San Francisco Bay Area Motorcycle Events, Rides, & Meetups

Aug 15, 2024

The San Francisco Bay Area, stretching across 7,000 square miles, is a dream come true for motorcyclists. With scenic routes that include the Golden Gate Bridge and the paths through Marin County, there are plenty of rides to enjoy. But there's more to the Bay Area than just great rides—it's also home to a lively scene of motorcycle events and meetups. In this blog, we'll highlight some of the best motorcycle events, rides, and meetups in the San Francisco Bay Area that you should definitely check out.

San Francisco Motorcycle Events

There are plenty of exciting motorcycle events in San Francisco that you won't want to miss. From charity fundraisers to classic bike shows, below are some of the best upcoming events.

1. BSMC East Bay Annual Scholarship Fundraiser

Location: 7576 Southfront Road, Livermore, CA 94551

Date: August 17, 2024

Join the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club for their BSMC East Bay Annual Scholarship Fundraiser on August 17, 2024. Held at East Bay Harley-Davidson, located at 7576 Southfront Road, Livermore, CA, this event runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The day will be packed with fun, featuring a live DJ, delicious food, exciting games, and prizes. Plus, you'll get to see some amazing bikes on the showroom floor. The funds raised will go towards supporting scholarships for high school students heading to college, university, or trade school. It's a great way to enjoy a day out while contributing to a worthy cause. Check out the event Facebook page for more information!

2. Veterans Car, Truck + Bike Show hosted by the American Legion Riders

Location: Petaluma Veterans Memorial Building | 1094 Petaluma Blvd South

Date: August 24, 2024

Get ready for the 2nd annual Veterans Car, Truck + Bike Show hosted by the American Legion Riders Chapter 28 and co-hosted by C/10 Club North Bay on August 24, 2024. Held at the Petaluma Veterans Memorial Building, this family-friendly event is free for spectators and offers a day full of fun. Registration starts at 7:30 am, with the show running from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Enjoy raffles, food, and great music. The show is open to all classes of cars, trucks, and motorcycles, with a $25 entry fee per vehicle. The first 100 registered participants will receive a dash plaque. Don't miss out on this exciting event that supports our veterans and showcases some fantastic vehicles. For more information, head over to their Facebook event page.

3. All Italian Day Car & Motorcycle Show

Location: Main Street Soccer Field | 2040 Main Street, Alameda, CA 94501

Date: September 29, 2024

Join the fun at All Italian Day in Alameda, California, on Sunday, September 29, 2024. Hosted by the Alfa Romeo Association, this event celebrates its 36th anniversary this year and welcomes all forms of Italian transportation. The show runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, and all net proceeds support the Special Olympics of Northern California. Those who want to participate can showcase their vehicles for a $25 fee, which covers entrance for the whole family. Spectators are also welcome, with a $10 per person or $20 per family fee payable at the gate. Enjoy some great food, drinks, and ARA merchandise available for purchase. Please note that no pets are allowed, except for licensed assistance animals. It’s a great day to admire beautiful Italian cars and motorcycles while offering a hand in support of the Special Olympics. Take a look at their website for more information!

4. 19th Annual Chilly Billy Hot Rod & Motorcycle Show

Location: Sonoma - Marin Fairgrounds | 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, CA

Date: October 5, 2024

The 19th Annual Chilly Billy Fun Run, Hot Rod & Motorcycle Show is set for Saturday at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. This free event, hosted by the Rip City Riders, will have live music on two stages, lots of vendors, and plenty of hot rods, custom motorcycles, and Harley-Davidsons to check out. There will also be a barbecue chicken lunch and drinks available for purchase, including beer and wine for those 21 and over with ID. It's a family-friendly day supporting the Polly Klaas Foundation and their mission for child safety. For more details, check out their website.

Motorcycle Meetups & Rides in San Francisco

If you're looking for great motorcycle rides in the San Francisco Bay Area, below are a few meetups and group rides that are perfect for connecting with other riders and exploring new routes. Let’s take a look. 

1. "Ride like a Cop" | SF Police Motorcycle Safety Clinic

Location: SFPD Traffic Unit Treasure Island Facility | 649 Ave N San Francisco, CA 94130

Date: August 18, 2024

Mark your calendar for August 18, 2024, and head over to the SFPD Traffic Unit Treasure Island Facility for the Ride like a Cop Motorcycle Safety Clinic. This free training event, offered by the SF Police motorcycle unit, is a great way to sharpen your riding skills. The class focuses on low-speed maneuvers, crash avoidance drills, proper braking, and more. It’s perfect for learning those tight police u-turns and gaining more confidence in your riding. Spaces are limited to just 15 participants, so make sure to register early through the SFPD meetup website. After the clinic, there might be a late ride or lunch if there’s enough interest. Don't miss this chance to ride like a pro!

