Ask a "Real Life" Biker (questions about Club Life)

Ok, so I responded to a post in another thread about riding a motorcycle in a Club and how people think its all Sons of Anarchy like and how everyone wants to be a biker now cuz of that show, and I've actually posted a few times regarding my opinion on this because shits come up so often in my personal experiences about this shit. But im pretty jacked on redbull and some good herb so my short reply became a long ass post. And since I've posted a few times about this, and rehashed or made some good points I believe, I searched and found no "ask a biker"so type of threads, and I've seen a few of these for other types of people, so I figured I would basically repost my original response (including quote for context) and then kind of leave this open for people to bet their shit straight.

There a lot of people on this forum who prob don't give a shit, but I am here to give out any answers you might have or tell you about things you have wondered about "real life" bikers, and I mean biker in the Club Patchholder sense, not just motorcycle riders. So if you wanna know if something on Sons of Anarchy is true, or wondered what some bikers you saw meant or were doing, and all that here's the place for it.

I am a member of a Club in Florida, since the late 90's and have made my way from nobody to Vice President of a Chapter. I have done a lot, and seen even more. But I've received warnings on GC when discussing stuff that break rules, for example "discussing or promoting violence" and one for discussing crimes, and another for dealing in unmentionables. So I will do what I can. To the best of my ability however, I will NOT reveal the name of my Club, or any others except in a general sense (if u ask something about Hells Angels, or Banditos, or something its no problem, I just wont mention any clubs linked to anything I say that could be illegal or somehow incriminate anybody).

Ok, sorry for that, here's the post I made in the confessional:

Now SOA is my show...I start a thread every
season...but seriously, I would never go up
to a real member. Not because of the show
but I mean, have you seen yourselves!?

Real patch members ain't nothing to fuck with.
I know I don't know shit, I only know silly late
night drama.

Lol, I watched it and liked it, but stopped after they found abel, cuz we lost tv for awhile, and I got sick of hearing it from these yuppies around here. I live in Florida and there's alot of bikers around here, (bike week next week I believe), but most are weekend warriors who work in cubicles and cheat on their wives with secretaries and shit during the week, then come Sunday afternoon you see them riding around dressed up as biker, riding their brand new garage kept harley and acting all badass, but when they come into a "biker" bar or establishment, they talk all badass pretending they are on SoA. Then they see us wearing patches and being REAL Club members, who take our patches and Club seriously, and they are all like "Oh cool, your in a club...like Sons of Anarchy?" Or shit like that.

Im a cool dude most the time, but this shit pisses me off. One guy came into our bar with a brand new Roadster (basic harley 883) and obviously new leathers, wearing a big generic eagle patch on his jacket. Fully dressed up like fucking halloween, and saunters up to the bar and orders a drink and kinda mean mugs people looking hard, then sees some Brothers a few seats down, and slides over and is all "what's up BROTHER" and when my Bro explained, very calmly and nicely to please not call him Brother, cuz that word is reserved for his Club brothers. Yuppie dude starts being all apologetic and then comes out with some shit about he's cool with the club thing, its cool, he even wanted to "start my own thing around here, like the Sons of Anarchy"

This was then a point where he got punked out by a group of like 6 Patchholders. Sorry to rant for so long, im just high and this is a heated topic for me, I've even posted on here regarding that same instance.

I even saw some dudes at BikeFest (like Daytona bike week, but smaller and only a weekend. Our Club does alot there) wearing Sons of Anarchy vests, I mean back patch 3 piece (saying California) and all the Reaper Crew, Redwood Original and men of mayhem type front patches. And its like...really? I mean no offense to anyone, if you don't like or understand the MC life, that's fine...but the Colors mean A LOT to patcholders, people Die for their Cut, and it takes a lot to EARN your Colors, so the idea that someone would BUY a colors vest, of a FICTIONAL club, and wear it thinking it makes them a "Biker" is ridiculous. (I even know people in a club up north called Sons of Chaos, which I believe came about before Sutter made SoA, imagine how much shit they get from everybody thinking they are straight ripping off) Esp when you consider there is a huge, underworld association with these Clubs, and we wear our territory patches with pride and fight over others wearing our turf.

