Are you interested in a Club or an Organization to ride with? Bikers, Motorcyclists, whatever your choice ~  come from all walks of life. And there is a motorcycle club, group or  organization to ride to suit just about every riders interest.    Got a new bike? Got no one to ride with?  There's probably an owners group for that make and model that you just  purchased. Touring groups, sport riding clubs, Charitable groups, Christian Bikers, Vintage motorcycle clubs; there are lots of different riding groups to interest all motorcyclists. One of the best ways to find out what motorcycle club or organization  might suit you is to come out to a motorcycle show  and meet the clubs - keep in mind.. not all clubs/organizations are looking for new riders, but the ones that are will let you know. Lots of groups will participate in both the Bike show  and the evening Biker Bash and you'll find links on the main page of club participating at our event: Come meet the members and see if you want to join!   Do you like to ride, sometimes without a destination in mind? Sometimes, do you wish you had company to share the sights as you ride down that road as it twists and turns? Someone just to share the quiet solitude of the peaceful summer day? Do you want to join a "family" of different people who enjoy the same?   That is what most clubs or motorcycle organizations are all about.......... come and find out. At the upcoming bike   show you will find reasons to join...  the presence of several motorcycle clubs/organizations will have their tables filled with enthusiastic members looking to attract you into their fold, this  will give you the opportunity to shop for what you want. Why should you join a motorcycle club or organization? Well, other than fun, there are lots of good reasons, you are new to the circuit, you are getting started in the fastest growing sport or you are an experienced rider looking for riding partners.  There are so many motorcycle clubs in Nova Scotia. Riders form clubs or organiations by motorcycle makes like  Harley, Goldwing,  BMW, etc.,  by models like Vstar, by styles, classics, sports, cruisers by religious or charitable affiliations . . . etc., etc. There may be many reasons ~  one being you are looking for an opportunity to gain experience riding in the safety of a group. Maybe you're new to motorcycling again after years of not being on a bike, or maybe you are nervous.. .. . these groups will welcome you and reassured you . . . they have all been there before!    Riding in the comforts of a club/organization will encourage you to practice your riding skills.  It will indeed boost your self-confidence as a new rider, and you will meet some new friends.       So whether you're a new rider or a more experienced one, here are some obvious and perhaps not so obvious benefits of motorcycle club membership: The safety of a  rider is priority #1 when any group  rides. It does not matter what the destination is or the beauty of the environment, if you don't ALL make it back safely. So with a group there is safety in numbers. A group of 10 or 12 motorcycles riding in staggered formation occupies the same space as a long-haul truck thereby reducing the chances of cars cutting in.  Staggered on the straight and single file on the twists and turns are some things you can learn It is the leader's responsibility to watch for potential road hazards and pass warning signs along to other riders behind. You can learn how  to safely dodge holes in the road, oil, gravel or slippery surfaces, ride in single lane when pedestrians or cyclists are spotted on the side of the road, or simply prepare to stop or slow down, thanks to hand signs from other riders ahead of you, you will also learned to do the same for your  fellow bikers behind you. Group riding means that you have to watch for other riders movements, slow down or pick up speed as required by the group and road dynamics. This awareness skill is in turn transferred to other riding situations when motorcycling on your own or with just one other rider. Building up confidence. A group of riders will usually ride at a slower pace, allowing new riders to concentrate on their skills, and sometimes even relax and enjoy the scenery!   Have a good time, don't press your skill level to "keep up"  accept your prime directive (Never hit the bike in front of you!!) And make some good friends. Picking up practical and safe tips: Riders love to display their latest bike accessory, clothing, or   packing gear. We can all learn from  other people's experiences, from what rain gear really works in a downpour to best leather chaps and jackets, what is the warmest gear around, etc. The discovery of great new routes and tours, most will be found in The Nova Scotia Motorcycle Guide, is a great way to expand your touring knowledge and skills. Membership fees are nominal, come and ask the questions.  Most clubs have calendar events often run throughout the year, with regular meetings and social outings during the year, keeping the riding flame alive through long Nova Scotia winter months. Most Motorcycle Clubs or organizations welcome new riders (not all)  and will provide events suitable for all abilities.   When you join a motorcycle club/orgainzation you gain inside information on motorcycle events, opportunities to learn riding techniques and motorcycle tips.  Not to mention making new friends and some great social occasions - like the up and coming Biker  Bash! It can be a pretty overwhelming task to find the right one for you. That's why the upcoming Bike Show can be such an invaluable shopping tool. First, prepare your show visit by going on the internet - links to all of the clubs represented at the Show can be found on this web site. You can check ut   each club mission, the rules and regulations, etc. Take note of the ones that most appealed to you and drop at all the club tables at the Show to speak with the members. Be clear on your reasons and needs for joining a club, and keep these firmly in mind during your visit to the bike show. Don't be shy and ask lots of questions about what matters to you. For instance, if you wish to keep a balance between your motorcycle  outings and your solo ridings throughout the season, look for a club that will offer this type of flexibility. Wish to belong to more than one - shouldn't be a problem. Beware of a Club or organizations armed with too many exclusivity rules! One of the best things about joining a motorcycle club or group or organization  is  the joy of riding with like-minded souls: members of a motorcycle club have at least one thing in common: their love of riding. To belong to a motorcycle group usually  is open to all operators and riders of motorcycles, motorcycle enthusiasts or persons actively concerned with the  motorcycle trade. Everything else, race, age, gender, religion, looks, economic background, etc. disappear under the leathers. You can relax, laugh, talk or simply observe, it's up to you . . . it's your opportunity to be free and to unleash that part of yourself which has been hiding all these years . . So come  invest the time in finding a motorcycle club for you and meet the people involved . . . it's time well spent and a great way to indulge in your passion for the sport with new friends. ITS ALL ABOUT HAVING FUN!