Why do men join motorcycle clubs?
There are many reasons why, and I'll explore them below.
But first, it also depends on the club itself. Guys don't just join a club for the sake of joining a club, but because that club offers a specific purpose. Each have different perogatives, philosophies. And of course, the people in the club have their own personalities, and that makes each club and/or chapter unique.
There are many motorcycle clubs founded with the purpose of brotherhood. Some of these clubs are more like "support groups", particularly on staying clean and sober, or recovering from alcoholism. Think of them like an Alcoholic Anonymous group, but for bikers.
Quite a few are military based. There are some that are solely for active military, mostly as a way create unity among a group of soldiers and sailors. There are many more for veterans, and these clubs exist to provide charitable support for veterans causes.
There are also faith-based clubs. Some of them are motorcycle clubs for Christians, and there are also some for Jews. But there are also "motorcycle ministries" (MM), which are not so much clubs, but actual churches that get together and ride, and then have service.
There are clubs centered around professions, like policemen, firemen, and iron workers. Some clubs are auxiliaries of local labor union chapters. Some guys are interested in joining these clubs because they can mingle with like-minded folks.
Some clubs are actually corporations, or enterprises, that own bars, restaurants, and other licensed businesses. Some sell guns, prostitutes, and drugs. Their goal is to make money.
Other clubs are just interested in partying, be it drinking all night, swinging, or whatever floats their boat.
What that in mind, guys join motorcycle clubs mostly because the club offers something that they're wanting. Be it a sense of brotherhood, a sense of family, partying, or spiritual healing. If you're wondering why your husband or boyfriend wants to join a motorcycle club, take a look at the club.
Most guys join motorcycle clubs because the club offers reputation. If a club has a well-established reputation, be it good or bad, that reputation will rub off on them when they wear the club's colors. In that sense, guys join these clubs because they seek "legitimacy", or, they want to be the "real deal" in the eyes of others.
Larger clubs rely on an organizational structure to keep everything in order. A lot of guys thrive on this. They want to join these kinds of clubs because they need a sense of "structure and order" in their lives. They want to contribute to a larger goal, and they want their place in the framework.
Some guys are just lost, and many motorcycle clubs offer them "family". They give them a place in the structure, and tell him that he's now part of their family, and that they'll back him up no matter what.
There are also guys in their middle ages that have become bored with their lives. They might have wives and kids, but their kids are grown up, and romance is no longer that big burning flame that it once was. Instead of cheating of their wives, they find that a motorcycle club gives them something to look forward to.
Keep in mind that there are also "riding clubs", as opposed to "motorcycle clubs". The riding club is centered around riding motorcycles. Motorcycle clubs usually have a greater goal or perogative than just riding bikes. The riding club offers no other purpose than to go out riding with some folks, grab some lunch, have a beer, and call it a day.
What makes things confusing between riding clubs and motorcycle clubs, is that some motorcycle clubs are actually riding clubs if you look at them closely. There are also clubs that call themselves "riding club" when in fact they're trying to be a motorcycle club. They do this because the Confederation of Clubs in their state has made it difficult for new motorcycle clubs to exist.
If you hubby says he's joining a club, you might want to ask him if its a riding club or a motorcycle club.
A vagabond who hauls a motorcycle around the country in a toy hauler, earning a living as a website developer. Can often be found where there's free Wi-Fi, craft beer, and/or public nudity. 
Bridgeport, TX - TT
6 days ago
That was a well writen facted based story! I enjoyed it!!!
ReplyDeleteL.J. James
AmericanBikerX.com
Can you please talk more about the confederation of clubs in that state make it difficult to join or start another motorcycle club? What does that mean.
ReplyDeleteThanks
The way it was put to me, it makes a lot of sense. I tried to start an MC in Texas. Our back patch had a single skull with a pair of brass knuckles. The COC said no to that because there are so many clubs with a single human skull on their patch, people will get confused. If another club with a skull robs a liquor store and the clerk reports to the police a quick description of the assailants and me and my guys end up getting pulled over for a crime we didn't commit, I would be pissed. So no more Single Skull back patches in the Southeast Texas region. I appreciate that theres somebody out there making sure we do things in an orderly manner.
