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The club’s focus on mental health and community underscores its relevance in today’s world, where social isolation remains a pressing concern.

In a time when many individuals seek connection and understanding, the GBMCC stands as a beacon of hope and camaraderie for LGBTQ+ motorcyclists. We are proud that in 1954 our first member of color, Raoul Vasquez, designed the club logo that we still use today.

Join us for a unique and unforgettable journey, where you can meet like-minded people and discover the beauty of the Pacific Northwest on two wheels.

Read more Facts and FAQs about the club here.

Read about becoming a Border Rider Member.

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Since our founding, the Satyrs have been a gay men’s motorcycle club welcoming men of all backgrounds.

Kevin Bazeley, the club’s chair, emphasizes the significance of this community: “It’s about enjoying the hobby we love but in an environment where we’re totally safe to be who we are.”

Understanding the Historical Context

The GBMCC emerged during a pivotal time in British history, just a decade after the Sexual Offences Act 1967 began to decriminalize homosexual acts in England and Wales.

Bazeley notes, “For many of our members, it’s their only avenue to be out,” highlighting the ongoing need for such spaces even today.

The club’s role extends beyond mere camaraderie; it serves as a lifeline for members who may not have supportive environments in their personal lives.

The Satyrs was not the first gay & lesbian organization, that was the Mattachine Society formed in 1950.

The Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club (GBMCC), founded in 1977, provides a vital sanctuary where members can embrace their passion for riding in a supportive and accepting environment. Our members are committed to respect and inclusion. Today, they are known as the One Archives Foundation at the USC Libraries, a respectful national repository of LGBT history. Homosexuals were deemed as deviants and undesirables in society.

Formed in 1954 during the height of the McCarthy era, seven men came together, bonded by the love of the motorcycle to form a club. We welcome all legally licensed and insured motorcyclists who wish to participate in our events, regardless of their riding experience or the make and model of their motorcycle. As Bazeley aptly puts it, “There are a lot of mental health benefits to a club such as this, and we are a group of friends who support each other.”

The GBMCC’s enduring legacy is a testament to the power of community, reminding us all that the road to acceptance is best traveled together.

Who are the Border Riders?

Founded in 1969, the Border Riders Motorcycle Club is one of the oldest and largest gay motorcycle clubs in North America.

The camaraderie and friendships formed within the club provide invaluable emotional support, reinforcing the idea that community is essential for well-being.

Real Stories of Connection and Growth

The experiences of GBMCC members illustrate the profound impact of belonging to this community. Registration is required for the weekend rides and campouts, and you can find the schedule on our website's "Runs & Events" section.

On behalf of the Border Riders Motorcycle Club, we thank you for your interest and invite you to ride with us and to explore the club and the great area we are lucky enough to call home.

By fostering an environment where members can be themselves, the club not only enriches the lives of its participants but also contributes to a broader culture of acceptance and support within the motorcycling community.

gay on motorcycle

The commonality that binds us is the love of motorcycling and the enjoyment that comes from touring some of the best roads for motorcycling in Canada and the USA—all in a spirit of friendship and safety.

From May through October, we host a run and campout weekend monthly, as well as day rides and socials (meet and greets) in Portland, Seattle and Vancouver BC.

Whether you prefer a short day ride, a 2-3 day ride and campout, or an extended trip with a small group, you will find an event to fit your riding style and ability. “Joining a club like this meant one less barrier to entry,” he explains.

The Satyrs are currently preserving the club’s archives to be entrusted in the near future at the One Archives Foundation for public and academic studies.