The Australian Motorcycle Trail Riders Association (AMTRA) is a non-competitive, social trail riding club based in Melbourne, Victoria. Established on January 16, 1969, AMTRA was formed to cater to the increasing popularity of trail riding, particularly due to the introduction of the Yamaha DT-1 in 1968, which was the first off-road bike that could also be ridden on the road. The club's first meeting was held at Milledge Brothers Yamaha with 24 attendees.
AMTRA conducts rides for riders of all skill levels throughout Victoria. Members have the opportunity to participate in rides that are advertised on the club's website or through their monthly newsletter called AMTRACTION. The club has a strong membership, which fluctuates each year, but averages around 300 members annually. At its peak in the mid-1970s, AMTRA had over 500 members.
AMTRA members are actively involved in trail riding and advocating for the rights of trail bike riders and access to track networks. The club organises mainly day rides, but also holds weekend, Easter, and Christmas camps that are organised by club members. Rides take place in various areas of Victoria, with those close to Melbourne being particularly popular. The club also owns a property south of Myrtleford in northern Victoria, which serves as a base for members to explore the Alpine areas.
To participate in AMTRA rides, members must hold a valid licence or Learner's Permit and have a registered bike, as rides are held on gazetted roads. Additionally, AMTRA members occasionally organise other activities such as car rallies, 4WD trips, theatre nights, and restaurant nights. The club encourages families to join and enjoy the camping and social activities organised by the club.
AMTRA monthly meetings take place on the last Wednesday of each month (except for December) at the St David's Church hall in Doncaster East. Meetings feature brief reports on club business, ride reports, details about upcoming events, and often include a DVD showcasing recent rides. All members and visitors are encouraged to attend these meetings and socialise with other members.
AMTRA also has branches in New South Wales and South Australia for those interested in joining from those states. For members based in Queensland, they can contact Trail Riders Fraser Coast on Facebook. AMTRA fees consist of a one-time joining fee and a yearly subscription. The fees are kept reasonable, thanks to the club's fundraising efforts.
The current fees can be found on their website, and annual subscriptions include 11 copies of their magazine AMTRACTION.