What are your thoughts on Motorcycle Clubs?

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.

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:)

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.