DeleteIt seems to me that if you want to ride around with "colors" on you are just asking for trouble no matter if it's a "skull" or a "pussy cat" back patch. Makes no sense, why don't you just ride and enjoy the ride, what is the purpose of having a patch. I have been around clubber for a long time. They just seem to turn into idiots (I'm putting it nicely) when they put on their "colors". You talk about "another club robs a liquor store"...why do you even want to be associated with that at all! Think about it. And you don't get any respect that is just a bunch of BS!
DeleteThe COC has no authority over anything in the motorcycle world. They are not sanctioned and no biker should listen to anything they say. It's a free county and you can where any patch or clothing that you choose.
Delete^^^^^ clueless. I encourage you to make your own patch and slap it on your vest. I'm not sure what neck of the woods you live in but now days it wouldn't matter. Wear that vest every time you ride and eventually you'll develop a better response than the above..
DeleteI'm in a club of 40 guys, we don't wear a patch at all, just a pin. Our prez and a few others were in 81 in earlier days and formed bylaws that do not allow a patch. Way too much visibility and trouble. We know who we are, we don't need to have billboards on our backs to invite trouble.
DeleteWritten from the womans perspective. My "Hubby", WTF site did I stumble upon. Well written, informative, and the best single explanation I've found so far. Encouraging women to analize and check up on a passion like motorcycling is a bit underhanded. Would you like your husband taking a fine toothed comb to all your hobbies.
ReplyDeleteI am an 'ole lady', property of an MC. This isn't what I was told it would be. It is no life for a woman. Left behind, while you ole man is out for days, partying, doing God knows what with God knows who. And when he comes home, you're suppose to just accept it. He joined after we got together, so I didn't choose to enter a relationship with an already established MC member. It's no way to live in my opinion. When I have talked to long standing ole ladies and asked how their lives have been with their husbands, etc in MC clubs, I get the same answer: Very difficult. Some have told me to find a better life, others say I would never want this life for my daughters. If you get in and don't care for it, don't waste your life hanging around. Get the hell out. If you don't mind being second or third place instead of number one, stick around. If you don't mind broads all over your man, him not coming home, wondering if he will even come home in one piece, stick around. If you want a fulfilling life without all the extra drama, rules, and politics, move on!!!
DeleteTotally right to the point. Being around the scene most of my life, this is a great way to explain to someone the calling some men have. The NorCalCoc is the real deal and works hard to bring all patch holders together.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that not once did you mention the word, "freedom" in your article about MC's and RC's. Good. Sonny Barger, former HA President wrote a book of that title and stated that belonging to an MC was mostly about freedom. I couldn't disagree more. Though I've never been a member of an MC or an RC, it would seem a contradiction to join an MC or RC with all sorts of rules (constitutions, bylaws, etc.)and call that freedom. I remember the first time I rode with a HOG group and when I pulled out onto the high speed lane before the rest of the riders did the Road Captain admonished me about that manuver. I said, "Fuck that!" and pulled out of line and rode off solo, never again expecting I'd ride in an "organized" ride again. For some (many, actually) riding in organized rides is enjoyable. Not for me. It's only when I'm alone riding down a long lonely road on my hog that I get the sense of freedom that most associate with riding.
ReplyDeleteI think the greatest benefit of MC's and RC's is the brotherhood, but for me, freedom is more important than that, so though I do enjoy riding with other riders, my greatest sense of freedom is found when it's just me and my wife on our hog riding towards the sunset, alone on a long lonely highway.
Right on! You said it all!
DeleteIf you are looking for a community...join a group..but you will be subject to a hierarchy. That means, there will be people who want to exert their will over you. If you are looking for freedom be comfortable being alone.
Couldn't have put it better myself!
DeleteI find it funny how a lot of bikers think that spending most of their lives in prison for a club of degenerates who will eventually piss on their grave is worth it. Yeh, that's brotherhood alright...real solid brotherhood.
