About the Club

We are a San Antonio-area association of BMW motorcycle riders, owners, and enthusiasts! The club is a low-keyed organization, committed to the enjoyment of motorcycling and developing camaraderie among its members.

Club Members at the Annual Luckenbach Photo Shoot

We're an informal group and we encourage family participation in all our activities. We are chartered with both BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (BMW MOA Chapter 62) and BMW Riders Association (BMW RA Chapter 77).

Membership is open to riders of any make of motorcycle, just have to have an interest in riding motorcycles. Yearly dues are $15.

We have organized club rides, an annual rally held in the Texas Hill Country, an annual picnic and yearly Christmas Party. We also participate in fundraisers, support local charities, and conduct a quarterly litter pick-up as part of the Texas Adopt-A-Highway program. For more information regarding club and other events visit the club calendar.

Club's Newest Members

Welcome New Club Members

Rick Wehe      1/3/24       Joseph Ferry    3/9/24     Jesse Porter           3/20/24

John Stone     1/16/24     Rodney Watts  1/16/24   Blaire Holmstrand 3/16/24

Timothy Kelley 1/8/24    Joshua Brown   3/8/24

Get To Know Our Newest Members

Get to Know Joe Ferry

I grew up in a motorcycle family. My grandfather was a San Antonio motorcycle police officer, my dad raced on flat dirt, and I got my start riding motocross. I’ve been riding street bikes on and off for only 5 years, with my BMW being my second street bike. My wife recently bought me a 2006 R1200RT and I love it! I hope to gain friendship, camaraderie, and riding experience through the club. I was a firefighter/emt for 21 years and enjoy being a part of an organization with great, like minded folks. Please feel free to share on the website.

Get to Know John Stone

I’ve been riding off and on since my teenage years and really focusing on riding since retiring. I am riding a 2021 R1250RT and love traveling throughout the greater Hill Country with it’s many twisties and elevation changes, doing just under 11,000 miles in 2023. I enjoy my day rides where I can log an average of 250 miles as well as trips to Big Bend and once to Prescott Az. and the Grand Canyon. I joined the club for sharing experiences, club gatherings and information.

Get to Know Tim Kelley

I started riding in 1981 with the purchase of a Honda CB500. I rode that bike 6K around the west in 30 days, rode through 11 national parks. The CB500 was traded for a 78 Goldwing GL1000 which I took on my assignment to Italy in ‘82, put 22K on it in 2.5 years all over Europe (Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Sicily. Participated in Krauser Rally in Italian Alps with 450 bikers. Ultimately upgraded to’84 GW GL1200 (rode for 50K), took on 2nd overseas assignment (95-99), mostly Germany, Black Forest, best riding ever. Third GW, an ‘04 GL1800, bought here, rode for 18K locally, just recently sold. I bought a 2023 BMW K1600GTL in Dec 2023, had my eye on this model for many years, it’ll be my last “new” bike. I’m retired with lots of time to ride and looking for riding buddies for week-long trips out west. I look forward to participating in a Club event at least once a month. I’ve recently rode with Chuck and others on 2 March…good ride to break in the BMW.

 

Get to Know Jesse Porter

I work for a local charity and I’m a rider. Knowing how community focused all the rallies I’ve been to are, I thought…I need to join a club! It always warms my heart how much BMW rallies and clubs give back to the areas where they tour. It’s one of my favorite aspects of going to a rally.

I been riding since I was 18: Ninja (because I was 18), then Kawi Concourse (when I wanted to start touring), then ’86 R80, then ’96 1100GS, and now an ’01 1150GS (bought online in San Diego and rode home sight unseen).

Pre-kid I got loads of good riding in. Most of Appalachia, Niagara Falls, Up to Acadia, ME. I love getting lost in the Hill Country, and I’m originally from the Ozarks so I know them well too. I hit the BMW Natty in Trenton, ON and Charleston, WV. I’ve ridden out the Gaspe peninsula in New Brunswick (Moose!). I’ve done the River Road across the bottom of Big Bend. One summer I went to Mexico City and then again to San Miguel. I’d love to hit more of the NW states in years to come. Who knows maybe one day Alaska, why not?

