Our Purpose

"So what or who are the North Carolina Retreads®?"

Hello, my name is Jim Everhart, NC State Representative, Retreads® Motorcycle Club International. Everywhere my wife Sue and I travel, within the state of North Carolina, we get this question. If you don't know us, I'm sure you will sooner or later. Let me introduce you to the North Carolina Chapter of the Retreads® Motorcycle Club International.

The Retread® Motorcycle Club International is an American Motorcyclist Association chartered motorcycle club (AMA Charter 3233). The Retreads® is a non-profit International organization of motorcycle enthusiasts, interested in the betterment and enjoyment of safe motorcycling. Members are located in the United States, Canada, England, New Zealand, and a few are scattered in other parts of the world. There are 12 Regions in the United States and 4 in Canada. All states and provinces are represented by at least one Representative. The Club was conceived and started in 1969 by George R. Spidell of El Cajon, California (deceased). It has grown to have a membership of around 20,000 in times past (these numbers have dwindled drastically due to "AGE" overcoming us in most cases). The North Carolina Chapter of the Retreads® Motorcycle Club International are members of the Mid-South Regional Retreads, which includes Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. We currently have 108 members within the state as of June 15, 2004. Sue and I became the State Representatives on January 01, 2001 and are only the third set of State Representatives since the club's beginnings in North Carolina, circa 1972 (Vernon Eanes of Salisbury, followed by Jerry Davis of Graham). Mama Sue and I became the Mid-South Regional Directors in January 2003.

So who are the North Carolina RETREADS®? We are motorcycle enthusiasts who have attained and passed their 40th birthday (spouse of member need not be 40). We are riders; those connected with the trade and interested spectators who have renewed their interest with other's of their own age group. We come from all walks of life. The members usually belong to other organizations such as GWRRA, H.O.G., BMWRA, CBA/ABATE of NC, and a host of others. The Club is chartered with the AMA but members are not required to be AMA members. The majority of our members are grandparents, the Mom and Pop's of the world and the empty nester's where the children have gone on to other things. These are the folks that had (or wanted) motorcycles in their youth but had to give them up to raise their families. Now We have free time to ride and enjoy life in their golden years. Our oldest NC members were born in 1919 and still riding on occasion.

So what do we do? The Club is basically a fellowship club. Visits are made between members, personal friendships are made and events are planned. Club activities are as many and varied as are the members themselves. Activities range from local "Get-Togethers", to Area, State, Regional and International events. Our 2001 Mid-South Retreads® Regional Rally was held Bryson City NC. Our 2001 International Retreads Rally was held in Coffeyville Kansas. The 2002 International Rally was held in Biloxi Mississippi in September of that year. The 2003 International Rally was held in Millville NJ in September of that year. We held our first State Rally in over twelve years in June of 2002, followed by another one in June of 2003, both of which was held in Lexington NC. Most States and/or Regions put out their own newsletter - I'm told mine is a book. A "Get-Together" generally consists of meeting at a restaurant to eat, catch up on club gossip, have general all around fun, a 50/50 and some door prizes. Sometimes there is a ride planned either before or after the meetings. At other times we schedule a "Something to do Ride", or a weekend trip and/or to go to visit other chapters in other states. You do not have to be a member to participate at our local "Get-Togethers" or to participate in our monthly rides, meetings, or drawings, but most regional rallies are closed events for members only. At our Rallies, guest are welcome if accompanied by a Retread® member, however rally guest aren't allowed to receive any awards or trophies during the event.

How do you join? You can visit one of our "Get-Togethers" or ask any Retread®, they can put you in touch with your State or Area Representative or Regional Director. Or you can write to Retread® Motorcycle Club International, Inc., 528 N. Main St., Albany Indiana 47320. You can find what region you are in by visiting the International web site http://retreads.org and find out who to contact in your region. Your inquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate state representatives.

What does it cost? The expenses of operation for the Club and for the regional clubs will be paid by membership donations. A minimum donation of $15.00 per person or $20.00 per couple upon joining or renewing is requested from the members to cover the expenses of running the Club. Members renew each year. All memberships expire on December 31st.

We encourage you to attend one of our "Get-Togethers" to get to know us. Who knows you may even have some fun and meet some new friends. I don't think there was ever a Retread® member that ever knew a stranger....