Riders M.C. of Boston    

• A Quick Look Back, Pt. 1: 1984 - 1989
• A Quick Look Back, Pt. 2: 1990 - 1995
• A Quick Look Back, Pt. 3: 1996 - 1999
• A Quick Look Back, Pt. 4: 2000 - present

1984

A band of gay cyclists formed to create Boston's first gay men's motorcycle club. The effort included people like Bob Graham, J.J. Smith, Don Homer, Jeff Zirpolo, Laurent Perrin (here from Switzerland with his BMW), George Souza, and others. Membership was about 10 men. There were no formalized road rules. Travelling with this band was fun, but it was every woman for herself. The formation of the club started late in July and by fall had waned. Bob Graham was elected as the first Riders M.C. Captain. By 1985, the band had dispersed. This group chose the name of Riders M.C. and all rides originated from the Ramrod.

1988

A group of like-minded interested cyclists resolved to start anew a gay men's motorcycle club. The effort began pre-season and was spearheaded by Jeff Zirpolo, Scott Coviello, Greg Luther, Michael Desplaines and Joe Bradbury. Interested cyclists were attracted by flyers in the Ramrod. Initial meetings were called in early spring. Road rules were discussed and group riding was studied. The association resolved there would be no dues and no officers. The few rules adopted stated, members must own and operate motorcycles, be gay and not drive drunk. Address and telephone lists were available at every meeting. These lists were updated constantly as the membership grew and was the means for all members (new and current) to meet and establish friendships. This original group, elected to continue this cause with the original name Riders M.C. The first ride of the season was led by Scott Coviello through Jamaica Plain, Milton, and out to route 128. The major runs of this year were the White Mountains with Bob Walsh and the Race Point (Provincetown) Run in September. The club started sponsoring bar activities and special events. These activities helped finance a newsletter for our activities and spurned lots of goodwill. By fall, membership peaked at about 55 members. Fallen Riders Paul Caron, Mark Marino, and Derek Reilly were in attendance for the annual Race Point Run. During this year, Riders M.C. collected gifts for PWA's (Persons With AIDS) in memory of Fallen Rider Paul Caron.

1989

By spring of 1989, Riders M.C. finally chose and refined a logo. This logo was prepared by non-member Larry Poor, and was used to make patches and T-shirts. Through trial and error, and burgeoning membership, the club resolved an elected body of officers was necessary to oversee and facilitate the planning of all club activities. The officers included: Courtney Furno, Captain; P.J. Coache, Treasurer; Scott Coviello, Scribe; Jeff Zirpolo, Joe Bradbury, Rick Brennan, and Bob Walsh, Road Captains. This year's runs included repeated trips to the White Mountains and Provincetown. A new run took the club to Montreal where friendships were formed with the Spartiates motorcycle club. The club also went to Riverside Amusement Park in Agawam, MA, Hammond Castle in Gloucester, MA, and many visits to the Yukon Trading Co. club in Providence, RI. The club sponsored the first Mr. Boston Leather Contest. (The winner of our contest then went up against other contestants from around the world, at the International Mr. Leather contest in Chicago.) The club also produced the Mr. New England Drummer contest at the Villa Victoria Center in Boston. (The winner of our contest then went up against other contestants, at the Mr. Drummer contest in San Francisco.) Membership by August included 85 cyclists from all across New England. Most large runs or meetings boasted about 35 cyclists, small day or night rides always attracted a dozen members. Fallen Rider Rick Allen of Maine was lost to a heart attack in the Fall. A spectacular Christmas dinner was provided by Dennis Samson in Middleboro, MA. Christmas gifts were again collected and dispersed in memory of Paul Caron, spearheaded by P.J. Coache, Strider Pineo, and Scott Coviello.