Castaways M.C.

The Castaways Motorcycle Club was incorporated in November 1979 in Milwaukee, by Si Smits, Bob Pfeiffer, Tom Ryan, and a few others. Formed largely as a split from the Silver Star Motorcycle Club, Castaways club members began by meeting each Sunday at the M&M Club, then went on a motorcycle ride. 

Members recall that the two groups were strict rivals: Silver Star refused to allow dual memberships, so that if someone became a member of Castways, they would not be allowed to also be a member in Silver Star. Silver Star disbanded in the early 1980s.

The Castaways experienced difficulties recruiting for a motorcycle club. In 1981, they converted to a leather/Levi membership model to be more inclusive. Over time, Castaways became more of a social group.  While membership has varied over the years, the standard range has been 10-25 members.

Castaways held their first motorcycle run in 1982. From 1996-2015, the club hosted a joint run with Argonauts of Green Bay, as well as anniversary dinners at the Hotel Wisconsin. 

Until 2016, Castaways were members of the Mid-America Conference of Clubs.

Note: Castaways has never owned a title.

Today, Castaways M.C. describes itself as "a relaxed Leather/Levi social club located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We hold regular events in the Milwaukee area, as well as annual runs at the Hilbert farm and campgrounds in Wisconsin and Indiana.  We also participate within our community and hold fund raising events throughout the year. 

Castaways has a long history of community service. Since the beginning of the chapter, the group has raised money for local charities and causes.

Their website in 2011 adds: "Since the beginning of our chapter, we've adopted a "service attitude" of giving back to the community that we live in and thrive in. You will see us at Pridefest and at our Club Events supporting our club and charities."

In 2025, the Castaways Archives were donated to the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project for archival treatment. Additional materials are stored with the Argonauts archives at the Annual Run building near Hilbert, Wisconsin.