What are your thoughts on Motorcycle Clubs?

2016-05-04T08:54:46-04:00

For those that may not have seen there was an incident involving the Iron Order MC in Denver and now Ft. Carson has been considering adding it to the list of banned organizations. I know that there are a good number of active duty service members in IOMC.

Most people know of the less law abiding, yet wildly popular, types of motorcycle clubs. However, many people don't realize there is a good reason they are called 1% clubs. There are exponentially more benign clubs of people who just like to ride. On top of that, there are also clubs that are very benevolent in nature, such as Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA).

I am curious how other riders feel about the different clubs. And also how non-motorcycle riders feel, especially since it is a little harder for them to know what is what with motorcycle riders wearing patches.

Response by SGT John " Mac " McConnell made May 4 at 2016 9:06 AM

2016-05-04T09:06:46-04:00

I have been a member of a club.. I am retired from the club life. All I can say is do your research first and foremost.. I retired because of all the Junior High BS ! You will find out quick that it is not what it used to be. I got tired of paying dues to a club whom only cared about their little groups within the whole of the club... It used to be all for one and one for all ! At least that is what my experience taught me SSG Jeremy Kohlwes . But one never knows until you experience this for yourself.. Good Luck.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 9:14 AM

2016-05-04T09:14:06-04:00

I just responded to another post like this one. The 1%'ers are the devil you know. Unfortunately most non-riders don't understand the problem. They think they do and they lump all MC's together. There is a problem with the small MC's that have been popping up all over the place since Sons of Anarchy came out on HBO though. These usually well intentioned riders get together and form a club. They even go to the extent of making a creed and having colors made. They follow all the trappings of the hit HBO series with prospects and everything. They usually do this blindly with limited situational understanding of the REAL MC's in the area. There are colors which OWN the ground you are riding on. These 1%'ers don't take kindly to groups of colored (vests and logos...not racial) riders rolling through their turf. At some point there will be a confrontation. The club that owns that turn must retain dominance. Usually this won't be violent because a social MC isn't worth the attention of the authorities, but that doesn't mean the owning club will ignore their presence. When I first started riding on the street, I bought a vest. I bought a cool looking embroidered decal for the back that I had sewn on. Shortly after that, I went on a poker run that stopped at a Jester headquarters bar. I was quickly told to take it off and not wear it again. I was naïve enough to ask why. The Jester kindly told me that it was offensive and that if I valued my health and my bike that I wouldn't wear it again...ever. Since then, I have been around Jesters, Banditos, Men of Steel, Hell's Angels and a lot of other real MC's. Poker runs tend to hit the establishments they frequent. These small clubs need to be careful. Especially young riders need to stay away. They tend to be more...immature when it comes to dealing with confrontation. Confronting a 1%'er MC because they told you to do something could end in a good, old-fashioned ass whoopin' or worse.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 9:49 AM

2016-05-04T09:49:24-04:00

LTC Halvordon is spot on. Most people don't realize that MC (Motorcycle Club) is really primarily reserved for 1% bikers. Naively imitating them could have consequences.

If you want to form a benign club, call yourself an RC (Riders Club).

We made that error and fortunately, we were politely educated and adjusted accordingly.

Also, "Colors" doesn't just mean the MC's vest & logo, it's literally what primary colors their vests/logos are composed of. Often they won't confront you if everything else about your club does not appear to represent an MC, but that doesn't guaranty safety.

Yes, I've met, known, and ridden with 1%'s that seem cool, honorable, charitable etc...., but read up on what a true 1% club stands for (and who is allowed to join.)

Keep the rubber side down and stay safe riders:)

Response by SSG Brandon Sheldon made May 4 at 2016 9:58 AM

2016-05-04T09:58:09-04:00

While I was in, I saw numerous soldiers (JR - SR enlisted and officers) in 1%er support clubs.

I also never had any issues wearing my cut on post.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made May 4 at 2016 10:07 AM

2016-05-04T10:07:44-04:00

I don't believe in most clubs because they seem like a grown mans he man woman haters tree house club with Jr High antics that want to fight all the time. I do believe in clubs that ride for a reason. Military Green Knights...safety and fun riding for active duty members and is chartered on bases. We have a riding club at our church. There are clubs like Faith Riders, Christian Motorcycle Association, American Legion Riders, VFW riders that just get together and ride together and that's it. No hidden agendas. I am mostly a single rider with some friends on occasion. It's about the ride, not the colors or destination!

