 | Riding and camping Northern California and beyond, since 1965! |
About Us
We’re a group of BMW motorcycle riders who love three things: riding, camping, and good company (preferably around a fire with a beverage in hand). Whether you’re a grizzled veteran with a bug collection on your windscreen, or you just rolled off the showroom floor on your first GS — you’re welcome here.
New to NorCal? New to BMW? New to camping? No problem. If you’ve got the spirit of adventure and a BMW badge on your bike, you’ll fit right in.
Other brands can come hang out too… just don’t ask for a membership card.
Club History
We were founded in 1965, back when gas was cheap and maps didn’t talk back. The club holds Charter #9 from the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (MOA) and Charter #06083 from the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA).
In those early days, we rode with Harley until we realized we preferred fewer oil stains in the parking lot. In 1971, we launched the first 49er Rally. One year later, BMW MOA hosted its first-ever national rally, and it happened at our 49er event. (You're welcome MOA!)
In 1991, we kicked off the Range of Light Gypsy Tour, a signature multi-day ride that remains a favorite tradition.
Today, the club has about 500 members. Some ride vintage Airheads, others swear by their GSAs or sport tourers. Some travel light, some haul the whole kitchen. At least one of us brings an espresso setup. All are united by a shared love of two wheels and the open road.
Second Sunday Breakfast Ride
Every second Sunday, we meet at 8 AM for breakfast somewhere around the Bay Area. Afterward, we head out for a group ride that usually finishes by early afternoon.
You don’t need to be a member to join us. All street-legal bikes are welcome. Just bring a full tank and a good attitude.
Check the Events Page to find out where we’re headed next.
Monthly Tour, Member Meeting, and Campout
This is the core of our club. On the last full weekend of each month (except December), we host a ride, campout, and official club meeting.
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We begin with breakfast at 8 AM on Saturday
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Riders can join the group ride or travel to camp on their own
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Our member meeting happens in the late afternoon and lasts about an hour
- After that, some members cook in camp, others head to dinner, and occasionally we have a catered meal
- The evening wraps up with a campfire or two, stories, laughs, and maybe some late-night tire kicking
Safety First
We like to keep things fun, but rider safety is a top priority. The club fully supports AGATT (All Gear All The Time) and encourages everyone to ride smart, stay visible, and look out for each other.
Click here to read more about our safety practices.
Membership
To become a member, you must:
- Be 18 or older
- Own a legally registered BMW motorcycle
- Attend two General Meetings within six months. (either as a rider or a passenger on a BMW). You can also qualify by attending either the 49er Rally or the Range of Light Gypsy Tour.
Spouses of current members in good standing are also eligible.
More information is available in our club bylaws or on the membership info page.
What You Get
- Free camping at monthly events
- Access to member-only clinics and seminars
- An invite to the annual Holiday Party
- Opportunities to ride with members to rallies and other events
- A monthly club magazine featuring ride reports, event previews, stories, and classifieds
- A member directory, club decal, name tag, and anniversary pins every five years
Ride to Camp | Camp to Ride
Repeat until the tires wear out, then buy some more