Motorcycle clubs restricted to a single marque have greater staying power. Madras Bulls (Royal Enfield) and Roaring Riders (Jawa & Yezdi) are examples. In contrast, groups open to multiple marques disintegrate faster.
Julian Motorcycle Club (JMC) takes the more slippery route. It rolls out the red carpet to anyone with a motorcycle. Interestingly, the club is the brainchild of a diehard Royal Enfield enthusiast. During an all-Bullet expedition to the Himalayas, Joseph Julian started tinkering with the idea of an all-inclusive biker club.
JMC has today evoked positive response from motorcycle majors in India. “Most motorcycle majors are committed to inculcating values of safe and ethical riding in young bikers. Despite encouraging clubs dedicated to their bikes, they don't achieve their objective. Lack of regular rides is the reason. As we share their values and aim to make biking a part of every week, a few bike manufacturers have extended support to our initiative,” says 34-year-old Julian.
JMC, which has been around for a year but officially kick-started on May 30, plans a ride a week. That is generally the aim of almost every biker club. The core group at JMC thinks they are in a better position to attain it than most other clubs because of the group's structural strength.
Student strength
“We are going to run it along corporate lines,” says Dilip Francis, vice-president, JMC. “We are not seeking to make money from the biking club. Most of the 120 members on the roll now are college students. The club is supported by gains from automobile-related commercial pursuits.”
Julian, who runs Sperm (garment retailing), also customises vehicles. “We're going to take this activity to a higher gear. In addition, we'll hire out super bikes and sports cars.”
Given these factors, JMS seems destined for a great journey.
