For over 50 years, the Retreads Motorcycle Club International, Inc. has been more than just a motorcycle club—it’s been a brotherhood and sisterhood of riders who share a love for the open road. Our club is built on camaraderie, respect, and a passion for motorcycling, and our bylaws ensure we stay true to these values.
Whether you’re a long-time member or a new rider joining the Retreads family, understanding our bylaws helps ensure that we continue to grow as an inclusive and welcoming motorcycle club.
Who We Are: The Retreads Legacy
The Retread Motorcycle Club International, Inc. is an AMA-chartered club (Chapter 3233) open to motorcycle riders, industry professionals, and enthusiasts aged 40 and over. Our members come from all walks of life but share one common love—motorcycles and the friendships that come with them.
The Retreads Crest, a registered trademark in the United States and Canada, serves as our official insignia. It symbolizes strength, resilience, and the spirit of lifelong adventure. Members proudly wear the crest as a badge of honor, recognizing fellow Retreads while traveling or attending club events.
Membership: Who Can Join?
To become a Retreads member, you must be:
✅ A motorcycle rider, someone connected with the motorcycle industry, or a motorcycle enthusiast
✅ 40 years of age or older (spouses of members are exempt from the age requirement)
✅ Willing to renew your membership annually
We welcome riders of all backgrounds, creeds, and nationalities. There are no restrictions on race, gender, or citizenship—everyone who meets the membership criteria is welcome.
Annual Membership Renewal:
🔹 Membership runs from January 1st – December 31st
🔹 Members receive a new membership card upon renewal, which must be presented at rallies and events
Membership Revocation:
While we pride ourselves on inclusivity and camaraderie, any member engaging in conduct detrimental to the club’s public image or endangering the safety of others may have their membership revoked by the President with Board approval.
Regional Clubs: Strength in Community
The Retreads family extends across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. Regional clubs provide local members with the opportunity to participate in rides, rallies, and social gatherings closer to home.
✔ How are Regional Clubs Formed?
A Regional Director is appointed by the President and, with Board approval, may oversee State and Area Representatives who help manage local groups.
✔ Responsibilities of Regional Leaders:
State and Area Representatives report to the Regional Directors, who in turn report to the President. Any leader stepping down must relinquish their position back to the club leadership.
Funding and Membership Donations
The Retreads Motorcycle Club operates as a not-for-profit organization. Our expenses—such as newsletters, event organization, and club materials—are covered by membership donations.
💲 Annual Donation Fees:
- $20 per individual
- $25 per couple
(Canadian rates may vary, set by the Canadian Directors)
Regional and state clubs contribute $2 per member annually to support the International Retreads organization.
Only the President, Secretary, and Regional Directors (or their appointed representatives) are authorized to receive and manage club funds.
The Retreads Leadership Structure
The Board of Directors and club officers ensure that the Retreads operate efficiently and fairly while maintaining the club’s core values.
Board of Directors
The Retreads are governed by a seven-member Board of Directors, with the President acting as the principal leader of the organization.
✔ Board Responsibilities:
- Managing the business affairs of the club
- Holding meetings as needed
- Appointing new board members if vacancies arise
- Making decisions in the best interest of the club
✔ Board Meetings:
Meetings can be held in person or virtually. Any official decision made via telephone conference must be confirmed in writing by each Board member.
✔ Board Compensation:
All Board members serve voluntarily and do not receive any salary or compensation.
Retreads Officers: Roles and Responsibilities
The Officers of the Club are appointed by the Board of Directors and include:
- President – Oversees the club, presides over meetings, and signs official documents.
- Secretary – Maintains records, club documents, and ensures the proper execution of all paperwork.
- Legislative Officer – Assists with organizational governance and ensures compliance with club policies.
- Referee – Helps mediate and uphold club rules.
✔ Officer Terms:
Officers serve at the discretion of the Board and may be removed if it is deemed to be in the club’s best interest. Vacancies are filled by Board appointment.
✔ Officer Compensation:
Like the Board of Directors, officers serve voluntarily and do not receive a salary.
A Non-Political, Independent Organization
The Retreads Motorcycle Club is strictly non-political. Our club is not affiliated with any political groups, and our officers cannot hold positions in other national motorcycle organizations.
The only external affiliation we maintain is with the American Motorcycle Association (AMA).
Amending the Bylaws
The Retreads Motorcycle Club is an evolving organization, and our bylaws may be amended as needed.
✔ Changes to the bylaws must be approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
✔ All amendments are documented and updated within our official records.
The Retreads Crest: A Badge of Honor
The Retreads Crest is a registered insignia and trademark in the United States and Canada, protecting our club’s identity and heritage.
Each element of the crest symbolizes our values, resilience, and love for the open road:
🏆 Shape – Inspired by a prestigious U.S. Navy award, representing excellence and distinction.
💛 Gold Field – Honors the Golden Years (40+) of our riders.
🔥 Red Field & Stallions – Represents valor, strength, and camaraderie.
⚡ Black & Blue Bar Sinister – A nod to the bruises and lessons from learning to ride.
🤍 White Field – Symbolizes new experiences and the thrill of motorcycling.
🔢 Roman Numerals XL Plus – Signifies age 40+, where life truly begins.
🔵 Blue Overbar – Denotes the state or province of the member.
As Retreads, we wear this crest with pride, knowing it represents the friendships, adventures, and memories made on two (or three) wheels.
Final Thoughts: What It Means to Be a Retread
At its core, the Retreads Motorcycle Club is about more than just motorcycles—it’s about the people, the journeys, and the lifelong bonds we create. Our bylaws ensure that the club remains organized, welcoming, and true to its founding values.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or rekindling your love for motorcycling, the Retreads community is your home on the road.
🏍️ Once a Retread, always a Retread.
👉 Ready to join the ride? Visit your local chapter or reach out to us to become a part of the Retreads family!
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