Clubwise - February 22, 2003

Every week, we bring you the latest on the UAE's clubs, associations and groups. We choose one each time and profile it, highlighting its purpose and activities.


This week: BMW Club

The BMW Club was launched recently for providing riding enthusiasts with opportunities for organised and structured rides where the knowledge and enjoyment of motorbike riding can increase with collective participation. Bike owners and their families gather at a planned location on Friday mornings to start their tours. The route map is e-mailed to members and is also available a week in advance from the BMW accessory shop at the Mercato Mall, Jumeirah, Dubai.

"Owning a BMW is not a pre-requisite to be a member of our club. Any biker who enjoys the thrill of motor riding will find that it is more enjoyable in a group," says Guergen Buddenberg, president of the BMW Club.

Men, women and children have equally enjoyed the earlier day or overnight camping trips planned throughout the UAE. Future plans are for a motorbike journey to Oman and even to Iran.

The organised rides are also an opportunity for the family to unwind after a hard week, make new friends and to network. Buddenberg says that women in the club are equally at ease with the BMW motorbikes and enjoy the experience of control and freedom. "We don't ride to compete or race," asserts Buddenberg. "Motor-biking is fun and we welcome owners of motorbikes to join us on our next tour to share our passion." Anyone with an interest in nature, the curious who wish to explore the country or those who just wish to enjoy the warm sun on their face and wind in their hair are perfect candidates to join.

Apart from their weekly jaunts, they meet monthly to discuss general matters of the club. It is during these meetings that they learn important things about rider safety, technical assistance and formation riding.

"When riding in a big group there are rules that are strictly observed such as always leaving a two-to-three-metre distance between the rider in front and never riding adjacent to another rider, instead opting for a diagonal formation to allow easy overtaking by others," emphasises Buddenberg.

He also says that the captain of the group riding in front should have the skill to visually keep contact with the last rider riding at the back and ensure that the group doesn't split at traffic signals. "We also discuss the latest technological advances in BMW motorbikes," he adds.

The BMW Club also exists in Kuwait in the Middle East and other countries in Europe and the Far East.