When I was a young rider, I had to join the A.M.A. in order to participate in any "sanctioned" dirt bike events. After my competition days were over, well, that was the end of any group. I will say the A.M.A. has done some good for the cycle world. Now, like most on this post, I ride almost always solo. got a couple good friends that ride, but each lives several hours away, and they still work, so don't get to ride with them very often.