LAB-57-Should I Join a Traditional Type Motorcycle Club? Are There Benefits?

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PODCAST & BLOG-So, have you ever wondered whether you should join an organized type motorcycle club? Or should you just ride and hang out with friends without being an organized club? From much experience, I can tell you, joining a motorcycle club is certainly not for everyone. I encourage every biker/motorcyclist to think heavily before getting involved with a club. In this podcast episode we play a voicemail a listener left for us. It begs the question, are there benefits to starting or joining a traditional organized motorcycle club? We break this down and get into depth on the pros and cons of joining or starting a biker club, so put your helmet on and hang on for this one.

The first thing many think is why would I want to join a club and have to follow all the bylaws and rules when I can just hang out and ride with guys I like? If this is your thought, then maybe you are not ready to join or start a club yet and are exploring. Many are curious if there are any benefits to being involved with an organized motorcycle club?

I am the President of the Sworn Few MC and involved in this very traditional organized motorcycle club for many reasons, which I will discuss a bit later. I do know groups that just ride together without being organized in a traditional type club sense. It is up to each individual on how they want to roll and what they are expecting or looking for.

Let's first discuss some major differences between a true motorcycle club, a riding club, and a riding group. A traditional motorcycle club is one in which the members wear a leather vest or "cut" bearing a separated 3 piece patch on the back. The top rocker patch is the club name, the center patch is their logo, and the bottom rocker is the city, area, or state they ride in. They follow traditional type bylaws and have a definite chain of command to follow and elected club officers. They have regular meetings and often required attendance for meetings and/or events.

Riding clubs vary a lot, but typically have some sort of structure like a motorcycle club. In a riding club the members don't wear the 3 piece patch. Some riding clubs don't wear leather vests at all. If they do wear a leather vest they may have a 1 or 2 piece patch on the back. They usually have a chain of command and appointed or elected club officers. The Harley Owners Group (HOG) is a familiar example of a riding club.

A riding group has little to no structure. They likely are just a group of riders that may share some similar interests. They may have clothing items such as T-shirts or hats instead of a leather vest and patch. They likely don't have elected or appointed officers nor a chain of command.

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Because of television, media, and the actions of the minority (less than 1%) biker criminal element people are overly interested in motorcycle clubs. Always remember that 99% of motorcyclists/bikers are hard working law abiding people. Other people and even other motorcyclists may ask, why not just ride together? What's the point of joining a club and wearing a patch?

To quickly put things into perspective for these individuals I ask a few simple questions. Why are people in organized church groups? Why are people in tennis clubs, or golf clubs? Why are boys in Boy Scouts and girls in Girl Scouts? Certainly Boy Scouts could just get together and camp or hike. Why do they have to have uniforms, a structure, wear status patches, and have a chain of command? Why do sports teams wear uniforms and have a leader (coach)? Because, it is basic human nature to want to earn the right and belong to something we consider special and elite. Something special to share with like minded individuals. This often takes the form of wearing something that represents that club or group. Look all around you and you will see special interest groups and clubs everywhere. So, lay off motorcycle clubs already and move on.

Here are a few things that a club or organization may offer aside from just "getting together".

• A sense of pride
• Teamwork
• Brotherhood
• Chain of command
• Organization of the team/club/group
• Sense of order
• Sense of achievement
• A means to advance your mission or purpose

Let's talk specifically about why motorcyclists/bikers may join a club instead of just "getting together." Many join motorcycle clubs because the club offers something they're wanting such as brotherhood. Some may not have a family and will turn to a tight brotherhood as their family. That biker will be given a place within the club struct