Ghost Rider Biker Club, Belgium

Ghost Rider Biker Club is a former motorcycle club, and from what can be gleaned online it was founded sometime in the 1980’s. It appears to have been abandoned since around 2010, which is when the club’s blogs and social media posts abruptly stop. Perhaps the club disbanded, or relocated elsewhere. Perhaps as member numbers dwindled, the club merged with a large club from a bigger town. Either way, the building became abandoned and now lays forgotten.

It was not a famous clubhouse for an ill-reputed biker gang, or a club run by an infamous race champion. It seems to have been a simple and low-key social establishment.

When I first saw photos of the Ghost Rider Biker Club, I was not sure what to make of it. I usually prefer older buildings with traditional architecture or a vegetation-filled overgrown greenhouse. This one is a relatively modern and plain building, there is no argument there. It lacks the beauty and craftsmanship of an Italian villa, or the elegance of an ancient French chateau. However, it does have a certain unique quality which is something else I like in my lost places. Unique places draw me, even if they lack traditional aesthetic architectural appeal.

Life at the social club

Motorcycle enthusiasts would meet here regularly, and share route ideas and chat about the ins-and-outs of their motorbike lifestlye. They would advertise bikes for sale via hand-scrawled messages on the blackboard; one such advertisement can still be made out.

At least some of group were clearly excellent competition riders, judging by the huge collection of trophies and shields decorating the shelves and walls.

On the walls are haphazardly blue-tacked pages torn from various magazines. As well as images of the latest motorbikes, there are numerous topless models. Fast bikes and fast women were certainly objects of desire here.

Bikers would drink at the small on-site bar, tucked away in the corner of the main room. The cabinets are strewn with stickers from various bike-related brands and products. A Christian cross sits above the main entrance, seeming to overlook or guard the bikers as they socialise.