History of the SCMA

The Southern California Motorcycling Association (SCMA) was started in 1968 by motorcycle enthusiasts who were members of many local clubs in California.  The original concept was to promote motorcycle riding as a family-oriented recreational activity.

There were at least 20 affiliated clubs within this new association and it became so big that there was an “Area A” that covered clubs from the LA metro area to San Diego.  “Area B” covered clubs north of the LA Metro area into Kern County, the Bakersfield area.  From time to time “AREA C” is mentioned, boundaries unknown.  Membership was in the thousands, nearly 8,000 at one point.  Once a year there was a full membership meeting at a county fairgrounds on the weekend of the annual SCMA Jamboree, complete with vendors and various activities.

In accordance with state laws, SCMA had to have a California address.  For a long time it had storefront office on Pioneer Blvd. in Norwalk, CA, manned by volunteers during business hours. Someone was available by phone or for riders passing through. Monthly meetings were held there, and ride supplies were stored there.  Though there is no longer an office, the formal address is still in Norwalk at PO Box 487, Norwalk CA 90651. With computers and cell phones, someone can always to answer questions, or refer a caller to the right person.   

In almost 50 years, there have been changes in the economy, traffic, and life styles in general. Short weekend rides which ended with a BBQ in a park for the whole family (who could tag along in a car while Daddy enjoyed his motorcycle) no longer happened with regularity.  Event insurance became a reality for each ride.  Even small parks began charging event fees and requiring reservations.  

Regional riders can enjoy one or two-day weekend rides, and SCMA encourages attendance at rides hosted by the affiliated clubs.  SCMA rides can serve as a membership meeting, or just be for good conversation among motorcyclists, and we do find some of the best restaurants!  What is better than a good meal with great people?

Longer distance rides became more popular.  The oldest of SCMA’s long distance rides is our international ride, The Three Flags Classic, every Labor Day weekend since 1976. It can start in Mexico, go through the USA and end in Canada, or be reversed. Riders are from the USA including Alaska and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico. Just to name a few, riders from Denmark, Germany, Japan, and Nigeria have joined the fun.  Friendships made on Three Flags are priceless.  

Nationally, one can do the USA Four Corners self-tour to the four most extreme geographic corners of the United States. The first USA Four Corners tour was in 1984.   

Some riders accept the challenge to do the 15 Best Roads in America singly, while on Four Corners, just after Three Flags, or do all three at once.

Longer in-state self-tours were also developed, the California Parks Adventure of 25 state parks, and the Mission Tour of the 21 missions in California.  

In addition to good food and great people, there is beautiful scenery on roads that seem to be just for motorcycling. Some of those roads might be in your own backyard, only you never knew.  Our ride and route chairs really find some surprises, some interesting places to go.

Though SCMA has had to change with the times, it continues to promote motorcycle riding as a recreation for the whole family--men, women, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters--regardless of what brand of bike or trike they prefer.  Visit www.sc-ma.com, pick a ride, come and meet us.  Enjoy a ride just for the fun of it!