MC COLORS

The term “colors” is used in referring to a motorcycle clubs’ patch set up. In the case of a 3 piece.  One is placed over the top of the middle large graphic patch and one placed underneath it. The “rockers” are usually curved bars with the top bar designating the club name and the lower bar designating the location of the club. The two rockers are separate from the middle, larger graphic type patch, hence the term three-piece patch. Motorcycle clubs differ from motorcycling organizations as they traditionally have “prospecting” time required before the club members decide whether the individual will be accepted into the group and allowed to wear or “fly” the “colors” of the group. Most club “colors” will also have M/C printed on the “rocker”  or a separate "cube" patch with MC on it to further clarify it as a club rather than an organization.

Many national organizations in the early 1980’s set policy to unite their “rockers” with their patch to make it one piece to avoid any designation or confusion within the motorcycling club community. H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) and the Blue Knights (police officers) are an example.

 

MOTORCYCLE CLUB CONDUCT AND DUTIES

 MC Respect

A serious MC club commands respect for one reason. Those who are correctly informed recognize the deep level of personal commitment and self discipline that a man/woman has to demonstrate and sustain in order to wear a patch. They realize that a club's "Colors" are closely guarded and the membership process is long and difficult. Other factors notwithstanding, they respect Patch holders for what they have accomplished by being able to earn and keep the patch they wear. This is respect born out of recognition of dedication and accomplishment. The MC Club strives for respect for this reason. This is especially true as it pertains to those persons outside of the motorcycle community. This segment of society is by far the larger, and therefore represents a larger market for any fund raising activities that the group might undertake. It stands to reason that cultivating a relationship with these people is important, and to be perceived by them as "Biker Scum" would not be advantageous to the group. They will therefore conduct themselves as upstanding citizens in every way... "Good neighbors" so to speak. The goal is to be admired and respected by the general public rather than feared. The serious club, and all of its members and guests, will always conduct themselves publicly in a highly professional manner.

Club Colors

The general public does not draw a distinction between different club colors. In many cases, they simply can't tell the difference: we're all "Biker Scum" to them. If one club causes a problem that touches the public sector, the offending club's identity is either confused or ignored and the heat comes down on all clubs. The general public does not make the distinction between a MC and an RC (Riding Club), therefore EVERYONE needs to be aware that no matter whether they are in an MC and RC or an Independent rider, their actions reflect on all in the motorcycle community.  The MC clubs tend to police themselves to avoid such incidents.

EVERY MC SHOULD ASK THEMSELVES THESE 10 QUESTIONS! 

1. Where is my Club based? (DC/MD/VA) (This is important as to joining a Community Organization)

2. Who are the Established Clubs in my area? (If you need help/advice most likely you can ask one of these clubs)

3. Is there a "Motorcycle Rights" association in your area? (i.e. Bikers W/ Heart, ABATE)

4. What makes my organization different? (You should be able to justify a reason why you started an organization not just “I wanted to start my club to be the president”)

5. What kind of an MC am I really? (Be expected to be treated as what you        really are.)

• Traditional back patch MC club (Adheres to the MC lifestyle, majority (80-90% of members ride, own a bike, licensed to ride a motorcycle, participate in club duties regularly)

• A social club (accepts non riding members into organization )     

• A riding club (pays no dues, colors are bought not earned)

• A Service oriented club (support club to a MC and to the community)

6. Will you prospect the members? How long in general? (This is your business but you should know a easy in is a hard out, know who you bring into your org as they represent you and can be good for your org but can also be bad.)

7. What does it take to get approval to become a member? (Usually the Executive Board is the determining factor of entry into a brotherhood/sisterhood)

8. Sportbike only club or accept all brands.

9. How many members would you have if you started up a club tomorrow?  (Need to have 4,5,6 potential RIDING!!! members at the very least.) You should look to get recognized by the established clubs in your area by introducing your club and yourself to them.

10. How well do you know the people that are in your organization?.  Brotherhood/Sisterhood isn't just a word, it's TOTAL dedication to each other, not just when it's convenient.

Acceptable Strategies to Reduce Drinking and Riding

a. Circumstances and Approaches to Intervention

(1) “Just Don’t Drink”

Riders discussed several different approaches to intervention. The first level of intervention described by participants is to minimize the opportunity for riders to drink alcohol. In contrast to the poker runs and organized rides centered on public establishments other than bars.

(2) Separating an Impaired Rider from His Motorcycle

(3) Reassuring the Rider and Securing the Motorcycle

(4) Club Policies and the role of Road Captains

(5) Run or Follow-up Trucks

One or more follow-up (or run) trucks or automobiles pulling trailers may accompany group rides on trips of several hundred miles or more. Although originally used solely in cases of mechanical breakdown of a motorcycle, the follow-up truck can take an impaired rider off the road and secure the motorcycle.