ReplyDeleteColors, patches and names are a sign of insecurity. When I'm riding along and I see a group of guys with their chests stuck out, chip on their shoulders and sporting the three piece, I hang my head and pray that they wake up. Problem is, those guys need these things in order to feel like someone wants them and to set fear in the people they fear the most, that is, the rest of society.
The "bond" that is "brotherhood" is bullshit. There's brotherhood alright...it's called "brainwash". Just like religious groups and terrorist organizations, brainwash is the key to their cult like discipline. Think about it...most of the American MC's are forced to ride a particular brand and size of bike...where's the freedom in that? If you're such an outlaw, why let people tell you what kind of bike you can ride? I don't even think hypocritical is a good enough word to describe this submissive behavior.
I know, everyone will probably shit on me for saying this stuff, and tell me that I should go say this to a 1%ers face. Fact is, I would gladly do so, as long as his buddies aren't there, and he drops his weapons at the door. One on one...no weapons or backup and most of those 1%ers would shit their pants. It's f**king hilarious.
Anyone remember what Eddie Zero said in Hell Ride? The three B's:
1. Bikers
2. Brotherhood
3. Bullshit
...and that's not too far off.
Thank you Anonymous, I am a wife of a biker and I have never heard anyone break down the reasons Why? It is so important to join such a group. My husband will not be honest with me, So I am glad you took the time to tell me the real deal. Now I can approach this critical situation another way.
DeleteHI, I AM A SUPPORTER OF 81 AND HAVE BEEN A OLD LADY FOR 47 YRS OR MORE FOR A H.A. I LOVE THE THRILL OF THE CLUB, BUT ALL WHO GO TO PRISON DONT GET LEFT BEHIND OK. WE HAVE A SYSTEM WHERE WE WRITE THEM, AND LET THEM KNOW THEY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN .. .AND YES THEY ITS A TRUE BROTHERHOOD. WHEN I WAS A VERY YOUNG WOMEN I LIVE AROUND THIS CLUB AND SAW HOW MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT HONOR THEY HAVE FOR EACH OTHER..THIS CLUB HAS PAVE THE ROAD WAYS SDO U OTHER PLAIN BIKER CAN RIDE, CHECK YOUR HISTORY ON THAT..THEY ARE NOT A CULT, NOR DO THEY BRAIN WASH ANY BOBY.. ITS A WAY OF OUR LIFE WE ALL LOVE EACH OTHER,IF THATS WHAT U SEEK , THEN QUICK RUNNING YOUR MOUTH AND DO IT,, THEY WILL KEEP THERE GUNS DOWN AND YES ALONG AS U DONT BRING ANY BUBBIES WITH U AND ITS ONE ON ONE..NO BOBY PUTTING ANY BOBY DOWN FOR RIDING A DIFFENCE STYLE BIKE.. TAKE A CHILL PILL..I AM PROUD OF WHO I WAS WITH AND I STILL THEMMY OWN FAMILY TURN ME AWAYS AND IF IT WAS'NT FOR THEM. I WOULD NEVER BECOME THE GOOD WOMEN I AM TODAY..YOUR WRONG..IF THEM A BREAK.. EDDIE ZERO BUT IT WAS H.A WHO WROTE THAT STORY.. PEACE TO YA MAN.. MLHR
Deleteoh yeah that's well wrtten
Deleteno bullshit there dude........I am 2 free spirited to be in a control club.......bull..... just ride.
DeleteI needed to search my soul and ask what do I want that I don't have already? what is more relevant? Experiencing transcendence on the road to do and go where I please, what I ride and who I chill with. I enjoy watching on tv and leaving the drama to them.
DeleteThere's no freedom in a biker club. You have to follow rules and if they say jump you better do it or there are repercussions. I understand guys that need a "family" for their own sense of self and ego. But this so called biker family takes you away from your family with its meetings and issues that they can't talk about. How is that good for a marriage?! For the spouse to have a life the other person can't even talk about. Or should I say is so brainwashed they won't talk about it?
