The Beginning

Lawson and Lois McLeod were active in motorcycling, going to rallies and events near their home and across the country. They got to know many riders from the area, often riding with or meeting them at these events. Legend has it that Lawson would sooner or later bring up the subject of starting a BMW-MOA chartered club in the Columbia, SC area.

In October 2013, Lawson and Lois invited all the MOA members in South Carolina to their home for a cookout. This was the beginning of MOA Chartered Club #363.

Lawson’s conception was centered on socializing, fellowship, education, and a love for motorcycling. He emphasized that, while we are affiliated with BMW-MOA and support that organization, members don’t have to own a BMW to join…just a love of motorcycling. He wanted an informal atmosphere where there was “something for everyone and flexibility for all.”

With Lawson and Lois at the helm, we started to develop and shape as a club. We had approximately fifty members and we had volunteers for Club Chaplain, Ride Captains and such.

Before the club’s first anniversary, Lawson died unexpectedly.

At the time of Lawson’s death, we were still growing our roots. In all clubs, there is the core of the group. The members who show at the meetings, rain, sleet or motorcycle in the shop. And we had them.

We also had Lois. After Lawson’s death, Lois stayed on as Secretary/Treasurer of our club. Secretary? Treasurer? She did it all. Lois continued to lead the club for four months, until the first of the year, when we elected new officers. At that time, the VP became President, a new VP and Treasurer were elected, and Lois stayed as Secretary.

Lois has taken members ideas, and put her heart, soul and organizing skills to turn them into events. Of course, she has plenty of experience in that field, she used these same qualities to help initiate and build our club. Over the years, our club annual activities include family picnics, camping, rider’s training, swap meets, grand tours and Toys for Tots. Every September we have a ride in memory of Lawson.

The recipe for a strong club is to get as many members involved as possible. But every club needs a Lois. She has made the reservations, got the permits, cooked and served the meals, and whatever else was needed.

The club continues today as Lawson & Lois envisioned in October 2013.

End of an Era

In October 2022, Lois made the decision to end this chapter of her life and resign her membership and role in the club. We will always remember Lawson and Lois for their amazing contributions to the world of motorcycling in the form of Palmetto BMW Riders – thank you!

Beginning of another

In December 2022, Palmetto BMW Riders has made the transition from a chartered club of the MOA to becoming a chapter. This means that as a member of the MOA and a resident of the state of South Carolina, you are a member of the club. All you need to do is show up and participate!