🏍️ From the notice board to Chapter XVI

A note that changed everything

It was March 2001 when an inconspicuous note on the notice board at our station caught my eye. It was an invitation to an information event organised by the Blue Knights motorcycle club. I knew they existed somewhere in Germany, but I wanted to find out exactly who was behind them. Police, motorcycles, camaraderie – it sounded like a good mix.

Of course, I told my mate Werner about it. We shared a passion for riding and were always interested in anything to do with two wheels and the sound of engines. Unfortunately, Werner was on holiday at the time. ‘Go along,’ he said, ‘and let me know afterwards if it's any good.’

So three brave souls from our service group set off: Tina (Christina Lüderitz), Stephan Iserhard and me.

Six knights from Cologne – and an idea for the Ruhr region

The event was organised by the ‘knights’ of Chapter GER V – Cologne. Frank Eisenburger, Peter Ekrod, Astrid Fettweiß, Wilfried (Paule) Fuchs, Reinhard Ludwig and Eduard Schreyer were there.

They came up with an idea that, in retrospect, was almost fateful: the Ruhr region – with its high density of police officers and lively motorcycle scene – needed its own chapter of the Blue Knights.

Astrid Fettweiß and Reinhard Ludwig had even sent out an official invitation to all district police authorities in the administrative district via the Düsseldorf district government. And so, on 30 March 2001, we sat at the Essen Police Sports Club, surrounded by coffee, the smell of petrol and a great deal of curiosity – eager to find out what was in store for us.

From information event to founding meeting

What was originally intended to be just an information event quickly developed into the founding of a new chapter. The longer our colleagues in Cologne talked, the clearer it became:

“We want that too !”

The enthusiasm was palpable, the decision unanimous – and so Blue Knights Germany Chapter XVI Rhein-Ruhr was born on that day.

Of course, we had to make a slight adjustment to the statutes, because our Tina did not yet have a Class 1 driver's license. The sentence “... is in possession of a Class 1 driver's license and a motorcycle” was quickly amended to:

“... will obtain the required driver's license shortly and purchase a motorcycle as soon as possible.”

A charming detail that shows how friendly and uncomplicated the Blue Knights were from the very beginning. So Tina became our first lady of the castle, and together with Stephan and me, she was one of the founding members – along with Frank Eisenburger, Peter Ekrod, Wilfried (Paule) Fuchs, and Eduard Schreyer.

The first royal family

Of course, every castle needed a royal family—our first board of directors. The following were elected:

• Peter Ekrod—President
• Ralf Schefzig—Vice President
• Astrid Fettweiß—Secretary
• Frank Eisenburger—Treasurer

Our Paule later became past president, and my buddy Werner—finally back after his vacation—took on the well-deserved role of “world's best road captain.” .

These titles sound playful, but they stand for what defines us: pride, solidarity, and joy in our common cause.

First rides, first stories

The early years were marked by excitement and passion. We organized tours, met regularly, and colleagues became friends.

In 2003, we held our first founding meeting at the Ratingen youth hostel - a moment when it became clear to all of us that an idea had become a real community.

Our armor may be made of leather, but the values underneath are the same as they were back then: trust, camaraderie, and the joy of riding.

25 years later...

Today, a quarter of a century later, I look back with a smile. What began with a note on a bulletin board has become an integral part of our lives. We have covered countless miles, experienced many stories, and gained new members—but the spirit has remained.

We don't ride horses, we ride machines. Our castles are not made of stone, but of friendship, respect, and pride.

Ride with Pride.
Rudi Buers, founding member of Blue Knights Germany XVI Rhein-Ruhr