The Grey Area Gets Wider (and Weirder)

A dramatic increase in the number of recreational motorcyclists in recent years has clouded the issue of what differentiates a motorcycle club from a riding club. Some military or veteran's motorcycle clubs (VMC) which are actually AMA-sanctioned, non-outlaw clubs, wear three-piece patches while not engaging in the established MC tradition of prospecting. These clubs may simply require evidence of prior or current military service and ownership of a motorcycle for membership. While the wisdom of this practice in the larger context of the MC community could certainly be questioned, VMCs provide a viable alternative for many riders. It gets hazy when you consider that the territorial 1% motorcycle clubs seldom know which VMCs prospect their members, thereby educating them in established customs and courtesies, and which do not. All too often, they find out when a VMC patch holder violates a point of protocol and creates a situation impacting the entire club or chapter's ability to ride free. Law enforcement motorcycle clubs (LEMC) often DO engage in the practice of prospecting, providing them with the knowledge and understanding of protocol necessary to become functioning entities in the MC community. They pretty much do their own thing while maintaining a code of ethics consistent with their profession. Strangely enough, LEMCs seem to experience considerably more rejection from individuals among their own ranks than from other bikers. Several national organizations have wisely decided to unite their rockers with their patch to create the appearance of a one piece patch and avoid sending the wrong message to the MC community. H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group), among others. Some veterans advocacy groups wear colors and ride motorcycles (or not) yet they are quick to point out that they are not a motorcycle club (Rolling Thunder and American Legion Riders are two such examples). These groups, more often than not, earn respect by showing respect and typically function well in the greater community context.

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Comment by Kingb Hughes on April 7, 2012 at 2:25pm: GOOD STUFF

Comment by Ghost on February 20, 2010 at 7:02pm: There ya go......it doesn`t matter what you ride or who you ride with just......THAT YOU RIDE!!

Comment by The Key on February 20, 2010 at 6:54pm: LIKE YOUR COMMENT GHOST and yours to SPIDER,,,,,,,,I'm 52 years old, been riding since I was 18, put it down for a little while now i'm back in it. Love to ride and fix um up. I have always rode independant, allthough I do have people and friends I ride with from time to time.
I respect all bikers, you don't know me and I don't know you and my first thought when i see another bike is admiration, next is respect. What you have on your jacket or anything else doesn't interest me, if it were I would have been in a group long ago. I just enjoy my bike.

Comment by Ghost on February 13, 2010 at 9:50am: I agree with Ms T this isn`t a HOBBY for me! I ride year round and rack up thousands of miles on my sportbike. And where ever I go I give respect and receive it as well. I have been riding for years and joined a club for one most important one for me......I wanted to ride with like minded individuals....period! I have come across assholes wearing colors all across the country and it makes no difference what you do for a living! I have watched quite a few clubs for a long time before deciding to join one and the thing that pisses me off most is the "I`m better than you attitude" pervasive in so many clubs. Back in the day this was about family and community and mutual respect since we received none from society at large. All bikers no matter what they ride are deemed suspect because we choose to be "different". We need to get back to that.....

Comment by HOMEBOY on January 20, 2010 at 1:33am: THANKS FOR ALL OF THE VALUABLE INFO.MUCH LOVE BRO.&SIS.4 LIFE [HOMEBOY]

Comment by Desmond Gray on October 12, 2009 at 3:54pm: WHOA, Let's all calm down. My Opinion: I don't come down to the station throwing biker parties. So don't show up at my party in your colors flashing your badge!! You love to ride, I love to ride, We can all Love to ride together. After the ride you go home and I'll do the same...Peace

Comment by Big-Bear1%er on October 8, 2009 at 2:02pm: I agree with crazygee, pick your poison & stay in your lane.You cant serve 2 masters. I had a guy a cop cop club talk shit to me and flash his badge so he wouldnt have to swallow his teeth

