I understand your point, but you definately are not familiar with the whole community of patch holders. Being a patch holder myself, I learned a lot. I consider myself pretty tuff, but if you want to wear colors and play the "game" you have to play the rules, or you could end up in serious trouble. At first I thought the whole meet and great everytime you run into another patch holder was BS. But as time went on I fully understand it all, I have made many new friends, and enjoy club riding and functions. It takes some commitment, just make sure you want this lifestyle.

 

I know there is protocal but I find it has gone to far when a "local" 81 can tell a 82nd Airborne what he can and can't do. Seems he should be thankin you for his freedom and that it would be an honor to have your patch in the community.JMO

 

Think what you want. Do what you want. Say what you want. Just realize that for every action there is a reaction. good or bad. you may not agree with it, but thats life.

 

There ya go...

 

An unrecognized three piece rocker will get you 15 minutes of fame you'll regret... just sayin'...

 

As has been posted a riding club is one thing, you put that MC cube on your back you change the playing field immediatly. From the way your formation is setup on rides to the way you are percieved in public, not by the civilians but by other MC's. There is a set of rule and protocols on how an MC is run and if your not doing that you may find your club removing their colors and walking out of an establishement without them or having to defend your right to wear the colors on your back. The dominant clubs in the area are going to want to know about your prospecting period and the basic hiarchy of your club and it better be in line with what the CoC says it will be.

MC Clubs have rules and hiarchy that is set in stone, most members put in a lot of time to prove they are worthy to wear that patch on their back and take it as an insult when a club just starts throwing patches on anyone who wants to join. If that's what you want then start a riding club you'll get a lot less hassles and the MC clubs won't care.

You also better be aware of the situation not only in your city but your state and other states around you if you plan on traveling with your rag on your back thru someone elses territory. If you have to ask on this board it may be better for you to gain some knowledge of these situations before you put that cube on your back. Just .02 from a patch holder.

 

Some things are just soooo much better when they are left simple . You enjoy the way it is now , so maybe it's good to just keep it that way .

 

it's ironic how MC's were started by guys who wanted to buck rules, societies expectations, and authority and just ride and party without a hassle and they have evolved into this animal with more guidelines, rules, and authority than society or the AMA would ever put on someone.

 

Nothing wrong with flyin' a patch- just do it the right way.

 

Well said!

There's a difference between a MC and a RC. If the guys you ride with are ones that you'd trust with your life (or at least the keys to your house), and you're all dedicated to the motorcycle lifestyle, then you're on the right path by thinking "MC".
If they are just buddys who share a common weekend hobby, you really don't know them that well, or wouldn't trust them with the pin # on your debit card, you need to think of the more casual "RC".

And if you are MC material, why start your own? Get to know those in your area & you might find a few more friends.

Just sayin'