DeleteWhat these guys have is "Daddy issues" because a real man puts his wife and children 1st not a club or gang!
DeleteMy husband just had a motorcycle wreck. He lost his leg. I had know idea how far he was in with a motorcycle gang until his accident.
DeleteI can tell he has been brainwashed and they won't let him go.
I'm at a loss as to should I stay a ms fight for him or do I turn and walk away.
...lets do a little club reality ck/test for the fun of it. At the next "group" meeting with the boys, say I have a suggestion! I would like to change the name of our club (as an example) to the The WLTR's... We Like To Ride. And, follow it up with, does anyone else have a suggestion for a new name? If you are dealing with an organizational image "thing", also known as an ego associative/idiopathic dependence (receiving empowerment through another vessel..money,muscles, women..your patch) you may not be that popular all of a sudden. If somebody says how about we call ourselves the WWD's Weekend Wife Deserters..you should be close to a nominal group of intellectually emotionally stable men, enjoying motorcycling camaraderie. Caution: I would only try this functional test of mental stability well before any type of consumption's begin.
DeleteBUNCH OF CRAP !!!!!!!!!!!!!! IM IN AN MC YOU ARE SO FAR OFF ITS NOT FUNNY
ReplyDeleteRIGHT ON..!!!! 81 SAFFAS
DeleteThese negative comments about clubs are off the mark and their true, depends on the MC, I am in an MC, we raise money for cancer, epilepsy and run toy runs at Christmas. We are a Brotherhood and care for each other, what's wrong with that? We do background checks on our members and claim 99%. Like I said, depends on the Club.
DeleteIts too bad too see there are people out there that really dont know what a true brotherhood MC is about . I belong to one and enjoy it completely .We support 81 100% and feel Family always comes first .
ReplyDeleteRIGHT ON FAMILY.. A TRUE FAMILY..THEY ARE WAY TO JUDGEMENTAL,AND ALOT OF IT IS BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY FAKES AND PHONEY CLUB MEMEBER WHO TRY TO BE 81 AND IT HURT THE REAL ONES,SO PEOPLE SEE ALOT OF THIS CRAP, THEN AGAIN THEY ARE BLIND .81 ARE GOOD PEOPLE I AM GLAD I AM A PART OF THIS FAMILY.. I WAS ONCES A OLD LADY MANY YRS AGO.. AND I TRUELY MISS IT..NOW I AM A SUPPORTER OF 81 AND THE B.H.C. KEEP THE SUPPORT81 GOING BROTHER OR SISTER.. WITH ML&R
DeleteMCs the way I look at it takes up a lot of time and commitment. I could be making more money instead of my time being taken by a club. If its not an outlaw club that makes dirty money, what's the point of joining an MC? I'm active duty I got plenty of brotherhood and camaraderie already.
ReplyDeleteI've been riding for a minute or two. My Dad has been riding since I was a youngster, and at 78, still does! He was in a Masonic MC back in the day AND he associated with members of the East Bay Dragons as well. A Navy veteran, he rode solo whenever he wanted to. He rode with a MC, I suspect, for the camaraderie. Since I retired from the military myself, I GET IT! It doesn't have to be a mc. It could be a bowling team, but because it's "dangerous", "visually and audibly" obvious and has an assumed reputation, it's okay to knock as a negative thing. The general public doesn't get it because IT'S THE GENERAL PUBLIC. Not everybody is in a club. That's one of the main appeals of being in a club and suiting up for the "cause". In a world full of selfish people with dog-eat-dog attitudes and driven by consumerism and neighborhood covenants, riding solo OR in a pack is a break from some of the monotony.
ReplyDeleteExactly
DeletePoint is....if you dont get it. You may never get it. And thats ok, call it insecurity, or what ever you want. But you still will never get to feel what I feel when I hug and brother that I choose, and tell him "I love you brother"
ReplyDeleteSome of us are a little nuts at times, and toghether learned how to conduct ourselves for the better of people we love.