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 4 at 2016 10:17 AM

2016-05-04T10:17:22-04:00

BACA is NOT a club. AVOID IRON ORDER.

If you're looking for something that gives back to the veteran community and has an awesome reputation around the motorcycle community and "civilian" population, talk to your local CVMA (Combat Vets Motorcycle Association) chapter. That's the association I'm a member of myself.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 1:41 PM

2016-05-04T13:41:06-04:00

LTC Halverson extensively covered all the important points.

My personal experience with the MC club culture started when I joined my local CVMA (Combat Vets Motorcycle Assn) chapter.

I joined the local chapter because many good Soldiers I knew (even some senior leaders) were involved, the organization does charity work that targets vets, and I like riding. My experience in the past 3 years with CVMA has been great.

Since CVMA rides together and wears a back-patch, everyone had to become familiar with the "Club Culture". There is a lot of information on the Internet, but a key take-away is that anytime you see a patch (lower rocker) with a location, that means that club is claiming that area (CVMA has no lower rockers; no "3 piece patch", no area claimed).

Some (?most) of the clubs are benign, some are not (hence the IO being considered as "off limits"). As a military professional, I am very cautious about who I associate with or affiliate with an organization. I would avoid any clubs in order to protect your job.

Response by SFC(P) John McLaughlin made May 4 at 2016 1:50 PM

2016-05-04T13:50:56-04:00

MCs are more prevalent in todays society than before. More soldiers are riding than before as well. MCs tend to have been stigmatized by what's in the news and of the past. The joes need to do their research well before considering who to patch up with. The need to know what the colors represent, how will they earn their rockers or if it's just a one piece patch.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made May 4 at 2016 1:55 PM

2016-05-04T13:55:44-04:00

SSG Jeremy Kohlwes packs/tribes/gangs/clubs/associations/brotherhoods are exclusive by definition and requires adopting an 'us is different therefore better than them' ethos. And because there is always someone eager to make that point to a rival member may be why people fear their presence, i.e. recent Twin Peaks Texas shootout.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 11:04 PM

2016-05-04T23:04:32-04:00

SSG, there are two different types of Motorcycle Clubs, one being a Riders Club and the other the Motorcycle Club (MC). Both can have patches BUT, the Riders Club is one that is a group of friends that gets together on a weekend just to “Go for a ride” to a set place. No dues, Bi-Law's or Officers in place where as the MC (with a President, Vice, Treasurer and other Officers, the fore mentioned dues, Bi-Laws and Three piece patch in place. As for the 1% clubs, you're right, some people don't know the difference in the “back patches” of the clubs. Weather, CVMA, VFW Riders, Brotherhood of Marine Corps Riders or the IOMC. Fort Riley has already put it out “No Colors (Vests with back patches of ANY Kind) will be worn on the installation at all.” To make matters worse, the Patriot Guard has been stopped, ID'd (and THAT even seams nuts because the gate(s) know WHY they're coming through) at the gate and put on a “Watch List”. This includes “Other Groups” who ride on the installation. Some have been banned, but you'd have to get in touch with the installation. I hope this helps.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2016 9:25 AM

2016-05-05T09:25:05-04:00

I went on my first CVMA ride this past weekend. I'm mostly a lone rider, and I ride nearly everyday. I don't like the idea of being a prospect just to get into a club. Don't get me wrong: I love to ride with a group of good people and friends, but I've paid my dues in life, including serious combat, and I'll be damned if I'm going to be some club flunky running around getting stuff, being required to do something that violates my personal beliefs, having childish pranks played on me, or having to be subservient to someone or the club, just to get into a club, just so I can ride with them. I also won't ride with a club that is involved in anything illegal. I am considering the CVMA, but it's not a priority - I'm a combat vet, and I appreciate what they do for the veteran community, and they don't require anything beyond being a combat vet. For me, I get way more enjoyment out of just hitting the road. If there's a group that want's to ride, and I'm welcome, I'll ride with them, but I don't have to ride with a bunch of other folks just to drink crappy beer and shoot the proverbial crap with - oh, and I don't drink and ride - so that knocks out that as well - riding with cagers is dangerous enough - I don't want to add any headspace and timing issues of my own to that! Probably part of the reason I live in the middle of nowhere, with 15+ acres, and woods all around - I guess I'm more of a lone wolf.

