 Border Riders Motorcycle Club
Crossing the Lines in an Uphill Ride to Freedom
 The
summer 1969 was a defining year for all true motorcycle enthusiasts, the images
of Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson riding in search of America in
the now cult classic film Easy Rider introduced us to a whole new culture of men
& machines.
1969 was also the year of the Stonewall Riots in New York
City - which were to redefine what it is to be gay in America.
That same summer a small group of men from Seattle and
Vancouver B.C. decided to form the Border Riders Motorcycle Club.
 In
itself that seems like a rather insignificant event in the history of
motorcycling but the Border Riders have grown into the largest and oldest
international motorcycle club for gay men - no small feat when you consider the
obstacles they've overcome in those 30+ years. Being gay has meant dealing with
homophobia and being a "biker" and in the 70's and 80's it was an
uphill ride.
The Club's activities during this period were mostly low
key and centered around day trips and camping runs. The Wenatchee National
Forest and the Leavenworth area soon became favorite summer destinations and the
site of what would become an annual event that has lasted 31 years - The
Victoria Day Run.
The mid 80's brought new challenges in the form of an
emerging pandemic which was to become known as AIDS. Many riders and friends
were lost at a time when the club was just beginning to "come out".
 With
the more accepting attitudes prevailing in the 90's the club gradually began to
open up and interest grew steadily throughout the Pacific Northwest and British
Columbia. An expanding membership brought with it the need to address issues of
group riding safety while at the same time welcoming the novice as well as the
seasoned rider and all makes and sizes of machines. Few clubs could do more to
make group motorcycling so appealing.
Now with popular monthly day trips in Seattle and
Vancouver B.C. as well as 2 day camping trips throughout Washington, Oregon and
British Columbia the Border Riders have earned their place in motorcycling and
gay history.
 The
Victoria Day Run held each May now brings together more than 75 gay bikers &
friends from across the Western States and Provinces. First time attendees are
always amazed to find a fully stocked camp kitchen in the middle of the
wilderness serving up eggs benedict and 3 course BBQ'd steak dinners. A day trip
through the North Cascades, trying one's luck at the Biker Rodeo or simply
enjoying a chat around the campfire at night adds to the fun of this unique
outdoor camping experience.
While the Club remains true to it's original vision of
providing a social fraternity for gay men interested in motorcycle touring it is
also working hard to keep pace with the changing social and political climate. A
first rate monthly club newsletter and web page ( http://www.borderriders.com)
keep the members and friends as well as other gay motorcycle enthusiasts all
over the World informed on the activities of the club.
Inquiries regarding the Border Riders Motorcycle Club are
welcomed at bcbiker@yahoo.com
Randy Harris 1998-2000 President, BRMC
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