My wife does not get it, she doesnt have to. She says its a guy thing, its like trying to get why she loves shoes. But supports it, she has seen what kind of man I am with out it, and sees the man I am with it. (plus she thinks its sexy lol) She likes knowing that if she's in a pickle and I cant get to her in minutes, there is a brother on his way. Im a better husband, father, and man because of it. So for what ever reason your man has made a choice to try to join a real MC. Support him, he will be a better man in the end. Be a better women for him.
I have really enjoyed reading all the different views. I have owned a bike since I was 16 and just rode with a few friends or solo. Now that I am 61, for some reason, I have been thinking of a MC. Not really sure why other than the fellowship. And it is something I have never done before. Being so structured all my life in jobs and life, I also think it could be a way of letting my hair down like I have always yearned to do. I'll let you know what I decide. Thanks for all the comments. It helped a lot
ReplyDeleteMaybe mid life crisis - watch your back - they will take your bike - shop and soul.
DeleteI walked away from a mc because of bullshit and no more the 10hours later they took my bike
DeleteBecause they weren't cool enough in high school so they joined some "badass gang" to get back at all those cool kids who made fun of them in high school, didn't let them hang out back then cause they weren't cool enough. And to feel better about themselves, by falsely believing that they are better than everyone around them. Part of the reason why they hate mainstream society is because many of these same kids grew up to become the successful normal people of society.
ReplyDeleteCan you explain the role of bike support groups, not in the 1% sense? Seems more and more are starting to form.
ReplyDeleteI have read many different comments here. Been riding over 20 years. I would say a club is not for everyone
ReplyDeleteAnybody who rides in a motorcycle club i would have to say is an idiot they do more bad things than good things who really if you are an ordinary normal person would want to be controlled by a bunch of people that serve really no purpose what's the point
ReplyDeleteMy husband rides with an outfit that started a so called RC..this is suck a bunch of bullshit.He" "was" a good man,loving father, n a Professional man as well as a Veteran..now he's someone that our family doesn't know..he's angry,secretive,and just an all out asshole...It saddens me that these so called RCs n MC rip family's apart,and their New families(their Moorgycle Gang)think that this is acceptable.Having a professional family and accepting this decision that he has made for our family had destroyed it...I won't lower myself to such standards..and to call yourself and Ole Lady...good God where is yourself? respect
ReplyDeleteWow. thank you for sharing. I am at a crossroads myself. My husband (Also a professional and a veteran. We were only married for 6 months when he starting prospecting) has been prospecting for 200 something days now. He hasn't turned into a secretive or angry person, but I have not been supporting his decision...especially since he wasn't 100% sure it was what he wanted. But now we're back to, yes, he really want this. I feel like it's changed our relationship, But it's because of the way I have been reacting to his time away from home/family. I've been so emotional about everything and react in a negative way, that I am making him unhappy with me. I just don't know how to change my feelings. I just don't. i need help. How are you handling this?
DeleteWe are getting divorced over this
DeleteWe are splitting up. We have two girls. Not good for family. I am a working professional person. This is wrecking my family. My girls deserve to grow up as strong powerful women with choices.
DeleteYea my husband is just getting into this, we haven't even been married a year. I'm worried all this blowing me off will result in divorce. We have been a couple for 15 years!!
DeleteActually,dude...the guys that are picked on and excluded in high school become cops.
ReplyDeletePreach...
