Patch vs Motorcycle Club

[usranger74]

I followed a post on another site regarding "patches" and "Motorcycle Clubs" (MC).

I was amazed and even dumbfounded to read and to lean how one must "act" or behave around "1%". There is a site that has suggestions on how to do such http://www.rcvsmc.net/id4.html

At issue on the post was how and where to wear your vest with your organization's "patch" and how the patch should look and weather or not you should have one on the back of your vest etc, etc

According to the post, the MC members scrutinize others wearing vest/patches and that you best be able answer some questions if approached by them http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif One major issue was to tell the MC guy that you are a member of a "association" and not a "club" ???

Having never worn a leather vest and patches I had no idea there was such protocol and concern.

I see a lot of you folks wear leather vest with KawaNOW Patches. Is this something you are concerned about?

[coacha]

In most places this isn't an issue as long as you don't have M/C or rockers. Best thing to do is treat others with respect and you shouldn't have an issue. I have come in contact with M/C club members, some of them 1% M/C members and never had an issue.

[waterman]

Where you can come into trouble with a MC is when you have a patch and seperate rockers. What we have is just a logo.

[usranger74]

Where you can come into trouble with a MC is when you have a patch and seperate rockers. What we have is just a logo.

Not sure what a "rocker" is (ya, I know - it was Scott when he was in his 20s)?. And, I suspect if asked, we are not a "club"?

I started riding an All-State MoPad in 1962 and have owned something with 2 wheels since. Until last year I was not member of any organized group and all my riding was either solo or with a one or two friends. I had no idea this was an issue - call me dumb or naive :-[ and you would be correct.

The last time I worried about a patch I was a Boy Scout http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[drno]

I dont need a patch to know who I am.

[cactusjack]

Doesn't concern me in the least. What the 1%'ers are looking for are 3-piece patches. That's a large center patch with top and bottom rockers. Such as "Hell's Angels" on top and "Phoenix" on the bottom, with the HA logo in the center. As long as your patch doesn't claim "territory", like "Phoenix" or "Arizona", you will be fine. You never call your group an "MC" or "club" unless you plan to play by the big boys rules.

Kawanow, VROC, etc., are not even on the 1%'ers radar.

[jlreeves]

I see you have a Blue Knights logo as your avatar. I am a Red Knight. Both of the Knights are considered MC by the Confederation and are allowed to use a 3 part rocker (top is usually club name, niddle is logo and bottom is chapter affiliation). Most clubs, including the 1% are instructed to treat the Knights with the same respect as other full MC. Ive heard "rumors" of 1% taking the colors from Knights as initiation pranks but cant confirm it. Lots of rules like never let you colors touch the ground, never surrender your colors, etc. Im sure the BKs have a page describing their protocols.

KawaNOW and others are considered as "Riding Clubs" and are social only. They are supposed to use 1 or 2 part rockers (club and logo). Confederation clus are supposed to adopt a live and let live attitude toward Riding Clubs. I say any group on 2 or 3 wheels is OK.

Truth is, most clubs, 1% or not, just want to ride. Basically treat any motorcyclist as a respected brother/sister and you should be fine.

[joe3407nomad]

I have a rocker on the back of my vest and I belong to the biggest club in the US. I'm a Blue Knight, and I'm a member of KAWANOW.

[Loafer]

Having visited the rally in Laconia for many years, when you are there the banner at the rail station says "Welcome to Weirs Beach the Hell's Angels ". I have seen some people do or say something stupid. And when that happens it doesn't take me long to move on. Eight HA's went to jail for beating a man who was making a mess of the t-shirts in one of their booths. Respect is what they want. When you do, no problems.

[blowndodge]

Are you guys freeking kidding me? there is another world of Patches??? and how you wear them????

This is tantamount to graffiti on clothing and taggers. I hope never to be associated with an activity that has such stupidity ::)

[cactusjack]

Are you guys freeking kidding me? there is another world of Patches??? and how you wear them????

This is tantamount to graffiti on clothing and taggers. I hope never to be associated with an activity that has such stupidity ::)

Oh yeah, there's a whole bunch of rules, regulations and protocols concerning motorcycle clubs. Read up on it:

http://www.rcvsmc.net/

[dank]

BD, better check it out. Section 2.7.4 of the sample bylaws covers the proper ironing of shirts. You don't want to piss the 1%ers off because you did your cuffs incorrectly.

