About Us

About the Dons:

The San Jose Dons Motorcycle Club exists to Advocate motorcycling, promote good will between motorcyclists and the public, promote rider safety, and protect the rights of riders. Put more simply, the Dons are a group of people who love riding motorcycles and come together to enjoy motorcycling, and each other's company (good food and beverages also seem to be high on the list for San Jose Dons members).

The San Jose Dons Motorcycle Club was formed in 1932, with the club's colors of green and gold. The Dons are associated with the American Motorcycle Association (AMA). All club members are required to be members of the AMA as well. In addition, the Dons are associated with the Confederation of Clubs.

Our riding season commences in March with the annual "Spring Run" for which we invite select clubs and individuals from the AMA & MMA districts. Our season ends with the Enduro in October, followed by an awards dinner in December.

During the riding season, the club participates in roughly 20 motorcycle events. A list of events is available on this web site (run calendar). Club rides are not restricted to these scheduled events, and members frequently get together for informal rides, as well as weekend gatherings.

Club Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month, beginning at 6:30 PM. The last Wednesday of each month is reserved for "Putt Night", when a club member leads the group on a short destination run to a restaurant, or other point of interest.

Becoming a member:

In order to become a member of the San Jose Dons, you must attend three club events in a row (meetings count as events). Listen carefully when the Road Captain gives his/her report and announces upcoming events, such as poker runs, picnics, camp outs, etc. Unless specifically stated by the Road Captain, always consider yourself invited to attend club events.

Attending these events will give you and the club members a chance to know one another. Club members will be watching to see how well you ride, both as an individual and with a group. When you arrive at an event, speak to the Road Captain, so that he/she can review with you the rules for riding in a large group. Remember, safety first.

After you have attended three consecutive events, you must submit an application along with a fee of $5.00, plus three months dues. Your application should be submitted to the club President before the start of the meeting. At some point during the meeting, the President will introduce you as an applicant. Be prepared to answer a few general questions, which the membership may have.

On the evening of the following club meeting, you should stay home. At the beginning of the meeting, the club will vote on your membership, and our Sergeant at Arms will call you with the results when they are tabulated.

Probation:

Assuming the club votes to approve your application, there will be a probation period of three months. After this probation period, the club will take second vote to decide if you will become a permanent member. As a permanent member, you will be required to pay your dues up to the beginning of the following year (Club dues are $45.00 per year plus $39.00 AMA national club dues). You will receive a club card, a club pin, and a copy of the club's bylaws. You will also want to purchase a club jacket, with patches at that time.

A note from the Don's President:

We hope you have enjoyed our website. If your looking for a club to ride with, stop by for one of our meetings or rides, and see what we're all about. We enjoy riding our bikes in a fun and safe way. We welcome any riders and rider/passengers male or female all can be members. We are a fun and casual club.

Keep your rubber side down,

"Big Daddy" Bruce Colbourn

President, San Jose Dons Motorcycle Club

bacloco@comcast.com