More Than Motorcycles: Boulder Street Moto Club builds a community out of love for vintage bikes

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — In 2015, five friends discovered a shared interest: vintage motorcycles from the 70s. They would ride around to coffee shops and bars on weekends, just hanging out, or go on group rides in the mountains. Adam Morley, co-founder of the Boulder Street Moto Club, was one of that original crew.

“We would ride places and sometimes we would see vintage motorcycles, like parked somewhere, and we’d literally go stop and drop off our info and write a note that said ‘Hey, call us and come hang out with us ’cause you have a cool bike!’ and we would just drop it on their bike and wait for them to call. And sometimes they would.”

They met more people through friends who heard what they were doing, and over time the group grew. In 2018 they decided to get their own space to meet and work on their bikes. It started with just a few tools and a lounge area complete with a record player, a coffee station, and whiskey.

“It became a real club at that point,” says Morley. “So, we became a nonprofit social club, which is a 501c7. And we started doing the membership approach to things. We started having members of the club pay monthly into the space for their membership dues. And it would cover community tools and people could come and go anytime they wanted.”

Soon the Boulder Street Moto Club moved to another, larger space. They started hosting events, doing group rides, and advertising to get more vintage motorcycle enthusiasts involved.

“At that point, it really took off,” Morley says. “People started using the tools to fix their bikes. They would do fix-and-flips on motorcycles and sometimes build full custom vintage motorcycles, mostly cafe racers at that time. And sometimes people would just hang out and cook hotdogs, drink whiskey and that was when it really got fun.”

One of the main yearly events at Boulder Street Moto is The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, a nationwide event sponsored by the Movember Foundation, which benefits men’s health. Motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life meet for a big group ride each year in May. Stylish vintage apparel is encouraged—and the riders exceed expectations, decked out in tweed jackets, bow ties, mustaches, and even the occasional tuxedo.

The Colorado Springs Gentleman’s Ride, Morley says, is the largest in the state.

“We’re expecting like 150 riders this year if the weather’s good. So it’s going to be a full parking lot. But each rider raises money for men’s health on their own. And we have giveaways and raffles and food and drinks that day, and live music.”

The Boulder Street Moto Club is about motorcycles, of course, but Morley says it’s just as much about connection. Fostering friendship and business connections is a main part of the club’s purpose. And don’t let the words “gentleman’s ride” mislead you: all genders are welcome.

“So when I first got into vintage motorcycles, I said, ‘How can we make this a group thing? How can we use this to make more friends and have more fun and build more community?’ So it’s kind of like the motorcycles were just a way to enjoy time with friends.”

“With any hobby I have, I want to use it as a way to connect with other people,” he continues. “I want other people involved in it. I’m just made that way.”

Likeminded people who resonate with this ethic are encouraged to join the club. “If you want to hang out and make friends, and not take life (or motorcycling) too seriously,” Morley says, you are more than welcome to come out and ride.

“We’re just a bunch of goof-offs having fun, you know?”

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