[jlreeves]

FYI,

Colors Protocols from the RKMC site
http://www.redknightsmc.com/documents/Re....025%202009 .pdf (http://www.redknightsmc.com/documents/Red%20Knights%20Protocol%20for%20dealing%20with%20 1%25%20clubs%208%2025%202009.pdf)

Lots of info from the Confederation of Clubs site
http://rcvsmc.net/index.html

[blowndodge]

You guys are a bunch of freekin wannabe Taggers!!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[recumbentbob]

Wow I didn't know any of this crap.

Glad I never decided to buy a leather vest.... http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[cactusjack]

Wow I didn't know any of this crap.

Glad I never decided to buy a leather vest.... http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

It's not the vest, it's what you have sewn onto the vest.

[blowndodge]

We get it Scott!!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

It's not the spray paint but the wall you spray it on!!!

[ballast]

Where does my new line of KanaNOW Bejeweled Thongs fall in this discussion? http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[usranger74]

Holly cow - I had no idea. Protocol on how to wear and when to wear a patch!! I would say it sounds like a bunch of high school kids or college frat boys but then I would get my ass kicked.

Over the yrs I have had to work with some 1% MC on special events in Nat. Parks to include the HAs whore house run through Death Valley NP. And, I have assisted them at accidents etc. But, I never new any of this. Just an old, dumb clueless guy http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

[glwilson]

Well if you assisted them you likely came into contact with them. How were they to be around? I would be interested to know your take on your experience.

Otherwise, I have read ad-nauseum on this subject for many years now. I find it a rather interesting social subject.

The basics are as others stated. Don't wear a patch that has "MC" on it. Don't where a rocker stating a geograpical location.

If you see a 1%er you are not likely to have any problems; just leave them alone and don't annoy them -- that includes your girlfriend or spouse. They'll kick your butt if your "woman" annoys them.

Oh yeah... if you do get to talk to one of them, don't ask them about their club, or ask what it takes to join. It is none of your business. ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[usranger74]

Rules on patches - Can only be enforced by threats, intimidation and violence. Sad. Give me freedom from such BS.

http://www.fullthrottlemcsac.com/about1.html

[cactusjack]

Rules on patches - Can only be enforced by threats, intimidation and violence. Sad. Give me freedom from such BS.

http://www.fullthrottlemcsac.com/about1.html

Don't wear a 3-piece patch and you'll have nothing to worry about. Unless it's a Blue Knights patch, which has been approved, and you'll have nothing to worry about as well.

[nomad]

I see you have a Blue Knights logo as your avatar. I am a Red Knight. Both of the Knights are considered MC by the Confederation and are allowed to use a 3 part rocker (top is usually club name, niddle is logo and bottom is chapter affiliation). Most clubs, including the 1% are instructed to treat the Knights with the same respect as other full MC. Ive heard "rumors" of 1% taking the colors from Knights as initiation pranks but cant confirm it. Lots of rules like never let you colors touch the ground, never surrender your colors, etc. Im sure the BKs have a page describing their protocols.

KawaNOW and others are considered as "Riding Clubs" and are social only. They are supposed to use 1 or 2 part rockers (club and logo). Confederation clus are supposed to adopt a live and let live attitude toward Riding Clubs. I say any group on 2 or 3 wheels is OK.

Truth is, most clubs, 1% or not, just want to ride. Basically treat any motorcyclist as a respected brother/sister and you should be fine.
correction...all THREE knights organizations. ( the U.S. military calls theirs the GREEN Knights). i happen to belong to a group of green knights. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[MarkG]

Overall I have found the motorcycle clubs to be pretty decent when I have been traveling. Like anywhere else, be friendly and don't go looking for trouble. Many times they were the ones that asked if I wanted my picture taken at a scenic spot. More than I can say for most of the cagers. I've given road condition reports to them the same as I would any other rider. In return sometimes they have suggested things I might enjoy seeing, too. Don't expect them to be outgoing toward anyone outside their group. Then again, I have run into some snobbish stuck-up so called normal riders that are by far more unfriendly than the motorcycle clubs.

[cactusjack]

Back in Salt Lake City when our kids were little, I worked the 5:00PM-Midnight shift at a convenience store a few nights a week to get us by. There was a MC clubhouse in the area and the bikers would come in and buy cigarettes and beer. They were more courteous and polite than most of the customers and I liked having them around because I figured nobody would try to hold me up with them in the store. This was after I had already been robbed once at gunpoint.

[usranger74]

Well if you assisted them you likely came into contact with them. How were they to be around? I would be interested to know your take on your experience.