Deleteto me they are both the same
ReplyDeleteBeing A Loyal Member Of A National MC That Is An 81 Support Club, And ALSO Being A Veteran, This I Have To Say. If You Need To Ask How You Can Join An MC Like The 81, Or Any MC For That Matter, Then Just Pack Your Bags And Go Home. You Don't Belong In Our World. You Don't Just Walk Up To The Door Of An 81 Clubhouse And Ask How You Can Join, Unless You Wanna Be Carried Out In A Body Bag. This Is Not A Job Interview Where You Just Fill Out A Paper Application And Hope To Get A Position. You Don't Go To Them - They Come To You! There Are 3 Phases To Become A Member Of An MC (Hang-Around, Prospect And Full-Patch). During Your Hang-Around Phase, You Get To Know Everyone, They Get To Know You And The Club Decides If You MAY Be Someone Of Interest To Them. If So, A Club Member May Approach You And Offer You To Prospect For The Club. This Is Your Proving Ground. Obviously The Club Members Felt You Had Something To Offer, And Now Is Your Time To Prove It. And You WILL Be Tested On ALL Aspects Of Loyalty, Honor And Respect To The Club And Their Mission. And If By Some Chance You See It All Through, Your Reward Will Be A Full-Patched Member Of The Club And A Loyal Family That Will ALWAYS Be With You Till Death. This Entire Process Often Takes Years Of Dedication To Achieve, And Is Only Reserved For An Elite Few Who Possess What It Takes. So If You're Just Some Poser Who Is Looking For The Patch To Be "Cool", Look In The Mirror And Take A Self-Confidence Seminar. MC's Are Hot a Hobby - They Are For Life. And Just For The Record, MC's Have A Hierarchy Of Importance - And That Is Work 1st, Family 2nd And Club 3rd. So If Someone You Know That Is An MC Member Develops Marital Difficulties, Loses A Job, Is A Bad Parent, Becomes Abusive, Drug Or Alcohol Problems Or "Wrecks A Home", Take Responsibility And Don't Blame The Club, Because That Club Member Didn't Follow The Order Of Importance. And If You Can't Even Grasp A Club Rule As Simple As "Family First", Don't Even Let Me See You Walking My Way.
ReplyDeleteAMEN!!!!!
DeleteI couldn't have said it better. Be responsible for your actions in whatever you choose.
DeleteI'm seeing a biker and as much as I know that he comes to me for the important stuff help with personal stuff emotional support and confides in me on an equal stand point...I know he sees other females. I confront him about it all the time and he denies it....Why is tha?
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post. It is certainly important to know these things when joining a motorcycle club. Great!
ReplyDeleteTheir having sex with lots of women! And they lie to their wives and girlfriends about what goes on with the strippers their clubs hire. And especially what goes on at the chapter meetings. These men shouldn't have wives or girlfriends. Because, you, will not be the only one in his life he's having sex with. I know biker women tolerate swinging. But I'm sure it's not going to be cool when you have to be treated for an std. Shitty lifestyle in my opinion!
ReplyDeleteYou people are so ignorant. Not all MC's or RC's are bad. Of course, there are the select few bad apples that ruin it for everyone, but not all (actually a lot) are bad. It is people like you that give the good ones a bad name. I support an RC, and they do nothing but charity work for mostly kids. They even do special rides if a family member is in need of money for hospital bills and such things. The brotherhood is real, and you people need to pull your heads from your asses to see there are great riders and club members out there. Anyone in the club I hang around would give the shirt off his back to make somebody else happy.
ReplyDeleteI'm a patched vice president and I have been for five years, of a three peice patch. And I nor my club has ever condoned cheating or drugs or violence there have been times when individuals have made an unsolicited choice of there own on those matters but it was not condoned or accepted by my organization. Family and job first.
ReplyDeleteI have belonged to an MC for 18 years. Good group, but am now ready to quit. at heart I like to ride alone and set my own riding agenda. In a club you don't have that option, you lack the freedom of being spontaneous on a ride. I don't like to ride in groups anymore. I was thinking of putting lone rider on side of gas tank, but then I found out there's an MC called the lone riders. Any ideas? I'm a serious biker ride an average of 4 times a week on any day.
ReplyDeleteMy husband has a back patch that says "out for fun, loyal to none, ol' skool rules" (sp)
DeleteIf you want to start a club in your state you MUST get approval by the associations of clubs in your area. If you use their colors there will be conflict. Contact the largest club in your area and get approval otherwise you can expect conflict at some point. What you can do if you don't want to get approval is to have the note "NO CLUB" attached at the lower portion of your jacket.
ReplyDelete