007
Charter Member
The gang members won't give you grief as long as you stay out of their business. Start playing macho ass and all bets are off.
Most patch holders will correct you if you call them a "gang." They'll tell you, in no uncertain terms, "we are a club, not a gang." The FBI doesn't see many of them that way though, but there are good clubs, like the USMV MC which originated there in Florida.
I've been riding motorcycles myself since I was 9. I've owned 7 motorcycles in my life, 3 of which have been Harleys, the last of which is my 2006 FXD35 that I bought new. I'm also a retired Harley Davidson Technician, among other careers, and have rubbed elbows with just about every club there is. I was a hang around with the Vagos while I lived in Reno for almost three years. Still have the Vagos Supporter cut. I just ride for fun nowadays, and don't want anything to do with any club, good, bad or in between. To many damn rules, club politics and mandatory bull shit for me.
Back in the 70's I was prospecting for an MC in Connecticut. In the middle of my probation, they became the local Angels chapter and prospects were given the option of opting out. I was married and had a kid by that time and saw it as way more commitment than I could make. I've spent most of the last 40 years as an independent and have close friends in 6 or 7 MC's
Fot the last 10 years, I've been a member of ABATE, a bikers' rights organization that is more of a liaison between clubs and state government.
Most ABATE members are former club members or fairly new riders who haven't the time to commit to a club.
The core group of riders are all very experienced, skilled riders. A couple dozen from my chapter tend to ride like an MC.
Run a couple hours at 90 to 100 MPH, 5 or 6 feet apart sometime, if you want to feel alive! Just know who you're riding with. It can get real hairy.
Oh believe me, I've pack ridden many, MANY times, and I mean WHITE KNUCKLE riding! Try it 80, 90 mph THROUGH TOWN. I hit a bump one time and about went over my handle bars. Did that make me slow down... and hold up the guy behind me in the pack... what are you nuts? I rode like the devil was chasing me, just like everyone else.
And I've been aware of ABATE for decades. I used to go to ABATE meetings back in the late 80's, early 90's. Good organization really.
I was prospecting for the USMV MC and made it about three months. Right up until some little sawed off, smart assed punk thought he was going to be cool and get all up in my face with his attitude. They got their colors back that night, even though the guy almost got his patch punched and they begged me to stay. I'd had enough, and I'm glad it turned out the way it did. I'm still real good friends with the State prez who's my neighbor, and many of the clubbers here in Wisconsin. I go the club house regularly on Saturday night open houses. Good bunch of guys... mostly.
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