2. Tracy Taco Time Motorcycle Ride

Location: Meet up at Fellini Coffeebar | 1401 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702

Date: August 25, 2024

Tracy Taco Time is a special ride in memory of Leon Dragan, the founder of Berkeley Moto, happening on August 18, 2024. Leon's passion for safety and community helped make Berkeley Moto one of the most active motorcycle groups in the Bay Area. This ride takes you to one of Leon’s favorite spots in Tracy. The event starts at 10:00 am at Fellini Coffeebar with a safety talk at 10:20 am, and kickstands up (KSU) at 10:30 am. Riders will travel about 63 miles to La Costa Taqueria for a lunch stop (cash only!), and the ride is sent to end back at Fellini Coffeebar around 5:00 pm. The ride includes an exciting pace, lane splitting, and lots of backroads, so make sure your bike can handle 100 miles between gas stops and download the route ahead of time. Don’t miss out, as this is a great opportunity to honor Leon’s legacy and enjoy a memorable day on the road. Read more about this ride here.

3. The Social Moto San Francisco Monthly Ride

Location: Announced 2 weeks before each event

Date: Third Tuesday of every month

The Social Moto San Francisco Monthly Ride is a must for local riders. Happening on the third Tuesday of every month, the exact location is announced two weeks before each event, adding a bit of excitement. These rides are all about the joys of group riding—meeting fellow motorcyclists, exploring new routes, and sharing the open road together. Whether you ride often or are new to the scene, it's a great way to connect with the community and enjoy a relaxing, fun-filled evening on your bike. Keep an eye out for the location announcement on their site and join in for a great ride! 

4. The San Francisco Motorcycle Riding Group

Location: San Francisco, CA

Date: Locations vary based on ride

The San Francisco Motorcycle Riding Group is perfect if you love riding with others at a relaxed pace. They meet at different spots around San Francisco, but oftentimes the start location is in San Leandro. The rides take you through various routes around the Bay Area and beyond. All bikes are welcome, but you'll need at least a 500cc bike since some rides include freeway stretches. Safety is a big deal here, so the pace is comfortable, and the group sticks together with a ride captain leading and sweepers at the back. If you enjoy leisurely group rides and making new friends, this is the group for you. Plus, you can even share your own route ideas with the hosts! Check out their meetup page for more updates. 

5. Doc Wong Motorcycle Riding Clinic

Location: In the Carlmont Village Shopping Center | 1021 Alameda de las Pulgas,  Belmont, CA 94002

Date: Varies depending on choice of clinic

Doc Wong’s Motorcycle Riding Clinic offers a variety of free and paid courses that have been serving the motorcycle community for over 21 years, with more than 41,000 students. Located at the Carlmont Village Shopping Center in Belmont, CA, these clinics range from street riding and suspension workshops to ergonomics and dual sports training. The Street Riding Clinic starts with a talk at Doc Wong’s office at 9 am on a Sunday, followed by a practice ride through the Skyline Hills. 

For those interested in bike setup, the Suspension Clinic provides hands-on demonstrations, while the Ergonomics Workshop helps you adjust your bike for maximum comfort and efficiency. There’s even a Basic Motorcycle Maintenance clinic, although it's currently not being offered. For a more intense experience, the Dual Sport Clinics involve a Friday night talk and Sunday drills, perfect for dirt or dual-sport bikes. If you’re into track days, Doc Wong participates with the Track Club and California Superbike School. Make sure to check out his website for more details!

Looking for a Ride Between Events?

Events and meetups are great ways to connect with the Bay Area riding community, but they don't happen every day. Riders Share offers guided motorcycle tours in San Francisco led by locals who know the coastal roads, the Marin Headlands, and the routes through wine country. Whether you're visiting and want to see the best of Northern California or just want to ride with someone who already has the route figured out, a guided tour is a solid way to get out and explore.

Ride in Style with a Motorcycle Rental from Riders Share

Looking to join these events and rides? Make it easy with a motorcycle rental from Riders Share. With a wide selection of bikes, we offer the perfect option for motorcycle rentals in San Francisco. Whether you're new to the area or just want to try a different ride, we've got you covered. For some extra tips to make the most of your rental, make sure to check out our blog, Your Guide to Riding a Motorcycle in San Francisco Bay Area. With a motorcycle rental of your choice and some newly gained tips, you’ll be more than ready to explore the Bay Area and all it has to offer! 

End Point

There you have it—9 different motorcycle events, meetups, and rides you can participate in if you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area. There’s something here for everyone and we hope you’re able to fill your schedule up, but if you have some space and are looking for something different to do, make sure to check out our blogs: Best Day Trips from San Francisco, California and Best Motorcycle Rides Near San Francisco - Part 2.