Wouldn’t it be nice to add more excitement, fellowship, flavor and fun to your life?
Indianapolis based 317 Ryders MC offers all of this, and is among several popular motorcycle clubs that have emerged in the area within the last decade. It is designed as a perfect fit for anyone who enjoys riding, serving the community and simply having a good time with a family of positive individuals who share a love of motorcycles.
In 2002, a group of professionals and motorcycle enthusiasts formed 317 Ryders MC after becoming tired of riding up and down the same local streets. Their goal was to form an organization based not only on riding, but also community service and connecting with motorcyclists in different parts of the country.
Throughout the year, 317 Ryders MC hosts a variety of activities, from major parties and gatherings such as the Nuts & Bolts Masquerade Weekend and “ladies only” fellowship activities to trips out of town. This year alone, members have visited such cities as Cincinnati, Gatlinburg, Tenn., Miami, Pittsburgh and St. Louis.
Also, members participate in a variety of charitable activities benefiting children, mentoring groups, battered women’s shelters and organizations that serve the homeless. In fact, community service is a requirement of both joining and staying in 317 Ryders MC.
“We have members who like to build relationships with other clubs and do things for people in the community, especially kids,” said LeChelle Green, aka Miss Ooh Wee, a 317 Ryders Club member. “Another thing I like is how we look out for each other.”
With nearly 100 members, the club is made up of individuals who defy the negative stereotype associated with “one percenter” motorcycle groups that some would describe as outlaws or gangs.
Members of 317 Ryders MC include people active in a variety of different professions, including attorneys, computer programmers, health care providers, small business owners and teachers.
“I was really impressed by that,” said Green, who joined after being introduced to the club by a member who works with a prominent law firm. “I was like, ‘wow, he’s a biker guy.’”
In recent years, more predominantly African-American clubs are being formed for riders of all ages, such as the local chapter of Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club and Fort Wayne based Roadmasters 4 Life.
Club president Juan Pyle, aka DJ Whip, believes the recent explosion of interest in motorcycles among Blacks has to do with the popularity of such films as “Biker Boyz” (2003), as well as fascination sparked by seeing more motorcyclists on the street.
“You feel a sense of freedom when you ride,” said Pyle, who has a Yamaha. “It’s a way to clear my mind, and the stress kind of goes away when you turn that throttle. It’s a great feeling.”
For Green, riding her Kawasaki is both therapeutic and exciting at the same time.
“You feel like you’re the hottest thing on the street, especially being on a motorcycle as a woman,” she said, laughing. “That’s cool for a lot of people.”
On a serious note, Green also values the kinship that 317 Riders MC offers.
“On most days I can send a message saying ‘Hey, I get off at five and I can ride at six,’ and get at least four or five people to ride with me,” she said.
Pyle added that a nice aspect of riding with a club is security and unity.
“You’re less likely to be in an accident, because a car will definitely see and hear 20 or 30 bikes, as opposed to just one,” he said. “We also place a lot of trust in each other, and when you’re out riding, trust is very important.”
