Utah has long been known as one of the best states in the nation to ride a motorcycle. Its huge land area of mostly rural, pristine, and rugged country boasts almost 615,000 miles of celebrated routes, and that’s just the preferred ones. A rider heading into the backcountry, off the beaten path, can ride many thousands more. The unparallelled natural beauty of Utah, with its thick wilderness and mountains, in some areas transporting the observer into an antediluvian world from millions of years ago, makes the state one of the most unique places to ride in the world. There are things to see in Utah that can be found nowhere else. So it’s not surprising that Utah has more than its share of motorcycle owners and riders. As of 2011 there were 59,355 registered motorcycles in the state, and incidentally, 77% of those were Harleys. Birds of a feather tend to flock together, so where there are motorcyclists, there will be motorcycle clubs. Utah has a number of them catering to people from all walks of life, businessmen, Christians, military personnel, social justice warriors, women, senior citizens, Mormons, atheists, and more.

Here’s a quick guide to some of the more prominent ones,with the city they’re based in and the year they were formed after the name of the club if known, and the  club’s name will be hyperlinked if they have a website. It is by no means meant to be comprehensive. After all, where two or more riders are gathered together, there’s a club. Drifters MC, St. George, 1984 – The Drifters Motorcycle Club, formerly called the Desert Drifters, is an independent club made up mostly of riders that live in the southwestern part of Utah. The group is pretty active with a dinner meeting once a month, and usually at least one day-long ride and one extended ride, lasting up to a week or longer, also scheduled on average once a month. Members can participate as much or as little as they prefer, and they ride throughout the year, as long as the weather cooperates. Salt Lake Motorcycle Club, Salt Lake City, 1942 –  One of the oldest AMA chartered clubs in America. They are committed to providing an environment of enjoyment and entertainment to members and the general riding public while also promoting and advancing the sport and safety of motorcycling.

This is a club I have personally donated to and supported at their events. Hill Riders Association MC, Layton – This club consists mostly of civilian government employees that work at Hill Air Force Base. motorcycle shops st john's newfoundlandThey accept both men and women and any kind of bike. harley davidson half helmet communicationRides are scheduled every Saturday, weather permitting, meeting at Northridge High School in the parking lot.honda motorcycle dealers bergen county nj Gospel Grace Riders, Sandy – They state right up front that they’re not a club, but they seem to meet all the qualifications for one, so they’re included on this list. ducati monster diesel helmet

Obviously a Christian group, they accept anyone with any equipment at any reasonable skill level. They regularly take short to medium distance rides together, and they say they’re always looking for new members.motorcycle helmets tinted visors Utah Ruff , Salt Lake City, 2008 – This appears to be primarily an African-American club, but there’s very little information about them online. airoh motorcycle helmets ukNevertheless, they’re out there. cheap motorbikes for sale in lutonThe link is to their Facebook page. , , 2009 – As the name implies, this is a family-oriented club, so one could assume there’s no drugs, liquor, or bad behavior allowed, and kids are welcome on rides and get togethers.

Utah Riders Association of Triumph, 2014 – Although a newer club, it is already very active and well-organized. Oriented towards owners and lovers of Triumph bikes, owning one is not a requirement of membership, just an appreciation of these legendary motorcycles, and who doesn’t appreciate them? With the whole state of Utah as their base, they always have a ride or an event in the works. The Iron Order MC Utah, Iron Desert Crew, Salt Lake City, 2004 –  According to their website, this club is made up of “hardcore bikers who share in strong brotherhood.” They are a traditional MC and operate by the original rules, and new members have to serve a probationary period. They also make clear that they respect all other MC’s, don’t claim any territory as their own exclusive domain, and just want to ride and party, not looking for trouble. They have rides that support charities like the Christmas Box House International and suicide prevention efforts. Barons MC, Salt Lake City – The Barons were founded in Minnesota in the mid 1950’s, and quickly spread to other state.

It is one of Utah’s oldest MC’s, and today has a worldwide membership. They were apparently a pretty wild group back in the day, but these days prefer to ride and live and let live, and support several charities while doing so. Sundowners MC, Ogden – Another old and established Utah MC, and sometimes rivals of the Iron Order MC, the Sundowners also have chapter houses in St. George and Salt Lake City. Organized in the traditional way and very similar to the Iron Order. Beehive MC, Salt Lake City, 1985 – Open to anyone with an interest in BMW bikes. A pretty active group, with a monthly breakfast meetup, and many of their activities are family-friendly. Patriots MC, St. George – A national group of military personnel and veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, and other public safety personnel. Their bylaws state that “It is the goal and general philosophy of the PMC to promote Brotherhood amongst our ranks and look to our founding fathers for direction. It is our goal and intention to be the best public safety motorcycle club in the world.”