If I’m not riding, then I’m bass fishing...or working.

Get to Know Rodney Watts

I first started riding in college (late 80's) riding two of my buddy’s bikes. After a break, I resumed riding in my early 50's (2019). My best rides have been the Three Sisters and numerous other Hill Country rides. I’m currently transitioning from a 2018 BMW S1000XR to a (new to me) 2022 BMW R 1250 RT. Joining the club is a way for me to get to know other local BMW riders, group rides, learn new techniques, new routes, accessories to consider, etc. I especially am looking forward to the club’s group rides and group meetings. I just retired (for now, at least) in early January of this year which gives me freedom to enjoy non-weekday rides. I’m especially looking forward to participating in the Tuesday lunch rides with Chuck that I couldn’t previously do due to working! My S1000XR is currently up for sale if you know of anyone who might be interested. It’s currently on the saleroom floor at the San Antonio BMW motorcycle dealership.

Club Officers

JOHN SIRES, PRESIDENT

My motorcycle riding experience is over a fifty year period with a twenty year interruption after marriage and kids.  My first motorcycle was a 1972 Triumph TR6R Tiger 650cc.  I moved to BMW motorcycles after I got back in the saddle because of an event riding my Triumph on the German autobahn in the summer of 1972.  I got the Triumph up to its top speed of 90 MPH, and out of no where a BMW motorcycle passed me like I was standing still.  Right then, I promised myself that my next motorcycle was going to be a BMW.  It took to 2002 for me to fulfill my promise.  My BMW motorcycle today is a 2016 R1200RS.  When I moved to Texas in 2019, I looked for a club like I belonged to in Ohio where we loved to ride and socialize.  The San Antonio BMW RA Club met my expectations, and I am having even more fun.

RANDALL LOGAN, VICE-PRESIDENT

I’ve ridden and raced motorcycles for over 40 years. 15 years ago, I purchased my first BMW and never back. I love the brand, lifestyle, and most of all the community. Riding’s been a family activity for the last 25 years. These years were spent travelling as a family; racing, moto camping, rallying, and developing lifelong relationships which we hope to continue to foster with this club. My wife enjoys riding as a passenger and volunteering. My daughter has over 30K miles in the pillion sharing life stories through our communication system and experiencing life on the road less traveled. My son and I spent years racing in both separate classes and on the same tracks together. I’ve volunteered and served in leadership positions for several riding clubs, both street and dirt, and most recently I was on the board of the BMW MOA Foundation for over 6 years. I’m honored to be part of this club’s leadership and look forward to serving the club and spending time with our valued members and their guests. I hope to leave the sport better than I found it.

GEOFF GAUGER, SECRETARY

I’ve enjoyed many rides and considerable camaraderie with my fellow members since joining the club in 2023. My ride is a 2019, K 1600 B which I bought in Colorado. This is my first bike and, since I didn’t have a motorcycle license at the time, I had a friend deliver it to San Antonio. My wife doesn’t ride with me, probably a good thing since I’m still honing my riding skills. I’m looking forward to being the club’s Secretary as I have the opportunity to compose and send club emails and be the site administrator while spending time with some great people.

 

MIKE MAKOWSKI, TREASURER

I volunteered to fill the vacant Treasurer's position and was subsequently elected to the position for the past two terms. I frequently ride to attend MOA Getaways, BMW National rallies, and miscellaneous road trips like Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas & Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride for charity. My first motorcycle was a Honda 450 in my college years. My current motorcycles are a 2012 R1200 GSA and R1200R."

Volunteers

John Sires

Ride Capitan

Mike Makowski

Ride Capitan

Randall Logan

Ride Captain

Bill Edwards

MOA Ambassador

Chuck Wetzel

MOA Ambassador

John Hawley

Adopt-A-Highway