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Storm Riders Last updated 16 Aug 2003 Back to D'Singapore Scene
The Straits Times Interactive JUN 19 2000 They're riding up a storm The Storm Riders are no hell raisers but a club of motorbike enthusiasts who gather to socialise, watch movies and go for road trips together By YVONNE KOH THE crowd of over 70 Storm Riders - members of a motorcycle club - create quite a stir at Marina South every Saturday night. Their motorcycles, of all makes and sizes, crowd the carpark, while their owners drift in and out of Canto Pub. Those who mistake them for hell raisers, think again. These are people bonded by their love affairs with their bikes. For thrills, they turn not to dare-devil riding, but regular road trips, to places such as Mount Ophir and Desaru in Johor. They have collected used helmets for people who cannot afford them. They are the second motorcycle club registered here. The local chapter of the International Harley Owners Group was the first. But the Storm Riders are open to owners of any make of motorcycle. Even scooters are welcome. The group describes itself as a motorcycle-community club. Among its five women members is Madam Tina Soo-Tho, 30, also the assistant secretary of Storm Riders' club. She rides her Kawasaki Eliminator, not her BMW, to work: "I love biking for the freedom. You don't feel cooped up, unlike when driving a car... "Sometimes I get stares on the road though," she said. Her husband, Mr Steve Yeo, also a Storm Rider, encouraged her to take up motorcycling. Said club president Steve Chia: "Many of our members bring their spouses along on trips and meetings." His wife, who rides a scooter, is also a member. Mr Chia and his friends, all of whom are motorbike enthusiasts, have been meeting informally for a long time. Then came the idea of starting a club. Last Christmas eve, a core group of 10 decided to make it formal. And the Storm Riders took off. The club, formally registered in April this year, has been meeting at Marina South every Saturday to discuss everything to do with motorcycling. The members also go for movies together. "Many people have joined us on the spot when we gathered at Marina South," said Mr Chia, 32. The 76 members include technicians, housewives, engineers and teachers. Some are in their 20s and there are also members in their late 60s. You can also find the Storm Riders on the information highway, at www.storm-riders.org
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