At the home of Chapin “Smitty” Smith, the Satyrs Motorcycle Club held its first official club meeting in 1954.
The Satyrs Motorcycle Club of Los Angeles is the oldest running gay men’s motorcycle club and organization in the world. Formed during the height of the McCarthy era, seven men created the club out of their common bond over motorcycles. It was not an easy time in America for gay men to congregate with fellow gay men. Homosexuals were deemed as deviants and undesirables in society.
The club continues to sponsor activities including the World-Famous ‘Badger Flats Run’. More than just a run, it’s billed as, ’24-hour bar, food, camping and entertainment in the High Sierra’s!’ The club also does charity fundraising, has a longstanding history of community involvement and motorcycle relevant events.