Who would have guessed that within only two weeks, a Facebook group called SA Bikers UK would have racked up over 100 members. Started by Nati Marx on 25 February 2010, within its first day it already had 24 members.

The description of this public group says ‘How many South African Bikers are we in the UK and how’s about a rally? Let's join and get together sometime.’

When asked why he started the group, Nati replies, “I just feel that there have to be more SA motorcyclists in the UK and that with a bit of effort it can certainly grow into a fantastic community as we South Africans do well!”

Nati admitted that the thought of a rally sounded a bit far fetched at first and that it would depend on how many people joining the group actually owned a bike, but at the rate the group is growing it might just come together. And says Nati, “Knowing South Africans, amongst all of them at least one would be able to play a guitar and we can make the fire…”

Nati and his friends are a group of five dedicated friends who take every chance, weather permitting, to go somewhere. Of all the members who have joined the SA Biker UK group, not all appear to be bikers, but it is still early days and if it has had such a huge response already, it seems there is indeed a desire for a South African biker community or biker events!

“I guess we have done what all expats do, go abroad rent a car and drive down the coastline or where ever. It is just completely different on a bike. There is just something about you and machine driving down a gorgeous road there is a feeling of complete control everything you do affects the sensation you get!”

Nati, born and bred in Krugersdorp, moved to the UK in 2005 and bought his first bike in 2007. He started riding motorbikes at the age of 16, buying his first 50CC to get to school and back. And it hasn’t stopped since. “I am no serious race driver but I do enjoy the freedom you get from riding a motorcycle.”

Join the Facebook group for  SA Bikers UK.