Tuesday, June 25, 2024

List of Major Motorcycle Clubs and Associations in Ohio


Ohio is home to a diverse array of motorcycle clubs, ranging from large, nationally recognized organizations to smaller, local riding groups. These clubs vary in their focus, including 1%er clubs, law enforcement clubs, military clubs, and social riding associations. Here is a detailed list of some notable motorcycle clubs in Ohio:

1%er and Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs

Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (MC)

Description: One of the most infamous outlaw motorcycle clubs globally, the Hells Angels have chapters in several Ohio cities, including Cleveland and Akron.
Activities: Involved in various activities, often scrutinized for their criminal associations but also known for brotherhood and loyalty among members.

Outlaws Motorcycle Club (MC)

Description: The Outlaws are another prominent 1%er club with a strong presence in Ohio, including chapters in Cleveland and Columbus.
Activities: Known for their rivalry with the Hells Angels and involvement in criminal enterprises, as well as motorcycle rallies and events.

Mongols Motorcycle Club (MC)

Description: Although based in California, the Mongols have expanded to Ohio with chapters that participate in local and national events.
Activities: Known for their rivalry with the Hells Angels and involvement in various activities both legal and illegal.

Law Enforcement and Military Motorcycle Clubs

Blue Knights Motorcycle Club

Description: An international law enforcement motorcycle club with chapters in Ohio, including in Cleveland and Cincinnati.
Activities: Promotes camaraderie among law enforcement officers, participates in charity events, and supports community initiatives.

Iron Order Motorcycle Club

Description: A law enforcement and military club with a focus on family values and community service. They have chapters in various Ohio cities.
Activities: Charity rides, social events, and community service projects.

Patriot Guard Riders

Description: A club dedicated to supporting veterans and their families, often participating in military funerals and memorial events.
Activities: Providing support and honor to fallen soldiers and their families, participating in patriotic events.

Social and Recreational Motorcycle Clubs

Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association

Description: A Masonic-affiliated riding association with chapters across Ohio, including the Buckeye Chapter and the Northcoast Chapter.
Activities: Promotes Freemasonry, supports Masonic widows and orphans, and participates in charity rides and social events.

Harley Owners Group (HOG)

Description: A club sponsored by Harley-Davidson, with local chapters in Ohio cities such as Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.
Activities: Organized rides, social events, and charity fundraisers.

Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA)

Description: A Christian-oriented club with chapters throughout Ohio, focusing on spreading Christian values and supporting charitable causes.
Activities: Fellowship rides, evangelistic outreach, and charity events.
Local Riding Clubs and Associations

Ohio Riders Motorcycle Club

Description: A local riding club that welcomes riders of all makes and models. Focuses on promoting safe riding and community involvement.
Activities: Group rides, charity events, and social gatherings.

Biker's Church

Description: A unique riding club with a spiritual focus, offering fellowship and worship services tailored to motorcyclists.
Activities: Church services, group rides, and community outreach programs.

Buckeye Road Riders Association

Description: A local association dedicated to promoting motorcycle safety and camaraderie among riders in Ohio.
Activities: Safety training, group rides, and social events.

Women’s Motorcycle Clubs

Chrome Divas

Description: A women's motorcycle club with chapters in Ohio, promoting female riders and supporting charitable causes.
Activities: Group rides, charity fundraisers, and social events focused on empowering women riders.
Motor Maids

Description: One of the oldest women's motorcycle clubs in the United States, with members in Ohio.
Activities: Long-distance rides, social events, and participation in motorcycle rallies.
Community and Charity-Oriented Clubs

Rolling Thunder

Description: A national organization with chapters in Ohio, dedicated to advocating for POW/MIA issues and supporting veterans.
Activities: Advocacy events, charity rides, and community service.

Rough Riders Motorcycle Club

Description: A club focused on community service and supporting local charities, with chapters in various Ohio cities.
Activities: Charity rides, fundraising events, and community outreach programs.

Conclusion

The motorcycle club scene in Ohio is vibrant and diverse, reflecting a wide range of interests and values. From the notorious 1%er clubs to law enforcement and military organizations, social and recreational groups, women's clubs, and charity-oriented associations, Ohio's motorcycling community offers something for every rider. Understanding the culture and activities of these clubs can foster greater respect and camaraderie among motorcyclists and the broader community.

References

Barker, Tom. Biker Gangs and Transnational Organized Crime. Routledge, 2014.
Lavigne, Yves. Hell’s Angels: Into the Abyss. HarperCollins, 1996.
Quinn, James F. "Angels, Bandidos, Outlaws, and Pagans: The Evolution of Organized Crime among the Big Four 1% Motorcycle Clubs." Deviant Behavior, 2001.
Wolf, Daniel R. The Rebels: A Brotherhood of Outlaw Bikers. University of Toronto Press, 1991.
"Harley Owners Group (HOG)." Harley-Davidson. HOG.
"Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA)." CMA USA.

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