Buzz
If your passion revolves around motorcycles and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts, joining a motorcycle club can be highly enticing. These clubs offer a sense of community and host numerous social gatherings that become integral to your lifestyle. If your primary aim is simply to ride motorcycles in the company of others, you might also explore the option of joining a more relaxed riding club. In this article, we've compiled responses to some of the most frequently asked questions about joining motorcycle clubs and riding clubs.
Steps
How does a motorcycle club differ from a riding club?
Riding clubs are solely centered around motorcycle riding. These clubs typically consist of informal gatherings of individuals who come together for the purpose of riding motorcycles. Membership usually entails no significant obligations or prerequisites, allowing you the freedom to join or depart at your discretion.
- You might opt to join a riding club if you're solely interested in finding companions to ride with or if you seek to enhance your motorcycle riding skills through shared experiences.
Motorcycle clubs prioritize the brotherhood aspect. Motorcycle clubs, often abbreviated as MCs, heavily emphasize the social bond within the club. Members are regarded as family, and membership typically lasts a lifetime. Riding motorcycles is merely an activity shared among members, and owning a motorcycle is a prerequisite for joining an MC.
- You may opt to join a motorcycle club to foster a brotherly connection with fellow riders or to align yourself with the club's image and reputation.
- Some motorcycle clubs are known as “1% motorcycle clubs” or “outlaw motorcycle clubs.” Members of such clubs may engage in unlawful activities, so exercise caution when seeking motorcycle clubs to join.
- Among the most prominent outlaw motorcycle clubs are the Hells Angels, the Mongols, the Outlaws, the Bandidos, and the Pagans.
How can one become a member of a riding club?
Explore online to find a riding club near your location that suits your preferences. Most riding clubs maintain websites, so conduct a search using terms like “motorcycle riding club near me” or “motorcycle riding club London” to locate local clubs. Review any available information about the club, such as their “about” section and mission statement, to assess compatibility.
- You can also browse motorcycle forums or search for riding club communities on Facebook.
- For certain riding clubs, the only requirement may be holding a motorcycle license, irrespective of the bike type.
- Other clubs may admit members based on the type of motorcycles they ride, such as high-performance street bikes or choppers.
- Some riding clubs may impose additional criteria, such as a minimum age requirement for membership.
Complete and submit an application for the desired club. Furnish your personal details and any other information requested on the application form. Adhere to the submission instructions provided on the club’s website.
- Some clubs may also levy an annual or monthly membership fee.
What is the process for applying to join an MC?
Connect with a member of the MC you aspire to join and inquire about the joining process. Motorcycle clubs typically uphold stringent membership criteria, thus mere application submission is insufficient. Identify a member adorned with the MC's patch, approach them, and seek guidance on the steps to membership.
- Similar to riding clubs, motorcycle clubs cater to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Examples include veteran’s MCs, Christian MCs, or African American MCs.
- Insight into an MC can be gleaned from the patches adorning a member’s vest. Alternatively, engage a member in conversation to comprehend the club's ethos before seeking membership.
- Outlaw motorcycle clubs are often identifiable by the “1%” patch on members' vests. If uninterested in such clubs, avoid approaching individuals sporting this patch.
- If a club member deems you incompatible with their club, they may politely decline your interest. Respect their decision and refrain from pressing the matter further.
Embark on a probationary period as a prospective member of the motorcycle club. Upon soliciting guidance from a member and expressing interest, the customary procedure entails integrating with the club at public gatherings to familiarize yourself with its members. Favorable impressions may lead to an invitation to become a “prospect,” or provisional member.
- Throughout the prospecting phase, you must demonstrate dedication and alignment with the club's values.
- Upon completion of the probationary period, full club members convene to vote on your potential elevation to “full-patch” membership.
What is the typical duration of the prospecting phase for a motorcycle club?
Typically, three months to a year. Although the duration of the prospecting phase varies among motorcycle clubs, this timeframe serves as a general guideline. This interim period allows for acclimatization to the club's environment and affords an opportunity to reassess your commitment to membership. Concurrently, existing club members assess your compatibility.
- Upon assuming prospect status, you commit to attending specified rides, meetings, and events hosted by the club.
- As with other fraternal organizations, patched members may assign tasks during the probationary period, commensurate with those entrusted to full-fledged members.
- Throughout the prospecting journey, prioritize respect. Demonstrating respect towards all club members fosters mutual regard and potentially secures your transition to patched membership.
Is owning a Harley mandatory for MC membership?
Indeed, for certain clubs. This especially holds true for 1% motorcycle clubs. Other MCs may stipulate ownership of an American-made or specific type of motorcycle as a prerequisite for membership.
- For instance, there are motorcycle clubs dedicated to off-road and street bikes.
- If flexibility regarding bike ownership is preferred, opting for a riding club over an MC might be advisable.
What hierarchical positions exist within a motorcycle club?
Most MCs adhere to a structured hierarchy spanning from president to prospect. Key leadership roles typically include a president, vice president, sergeant at arms, and road captain. Subsequent positions often include a secretary, treasurer, and enforcer. Full-patch members and prospects follow, while some clubs may also appoint a chaplain.
- Founding members typically hold esteemed positions within the club, either as active participants or through democratic election.
- Although rank names may slightly differ across clubs, the hierarchical structure remains consistent among most MCs.
- Furthermore, clubs may bestow titles upon non-members who associate closely with the club, such as “hangarounds” or “friends of the club.”
Is it possible to establish your own motorcycle club?
Absolutely, contingent upon approval from the predominant local MC. Should you contemplate forming a motorcycle club, it is imperative to first seek authorization from the predominant MC in your vicinity. Given the territorial nature of MCs, failure to obtain permission prior to establishing a club can lead to conflict. Articulate your intentions respectfully and clarify that your club does not intend to challenge the dominance of existing MCs.
- Should the dominant local motorcycle club reject your proposal, it is imperative to comply with their decision to avoid potential repercussions.
- An alternative to establishing an MC is founding a riding club, which typically poses no rivalry threat to motorcycle clubs.
