Start clubbing it for joy ride of your life

Soon after I started riding a motorbike, my friends (who were now fellow riders) wanted to start a club.

A club of riders who had similar interests and desires, after all we rode together, partied together and did a lot of other things together.

So when we came together, we thought it would be fantastic if we had a name, something that would separate us from the rest - our own identity.

This transition came naturally to us, since we trusted each other on and off our bikes.

We were taking a step to solidify our brotherhood because it is all about trust, if any of us experience a problem on the road while riding whether alone or together.

You can always call on your "brothers" for help. Once you form a club, get it registered and get recognition.

You could be on the road and even a stranger on a bike will never leave you stranded and desolate on the side of the road.

A brotherhood (even though most clubs have female riders) goes beyond just being a fellow rider or wingman - it's a "bond" that comes with self-respect and being considerate of other riders and motorists alike.

We were taking the necessary steps to solidify our brotherhood, because it stands for trust. Not to say we would leave anybody else stranded who is not part of the brotherhood.

My brother's girlfriend never quite understood why riding was such a thrill for us, we would give up going to a movie for a quick ride, it's addictive. A quick prayer before going on a ride is important for our spiritual needs.

With the open road, fresh wind on your face (even with a helmet on you can still feel it), twisting the throttle and having your fellow riders or club members with you at that time, you feel like it is all you need.

Nothing can describe the feeling of absolute freedom when you take on that road.

The wind hitting your face makes you feel as though the earth was rising to meet you at your happiest.

We'd be twisting the throttle and what completed the thrill was having your fellow brother there to share in that moment with you.

Biker clubs give riders a platform to socialise much like what are known as "society" and "stokvels" in townships, where men and women were a part of these social clubs.

With new trends taking over we are on bikes, but the model is the same: there is a monthly contribution to a club whenever there is a rally (biker events involving camping out for a weekend with loads of entertainment and refreshments).

But instead of digging into your own pocket, the club will cover the costs.

We get together bi-weekly or once a month for meetings.

There is a constitution and a code of conduct for the club .

You still find a lot of solo riders out there who choose to remain that way, but being part of the "brotherhood" is a good platform for networking.

It does not matter where you ride, bikers face the same challenges and risks - but our love of roaring motorbikes and the lifestyle means no one wants to give it up - irrespective of the dangers that comes with it.

But join a biker club, it gives riders a fun platform to socialise.

You'd be surprised at the different personalities you encounter while riding a motorbike.