WAVERLY - Chromed. Sleek. Fast. And most importantly, orange.

By looking at their rides, it's evident motorcycles are a favored pastime. By looking at their attire, it's clear the enthusiasts are equally committed to Wartburg College.

The Knight Riders made their debut this month, creating something of a stir as what some believe is the nation's first organized college alumni motorcycle group. Members also include staff and faculty members, and the Knights are getting revved reviews.

"I think the idea behind this club is fantastic," said Oscar Scofield, a Board of Regents member and CEO of a company based in North Carolina. "It combines two of my passions, Wartburg and bikes."

The idea for a club came from faculty member Karris Golden and her husband, Josh Neessen.

"My wife and I were always pulling the floats in the parades, and I thought it would be fun to ride my motorcycle," Neessen said. "I thought a motorcycle club would be a good way to get a lot of people involved with the college, especially people who might not otherwise get involved."

Golden then got the wheels rolling, talking to alumni, Wartburg President Jack Ohle and Dave Ostrander, vice president for institutional advancement.

"People have class reunions, reuniting of a state champion basketball team," Golden said. "So we wanted a Wartburg connection, since we like to ride bikes."

Ostrander admits he was skeptical.

"My first thought was, 'OK, I'll humor her.' But why would anyone be interested in a motorcycle club at Wartburg?" Ostrander said. "However, as I thought about the idea, I thought 'Why not?' Wartburg has more than 16,000 alumni, and they have a wide variety of interests. Why not try to connect with them in ways that appeal to them?"

After getting the college's approval, organizers scanned alumni lists and included information about the club in the 2003 homecoming brochures.

"We got a great deal of response," Golden said. "They are from people who graduated in the '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, a pastor, a CEO of a major corporation, women and an overall good mix of people."

The first organized riding event was Oct. 18 at the 2003 homecoming parade. Dressed in black and orange, the bikers proudly displayed not only their bikes, but their love for their college.

"My daughter graduated from here, and I love coming back when students are here," said Steve Mangels of Eldridge. "Riding the bike is just an added bonus."

Jerry Humpfer of Ankeny made the ride a family event.

"Both my wife and I, who graduated from Wartburg, ride motorcycles," Humpfer said. Humpfer, his wife and two children made the 140-mile ride from Ankeny the day before the parade.

"I'm glad Wartburg did this," he said. "It was not only a good excuse to ride up to homecoming but to ride period."

In a larger sense, Ostrander said the Knight Riders help fulfill the college's mission.

"It's all part of the philosophy of helping a person discover who they are and to present opportunities for them," he said.

Golden and Neessen plan to make fun runs and periodic rides throughout Iowa in warmer months.

"I graduated from Wartburg in 1998, and since we have Wartburg in common, I can have a really cool conversation with someone who graduated in 1958," Golden said. "As long as we have Wartburg and the bikes in common, we'll have a good time together."