Otherwise, I have read ad-nauseum on this subject for many years now. I find it a rather interesting social subject.

The basics are as others stated. Don't wear a patch that has "MC" on it. Don't where a rocker stating a geograpical location.

If you see a 1%er you are not likely to have any problems; just leave them alone and don't annoy them -- that includes your girlfriend or spouse. They'll kick your butt if your "woman" annoys them.

Oh yeah... if you do get to talk to one of them, don't ask them about their club, or ask what it takes to join. It is none of your business. ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif




I worked in CA for the Nat Park Service at 3 different Parks. I had several official contacts with the HAs and all went well. I have investigated accidents. I have helped bag up a dead one. I have issued citations for speeding etc. While in Yosemite we use to say the HA (who liked to camp there) caused us less problems that the "Christian Encampment". The HAs do a "whore house run" to NV and it crosses Death Valley NP. They were well behaved.

While riding the deserts of CA I would run into them (I do not wear a vest or patches) w/o incident.

One last story. While patrolling in Death Valley one hot summer day (122 in the shade) I found a solo HA on the side of the road, off his bike and almost dead. Using the ice water I carried in my rig, I got water into him and over him. and then got him into my the patrol rig that had AC. I took him to the Ranger station and got more water into him. He stayed there until dark when I took him back to his bike. As he left he said, "someday I will do a Ranger a favor" - I liked to think he did.

[glwilson]

Interesting stories. For the most part that is what I mostly have heard and read.

From reading about them; they like to avoid as much attention and problems as possible -- especially from the "authorities". http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[ken]

Germany, of course, has its problems with HAs as well along with the Bandito M/C of which the two clubs have recently called a truce. HAs are banned in Hamburg and there is talk of trying to ban them through out Germany. Of course, where they are banned they then become "81s" and its pretty much the same thing as I understand it (as much as I understand anything). Personally, I have not had the pleasure of make the acquaintance of any of them.

[jestephens]

Most the events around St Louis advertise, "No Colors, No Attitudes, All Bikes Welcome"

[bogatyrs]

I find this thread very interesting and enlightening. I ride with two groups Southern Cruisers Riding Club (SCRC) and Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers (CMC). I have two vests with patches and crap which I wear to our events and on other rides as the situation warrants.

I have often found when wearing my vest in a new area other members of the group will welcome me and assist me if needed. SCRC is great when in the US as there are chapters all over. I have never had any problems with MC/s as I mind my business and treat them as I like to be treated.

Based on some of the comments I guess I shouldn't wear either of my vests to the rally but where am I going to put my Tail of the Dragon patch http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

[Netnorske]

Like all have said here....a single patch means you belong to a social riding association....of no concern to the 1% crowd. A three part patch is what concerns them. Treat every rider/club member with respect and you should have no worries. I walked a tight rope a couple weeks ago, but got past it with some good natured humor and an "aw shucks" smile.... http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif.

[mobandy78]

I too have just recently been enlightened about the whole "patch" issue. We've just started our own riding group here and that was a huge topic of discussion at our meetings. "What kind of patch are we going to have?", and "Are we going to have a back patch?". I thought we could do a back patch and be OK as long as we didn't put a "territory" under it, but others were not as keen on the idea.

So, now we just use a smaller patch on the front of our vest. I don't think it'll cause any issues and I'm not really worried about it.

[jlreeves]

I see you have a Blue Knights logo as your avatar. I am a Red Knight. Both of the Knights are considered MC by the Confederation and are allowed to use a 3 part rocker (top is usually club name, niddle is logo and bottom is chapter affiliation). Most clubs, including the 1% are instructed to treat the Knights with the same respect as other full MC. Ive heard "rumors" of 1% taking the colors from Knights as initiation pranks but cant confirm it. Lots of rules like never let you colors touch the ground, never surrender your colors, etc. Im sure the BKs have a page describing their protocols.

KawaNOW and others are considered as "Riding Clubs" and are social only. They are supposed to use 1 or 2 part rockers (club and logo). Confederation clus are supposed to adopt a live and let live attitude toward Riding Clubs. I say any group on 2 or 3 wheels is OK.

Truth is, most clubs, 1% or not, just want to ride. Basically treat any motorcyclist as a respected brother/sister and you should be fine.
correction...all THREE knights organizations. ( the U.S. military calls theirs the GREEN Knights). i happen to belong to a group of green knights. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I stand corrected and now aware of the Green Knights. Didnt know they existed. Good info. Thanks.