Response by MSgt Richard Rountree made May 6 at 2016 9:09 AM

2016-05-06T09:09:21-04:00

RE: your statement: "I am curious how other riders feel about the different clubs."

You may have noticed few, if any, MC patch holders (PH) have commented about clubs that they are not a member of. The traditional MC culture is built on respect. It is considered disrespectful to talk about in public, by name, any MC that you yourself are not a current member of. It's also a little foolhardy to talk about other clubs in any public space including on-line forums, restaurants, etc. The MC culture is a very small world. You never known who may overhear a conversation or read a forum post. A PH not flying their colors or a MC supporter may be sitting right next to you and you'll likely never even know it. Just saying...

Response by MGySgt Rich Zahn made May 9 at 2016 8:47 AM

2016-05-09T08:47:08-04:00

Be able to read and understand whats on the vest is important before judging.. As a 13 REBEL, I am constantly mistaken..

Response by SSG Jose Alatorre made May 9 at 2016 2:45 PM

2016-05-09T14:45:42-04:00

Hmmph well yes I ride its fun and I like to keep it that way as to what you ride makes no big deal to me what you ride you have the same chance of getting killed by a rolling cage ,as for the clubs if it is a criminal club well you make a good decision it could be your military and civilian career .Ive been approached by several clubs and ask to check them out but as soon as I tell them I once worked with law enforcement it all stop there .
No 1% percenter will want to lose his colors or patch or their national charter if they take on a cop to their club ,their belief " is once a cop always a cop " also another saying goes like this ( snitches get stitches are treated like bitches and are found dead in ditches ) . But yeah they got some good clubs , organizations and people out there just use your good sense and do some research .before you decide to join a club .

Response by SSG Jose Alatorre made May 9 at 2016 3:07 PM

2016-05-09T15:07:34-04:00

Something to keep in mind when you join a 1% club .

Response by PO3 John Jeter made May 10 at 2016 10:49 AM

2016-05-10T10:49:24-04:00

A bit of a touchy subject there, not to mention complex. Even the worst of the clubs hold benevolent functions although their end motives are a bit more self serving. The interesting thing about the Iron Order is that it purports to be mostly law enforcement types. Personally, I tend to avoid "club" membership and ride with associations instead. The difference being that they're just a group of like minded folks who get together to ride. No dues or legal structure. No "turf" conflict or politics. Clubs do have some advantages, but they aren't my thing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2016 11:31 AM

2016-05-11T11:31:47-04:00

For the most part your average MA, RC, RA and whatnot are okay. Even the MCs are for the most part good people. The rub is when individuals in the non-1 percent groups start to carry on and act like they are some sort of badass cowboy.

Response by SPC Thomas Clark made May 19 at 2016 11:30 AM

2016-05-19T11:30:02-04:00

It has been said by men much smarter than I: "The PATCH does not make the man. The MAN makes the patch". Whether you ride with honor is incumbent upon you and those with whom you associate. I find that riding as a member of an RC is just fine by me. Respects 'n take care out there.

Response by SFC Derek Ashman made May 20 at 2016 2:07 PM

2016-05-20T14:07:29-04:00

I belong to a motorcycle association and I had never had any problems with a lot of other groups out there. The only ones that have the biggest problems with other groups are the 1%ers or clubs that want to be 1%ers. I have been approached by several different 1%ers and after I explain who we are they never had a problem after words. There are some who say they are there to help others but then they try to act like a 1%er club. That's what causes the problem.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2016 11:14 AM

2016-05-22T11:14:20-04:00

I am the VP of the Green Knights Chapter 58 out of Shaw AFB in South Carolina. I joined the Green Knights in 2005 while stationed at Spangdahlem AB, Germany. I have never had a problem with any other club and I've run across a lot in my travels. Respect goes a long way and love of riding. Everything else is minor.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Jul 3 at 2016 6:53 PM

2016-07-03T18:53:52-04:00

Motorcycle clubs/associations are social in 99% of the cases. I don't mind them, just never felt the need to join a club. I don't like riding with groups because frankly, too many people have very limited skills in terms of formation riding and some of the things I've seen were enough to convince me better to ride alone or with one wingman.

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Oct 26 at 2018 8:06 PM

2018-10-26T20:06:12-04:00

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Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Oct 26 at 2018 9:22 PM

2018-10-26T21:22:39-04:00

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