The fight between the Iron Order and The Mongols motorcycle clubs ends with 1 dead, several injured. Would you join the Iron Order?

Being a veteran who is the President of my own motorcycle club (MC) I have to say this brawl between IO and the Mongols is hardly surprising. I'm in the Reno/Northern Nevada area and there are more than 50 motorcycle organizations around me. I do not condone the "junior high behavior". I see this too much with some organizations. Personal knowledge of IO leads me to believe the mix of personnel (active duty military, veteran, some former convicts and a smattering of civilians not included in the previous groups) is a volatile one. The Mongols have a long history themselves.

Joining an MC is a choice one makes just like we made when deciding what service to go into. Organizations like the VFW riders, American Legion Riders, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association are good groups for those who want to ride for a purpose. For those who chose to ride solo its a personal choice and one that should be respected by all riders.

MCs were not made to fight and disrupt the community at large. (That doesn't mean some have gone "outlaw" or been corrupted by greed and personal agendas). Most MCs or associations do have military veterans as plank holders or founders, or their ranks are made up of a good population of veterans. They are supposed to be fraternities of people who enjoy motorcycle riding. Each has their own principles and values. They are supposed to be a family, one you can trust and turn to through thick and thin. They should hold you up and the brothers and sisters inside of it should be supporting you. Your life should be improved by this family not dragged into illegal activities and fighting. Didn't we fight and shed enough blood in the defense of our country?

I would never join a club...just not for me. I am not a solo rider either, I enjoy riding with friends with no ties. What I really enjoy is stopping somewhere or being on the road and others join in meeting new people because of the bike.

Too many people get wrapped up in colors and bikes and forget what riding is all about. They just need to drop all of that and hit the open road and remember why they bought a bike in the first place...freedom.

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I have been asked to refrain from providing any comment on this issue by my organization. I apologize for editing out my response, but it has to be done.