[blowndodge]

Here's Todd's Patch!!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb210/blowndodge/toddleathers1.jpg

[Loafer]

WTF?

[markclark57]

:-) Nice thread

[glwilson]

Now that's a pic from the past... circa 2008 I believe http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

What did you do BD, rummage through your old pic-files recently? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[blowndodge]

The word "patch" stuck in my mind??? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I haven't slapped my boyz around lately and it's long overdue!!!!

[socwkbiker]

BD, better check it out. Section 2.7.4 of the sample bylaws covers the proper ironing of shirts. You don't want to piss the 1%ers off because you did your cuffs incorrectly.

LMAO!!!!! Yeah BD, and make sure you use the appropriate iron too. Wouldn't want your precious shirts to wrinkle.

[dank]

The word "patch" stuck in my mind??? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I haven't slapped my boyz around lately and it's long overdue!!!!

And this got you thinking about Todd??? http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

[socwkbiker]

If you look at my signature pic, I'm a patched member of Bikers Against Child Abuse. We walk a very unique line in the MC world because we are considered an MC but we don't have the 3 piece rocker. We follow those outlined rules because it benefits us in many ways. It's amazing how many 1% and MC organizations like to donate to charitable causes in order to look good to the community.

I've had enough interaction with these clubs to know that those rules do appy to all riders who have some type of patch. For the most part, they will ignore the Riding club members simply because they don't see you as a threat. The biggest thing is the colors and color scheme. With KawaNow, the patch is very unique and most likely would only generate interest, but no problems. I'm no expert on this subject, but I have learned quite a bit about what goes on when these guys get a wild hair.

For many guys, that patch represents a family. For some, the family they never had. They live and die for that patch. Personally, I respect my patch because I know my purpose and mission. BACA is a family and I treat them as family. The members are my brothers and sisters. But I also know I have my family at home and treat them as my family. It's something that I have had to learn to balance. That's just the way it goes.

[blowndodge]

If you look at my signature pic, You'll see I'm jacking off again! http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/4640965194_e74b4b9186_o.jpg

Go figure huh???? ::)

[Loafer]

In the living room?

[ringadingh]

LMAO http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[glwilson]

The word "patch" stuck in my mind??? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I haven't slapped my boyz around lately and it's long overdue!!!!


Slapping your "boys" around after seeing the word "patch"? ...'splain yourself BD... or better yet... don't! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[markclark57]

Germany, of course, has its problems with HAs as well along with the Bandito M/C of which the two clubs have recently called a truce. HAs are banned in Hamburg and there is talk of trying to ban them through out Germany. Of course, where they are banned they then become "81s" and its pretty much the same thing as I understand it (as much as I understand anything). Personally, I have not had the pleasure of make the acquaintance of any of them.

Oh shades of "13". . . 8th letter of the alfa = H, 1st = A.
Yep, "pretty much the same thing."

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I wear a plain leather jacket when it is cold and even leather gloves. Nothing in the way of a patch on any item I wear. I ridden many miles and crossed paths with a lot of different riders. Never had a problem and don't expect to.

[wheelie]

I have a black leather vest that I've been thinking I might take to a local embroidery shop and have the Masonic square and compass embroidered on in blue and white no lettering just the logo. Hope it don't get my old ass kicked. I ain't skeered!

[ponch]

We don't need no stinking patches...

I put 1%ers in the same class as wiseguys: Nut jobs. Steer clear if you can, if you can't, well, do what you must.

[usranger74]

We don't need no stinking patches...

I put 1%ers in the same class as wiseguys: Nut jobs. Steer clear if you can, if you can't, well, do what you must.

+1 and carry!!

[ponch]

correction...all THREE knights organizations. ( the U.S. military calls theirs the GREEN Knights). i happen to belong to a group of green knights. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I stand corrected and now aware of the Green Knights. Didnt know they existed. Good info. Thanks.

Scott is a member of the Purple Knights. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

[socwkbiker]

[quote="SWB,voices tell me evil things":2fg9k6c0]If you look at my signature pic, You'll see I'm jacking off again! http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/4640965194_e74b4b9186_o.jpg

Go figure huh???? ::)[/quote:2fg9k6c0]

BD having more of his California gay fantasies. Sorry guys, he's just not right in the head.

[Loafer]

The least you can do, is go in the bathdroom. Geez.

