Since 1983, the Racers Under the Son have been building a faith-centered community of dirt-riding enthusiasts in the western United States.

The club first chartered with the AMA in 1986 and now has chapters in California, Nevada and Oregon. It features a nondenominational setting, where Christian motorcycling enthusiasts enjoy riding, racing and fellowship.

Club President Mark Burnett said Mike Tarter started the group. Tarter was a recent convert to Christianity who placed an ad in Cycle News asking others who shared his faith to contact him about riding together.

“The first meeting was held in Cypress, Calif.,” Burnett said. “Twelve people met that night, and, in three months, the number was up to 50. Today, RUTS’ membership includes about 235 families who come together to share God’s love and enjoy the great outdoors.”

The Southern California club puts on eight events each year. One of those is an off-road competition event called “The Meltdown,” which takes place each June in the Mojave Desert. The 2019 event marks the 28th running of the AMA-sanctioned Meltdown, which the club bills as Dual European Scrambles.

Racers Under the Son also holds two recreational events at Hume Lake Christian Camp in Hume, Calif., and four additional recreational riding/camping events in the California desert.

“The two events at Hume Lake attract about 500 participants each,” Burnett said. “Our events take place in Johnson Valley, Ocotillo Wells, Red Mountains or Randsburg.”

Club events feature times of worship and Bible study, and the club sometimes provides Sunday morning worship services at AMA District 37 events. The club’s Northern California chapter has a similar presence at AMA District 36 events.

While the group’s mission and programming caters to those who practice the Christian faith, its events are open to all. Burnett said the club’s events are geared for riders of all skill levels.

“Our events are family-oriented, offering several types of riding, including trials, enduros and point-to-point rides,” Burnett said.

For Burnett, one of the benefits of being club president is seeing families who participate grow stronger by riding together.

“Our goal with RUTS is to continue to grow our club with new families and partner with other groups to share the light of Christ,” he said. “RUTS has been an active AMA club for more than 30 years, and we hope to continue for 30 more. Our vision is to continue being a light in the desert by providing families with safe opportunities to camp and ride together.”