By Norm Kern

What is MSTA?
If you’re a sport touring rider who enjoys the freeing experience of motorcycling – with adventure – discovering new roads or reliving your favorites, MSTA is for you. We seek community, the opportunity to make new connections and experience our passion.  We’re a national club with about 1,100 members, mostly concentrated near the best riding regions of the U.S. What brings us together is a shared love of riding, exploring, and connecting — and we’d love to welcome more riders into the mix.

What MSTA is all about:

RIDING – This is, first and foremost, a riding club. We ride for the joy of it — and we love doing it in small, self-selected groups that fit each rider’s preferred pace and style. 

SOCIAL – We gather to swap stories, talk bikes, and build friendships that last well beyond the rally weekend.

EVENTS – We host 20+ well-organized events every year across at least 10 states — from weekend rides to multi-day rallies. 

CONNECTIONS – Our club stays connected through our STAReview magazine, website, Facebook page, and state-level newsletters. There’s always something going on — and someone to ride with.

Why MSTA?

• We offer one of the most comprehensive GPS route catalogs of any motorcycle club — twisty,  technical, scenic, and vetted with technical help at the event to get your navigation system loaded.  
• Our regional structure gives us “boots on the ground” — local members who help scout, organize, and host rides in top-notch locations.
• Our diverse membership means more experience, more volunteer power, and a wider range of riding styles — from brisk and twisty to chill and scenic.
• We embrace all sport touring and ADV-style bikes — it’s not about what you ride, it’s about how much you enjoy it. 
• Flat tire? Breakdown or any other unexpected event?  Your group is there to help. 

How We Ride

When we gather at a rally, riders naturally group up based on pace, bike type, and preferences. You ride your ride — fast or relaxed, short loop or all-day adventure. New or solo attendees can fill out a “Find a Riding Partner” form to connect with compatible riders. Many rallies also have ambassadors who help first-timers find a group and get comfortable.

With lots of routes to choose from at each event, groups rarely overlap. And when they do, we all know how to give each other space — no pressure, no competition, just good road manners and respect. Most of us use GPS and comms to stay safe and in touch, but groups adapt to members who don’t. Everyone looks out for each other. 

The Evolving MSTA Culture

When I joined MSTA in 2001, it was a bit tougher to break in unless you came with friends. Since I became Vice President in 2017 and President in 2024, I’ve worked to make our club more welcoming and open to new faces.

Now, at any event you’ll find:

• Ambassadors- members with badge ribbons who are there to help.
• Yellow badges for club officers — easy to spot if you need anything.
• Green wristbands for first-timers, so established members can easily invite you to dinner, rides, or conversations. 
• Non-members are welcome at rallies — come and check us out before deciding to join.

Ready to Ride?

We’d love to have you join us at a rally. Come see what MSTA is all about — great rides, great people, and great roads. Whether you’re a solo rider, group organizer, or just curious, you’ll find your place here. Check us out at https://ridemsta.com

Come for the ride. Stay for the friendships.

Hope to see you on the road!

Norm Kern

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Connect with local Ohio Motorcycle Sport Touring Association riders at these monthly breakfasts:

Southwest Ohio Breakfast, 9AM, November 15

Village Family Restaurant
144 S. Main St.
Waynesville, OH 45068