[ponch]

[quote="Blowndodge "Darksider"":435nwgpa]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/4640965194_e74b4b9186_o.jpg

Go figure huh???? ::)

BD having more of his California gay fantasies. Sorry guys, he's just not right in the head.[/quote:435nwgpa]

He's a different kind of 1%er. :)

[ponch]

I followed a post on another site regarding "patches" and "Motorcycle Clubs" (MC).

I was amazed and even dumbfounded to read and to lean how one must "act" or behave around "1%". There is a site that has suggestions on how to do such http://www.rcvsmc.net/id4.html

At issue on the post was how and where to wear your vest with your organization's "patch" and how the patch should look and weather or not you should have one on the back of your vest etc, etc

According to the post, the MC members scrutinize others wearing vest/patches and that you best be able answer some questions if approached by them http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif One major issue was to tell the MC guy that you are a member of a "association" and not a "club" ???

Having never worn a leather vest and patches I had no idea there was such protocol and concern.

I see a lot of you folks wear leather vest with KawaNOW Patches. Is this something you are concerned about?\

I read through that site. It's very good information and an interesting read. Thanks for posting this.

[ringadingh]

I have a black leather vest that I've been thinking I might take to a local embroidery shop and have the Masonic square and compass embroidered on in blue and white no lettering just the logo. Hope it don't get my old ass kicked. I ain't skeered!

I doubt you would have any problems with that, The Widows Sons have a patch and rockers and they don't get bothered by anyone.

[ringadingh]

Ive had nothing but positive dealings with the 1%ers Ive come across. One on one they are no different than anyone else. When they get together at their party's Im a little more cautious around them.

[ponch]

Ive had nothing but positive dealings with the 1%ers Ive come across. One on one they are no different than anyone else. When they get together at their party's Im a little more cautious around them.

It seems too it all depends on which ones we are talking about. Some are crazier than others I suppose. If you haven't, read Hunter S Thompson's book on the Hells Angels. He learned the hard way.

[ringadingh]

The very first encounter I had with one was when I was about thirteen years old. I rode my new bike to the store and realized I had forgotten my lock. A biker just came out of the store and seen me uncertain of what to do about my bike. He offered to watch it for me while I went in to buy my part. Ive never forgotten that deed that he did for me.

[cajun2wheels]

I don't have time to figure out all the rules and regulations pertaining to what 1%'s want so I just avoid them.As far as patches go I'm putting a Troop support back patch on my vest.I'm too fat to run and too old to fight so I guess I will just have to"choot em Clint,choot um"if anyone has a problem with it.

[ponch]

I don't have time to figure out all the rules and regulations pertaining to what 1%'s want so I just avoid them.As far as patches go I'm putting a Troop support back patch on my vest.I'm too fat to run and too old to fight so I guess I will just have to"choot em Clint,choot um"if anyone has a problem with it.

God knows they ain't bulletproof.

[markclark57]

Hmmm, better go read some of that RCVSMC site.
Most of 1%ers left alone are OK, BUT one of there "Cardnal Rules" is to defend each other. Oh, and a majority of them ride armed. If you "choot" one of them. . . you may resemble a screen door. =0

[cajun2wheels]

I said that in jest Mark.I would only use deadly force against deadly force.As an ex LEO,I do know about the "chootem" rules.

[Loafer]

Youse guys are starting to scare even me...If you go into a regular bar, and bump every one in the place, what would happen? If you go into a regular bar and don't bump anyone, what would happen?

[glwilson]

It would be highly unlikely anyone would be in a situation where a patch-holder would be violent toward them -- simply because it would likely be in public (at least somewhat).

If you are partying with them in a group, or at a location where it is not-public and they are in a group... you could possibly find yourself in an uncomfortable situation -- although even then it would be a rare occurrence if you behaved.

I have a friend that goes to Strugis every year; and always stays at the HA's campground. They no longer run it as of a couple years ago; however the campground was open to the public. Maybe some others on here have stayed there or know someone that has.

He told me it was one of the best-run campgrounds you could stay in. They required everyone keep their camp clean, and all noise was shut-down at around 11PM -- no exceptions. Anyone harassing another was ejected immediately from the campgrounds. He said he actually felt safe there with his wife -- which is why he made his reservation for the following year while he was there.

Apparently the HA's made a lot of money from the venture and wanted to keep a good reputation for repeat customers. ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[ponch]

Hmmm, better go read some of that RCVSMC site.
Most of 1%ers left alone are OK, BUT one of there "Cardnal Rules" is to defend each other. Oh, and a majority of them ride armed. If you "choot" one of them. . . you may resemble a screen door. =0

Discretion is the better part of valor...