Comment by crazygee on October 6, 2009 at 12:30pm: LISTEN IT IS WHAT IT IS >>>>SOME OF US LIVE THIS SHIT NOT JUST IN THE SUMMER NOT JUST ON THE WEEKENDS....AND MANY OF MY BRO's ARE ALREADY IN THE THE BONE YARD ..BEHIND THE REAL BIKER LIFE.....SO COPS]]]]JUST KNOW WHEN YOU FLYING WHATEVER YOU FLYING REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT A COP ANY MORE .....ANYBODY ESLE THAT NEEDS TO KNOW .....THIS IS ARE WORLD THATS WHY THERE IS 1% OF US AND 99% OF YOU WHEELS

Comment by Holiday on September 19, 2009 at 8:34am: Thanks for all of the valuable info. Dominant Breed MC has been folowing protocol. We need to educate all of our fellow brothers and sisters on two wheels on the proper procedures when doing things. Let's continue to get the info out.

Comment by Anthony 'Tech' Kent on August 30, 2009 at 9:13am: I'm learning alot about this culture. Didn't realize it ran this deep when I first initiated in to the #1 Stunnas MSC. Now that I"m in as I said before I've learned and will continue to learn a great deal. Any suggestions where I can get more authoritative information about this culture?

Comment by JB II on July 17, 2009 at 9:19am: WOW!

Comment by MR. UNIQUE on March 27, 2009 at 5:26pm: In addition to some of what I stated let's look at the finishing statement. Do you think a law enforcement M/C is going to "get permission" from an outlaw M/C to start a club? That's not likely to happen. Different mindsets and missions. Although they can co-exist in the community as long as they respect one another. That respect has to be honored BOTH WAYS! I would believe the hardliners can understand that but from what I just took witness to, it remains to be scene if this will subside or will the outlaw club continue to push. As the Alpha males that the law enforcement community is, the officers will push the hardest before it's all said and done, if it continues. Many blessings to all and ride safely...

Comment by MR. UNIQUE on March 25, 2009 at 6:13pm: Well my 2 cents on this in ref to police riders is that they aren't here to POLICE the community. Let's have the understanding that they do have a lifestyle to live by. Their careers are not just jobs. They have to act certain ways at all times, on and off the clock, and with this in mind, as Spider stated, he is not here to cause a problem for anyone. But also as DAWG stated, if you create a situation for them where they HAVE to be who they are then you will get another lesson. Many riders who are law enforcement will respect you highly. They are here to enjoy just like anyone else is. They respect many M/C's by not attending certain functions due to who may be there and the activity that may, and has, taken place. They respect you by greeting you and welcoming you when they meet you and honoring you as a rider. If things are wrong for them at an event they usually just leave, still respecting you. Your choices are not their choices and they have to operate in such manner. Here's a question. How do OUTLAW clubs get along with law enforcement clubs? Here recently I've witnessed an outlaw M/C approach a approach an M/C that is law enforcement stating they did not follow protocol and go through them for permission to start their club. I understand but how does this work with the law enforcement riders who have a standard to go by? I think you all follow where I'm going with this. Someone give me some insight...

Comment by Lady Brown Sugar on March 18, 2009 at 11:35pm: Thanks for the information. The Mahogany Riders are following protocol. We show luv and respect to all riders M/C or not. We believe in unity, sisterhood, brotherhood, and true friendship.

Roll easy!!!!

Comment by Tony Crudup on March 16, 2009 at 4:57am: Yea my old club ran into trouble with the 1% called the Outcast.. We called ourselves the Outkast Ryderz, and after a major Pow wow at the MLK ride we came to a solotion of changing the name. They wanted us to join.

Comment by Joe HIll (Spider) on February 19, 2009 at 5:32am: I'm a Buffalo Soldeir and a police commander. I love to ride and fellowship with like minded riders, of any club or color. I will not associate with bad citizens in anyway because of who I am and what I stand for. With that said, I will not disrespect bikers because of what they stand for, I simply ride off into the sunset with no one the wiser. I don't judge other clubs as long as they let me do me, they can do them. I have encountered white outlaw clubs and they know I'm a cop from my patches on my vest. I like the fact we have a mutual respect and understanding.

Spider, NOVA Soldier

Comment by Doug Jones aka Fresh on January 14, 2009 at 8:40am: I appreciate all the good information and I do see we (The American Legion Riders) are following protocal..

We do repect M/C and support them in anyway we can. We police our own and have been accepted very well when out and about by other Clubs and riders.