakfast rides, social causes, or a mix? Be clear from day one.

  • Build culture: Punctuality, safe riding, and inclusivity — these values matter more than the bike you ride.

When we started MURO, it wasn’t about size. It was about culture. That’s what kept people coming back.

How Riding Groups Work in India

In India, group rides usually mean a 5 AM flag-off, chai breaks every 100 km, and a staggered formation with experienced riders leading and sweeping. Some clubs run like formal organizations with presidents and marshals. Others are looser crews with open invites.

The balance matters: too rigid and you feel like you’re in the army, too loose and the ride turns into chaos. The best clubs? They find rhythm.

Group Riding Rules Every Rider Should Know

Riding in a pack is thrilling, but it comes with responsibility. Some golden rules:

  • Single File Staggered formation: Left-right-left, keeping distance but staying compact enough to move as a unit.

  • Pre-ride briefing: Decide route, fuel stops, and emergency contacts.

  • Hand signals: Learn the basics—stop, slow down, hazard ahead, fuel, regroup.

  • Respect road laws: Helmets, speed limits, lane discipline. A group ride should never look reckless.

  • No egos on the road: The slowest rider sets the pace, not the fastest.

Why Join a Riding Group?

Joining a biking club changes your motorcycling experience completely:

  • Safety – Riding in numbers means help is always nearby.

  • Learning – You pick up skills from experienced riders.

  • Exploration – From hidden trails to new food stops, you’ll discover more.

  • Brotherhood (and sisterhood) – The conversations over chai at dawn or bonfires at night are priceless.

  • Memories – Rides are fleeting, but the stories last forever.

The Community Advantage

Indian biking groups aren’t just about kilometers — they’re about impact. I’ve seen clubs run blood donation camps, ride for road safety, deliver essentials to villages, and join global initiatives like the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

At Asteride, we call these Karmic Rides — moments when riders use two wheels for a cause bigger than themselves.

For admins, engagement is the real fuel. Don’t just ride. Host movie nights, dinners, skill workshops. When the bond goes beyond the machine, the club becomes unbreakable.

Tips for New Riders

If you’re just starting:

  • Don’t chase the biggest club; find the one that feels welcoming.

  • Don’t be shy—most riders are more than happy to guide newcomers.

  • Ride at your own pace. Confidence comes with miles.

  • Respect the machine, the road, and the riders around you.

Final Thoughts

A good riding club is not just about putting together bikes, it’s about building trust, discipline, and shared adventures. Whether you join an existing group or start your own, remember: the spirit of riding is about freedom, but the joy of riding is multiplied when that freedom is shared.

Over the years, I’ve met riders who became my closest friends—people I’d trust with my life, not just my ride. That’s the magic of a true biking family. If you’re looking for one, don’t just settle for a WhatsApp group with random rides. Build or join a circle that respects the road, the ride, and most importantly, each other.

Because at the end of the day, bikes may bring us together, but brotherhood keeps us riding.

Use Asteride to Ride Smarter

With the Asteride app, you can:

Plan rides easily - solo or with your crew
Discover new routes and riding groups across India
Stay updated with events, causes, and riding tips
Relive your rides with the Roadbook

📲 Download Asteride – Built for riders who care about every mile

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