Right now for example, Florida is primarily ran by two dominants, plus a few smaller clubs, most of which support one of the Dominates. But if you decide you wanted to start your own club and u called it Beef Curtains MC (lol. whatever) and u put a bottom rocker on there that says Florida, ur gonna have some people wearing red and gold, or black and white (or both) show up with some kind words. Im not saying I personally agree with how shit works, but its politics. The C.O.C. (Coalition of Clubs) has said there will be no more 3 piece patches in florida. So if the beef curtains mc wants a patch it cannot be split 3 ways.

I have my issues with the COC but they keep the peace and keeps cops off our backs, lol (imagine a United Nations of the biker world with reps from every club.) Its annoying cuz I personally, as well as a few other patchholders I know, (from both my Club and others) hate some of the decisions they make sometimes, and we don't listen to some (kind of like the law, we wanna do what WE wanna do, fuck off) they have kept war off the streets imho.

TL:DR: Clubs and Club Brothers are kick ass people, its just that we live and operate in our own world, with our own laws and politics and some of these "fans" go to far. But absolutely no disrespect intended to anyone who watches Sons of Anarchy.

By the way, this is posted in Pandora's Box due to the possible controversial topics. However I would like to state, for the record, that I am not a member of a Gang or any form of criminal organization. I happen to be a member of a Club composed of good hardworking people, with families, who happen to enjoy hanging out and riding motorcycles. In other words...

We may have criminals in our organization, but we are not a criminal organization. Same as any other group. The individual actions of myself or anyone who is a member does not, and should not, reflect on the Club as a whole. We do a lot for our communities and love the support of the local LEO's

Please feel free to post and ask questions, im actually kind of excited, even though I doubt this thread will blow up, im excited at the potential it could have and the chance to help some people understand what's up, good and bad.

What did you have to do to get your patch?

You smoke Meth?

I don't wish to break any rules on this forum about other drugs, but no I do not, I will say it is a terrible drug that destroys lives, and I've see the shit take down alot of people. There are certain clubs around who deal with it and actually give the stereotype of every biker selling or doing meth. But honestly nobody in our Club (that I know of) uses anything.

In fact our Bylaws prohibit the use/addiction or influence of another Brother into addiction, of any hard drug. Most of my Brothers drink and/or smoke. I myself no longer drink, been sober since 2007 or so. But I smoke a shit load of weed. Lol

What did you have to do to get your patch?

Our Club has a 3 month minimum Probationary Period, but I've seen that take over a year in some cases. I ran with the crew for a long time just hanging around with the homies, before I was patched over. But you do alot of bitch work as prospect:

security, cleaning, bartending, escorting wives, watching bikes, doing promotion and shit, shot like that, plus alot of jobs to help out the Club, show your loyalty and such. I wont go into details on too much, but I will say a lot of long nights and a few busted lips.

Biggest thing is to get yourself known and respected, cuz when it comes time to patch you over, EVERYONE in that chapter has to vote yes for you to receive that center patch. And it helps if they already consider you a good friend, before they call you a Brother.

EDIT: or were you wanting like specific stories? Cuz I can prob tell some, maybe not tonight, cuz im trying to get off GC and get some sleep(not working, lol) but I can put some shit up tomorrow.

Edited by DojaCFR, 05 March 2012 - 07:40 AM.

Have you seen the south park episode about bikers? If so, did you think it was hillarious?

Does being in the club make you money? How does a club make money? Do clubs even make money? Do you wear your vest(sorry if not.the right term) to work/in public not with your club? Sorry for all the questions this just interests me.

Have you ever been to sturgis bike rally and do you plan on goin this year?

i mean u gotta push when it comes to shove right?

what do you ride?

edit: how awesome is it riding high? it's fun as hell isn't it?

What's the real deal with old ladies?

Have you seen the south park episode about bikers? If so, did you think it was hillarious?

Lol, I don't think I have, but someone showed me a part I think, didn't everyone make motorcycle noises? Lol

I can't say for sure if I haven't seen it all, but if its funny id prob laugh. I don't get to serious about everything, just the S.o.A. and people thinking im JUST like the dude on the show, lol

Does being in the club make you money? How does a club make money? Do clubs even make money? Do you wear your vest(sorry if not.the right term) to work/in public not with your club? Sorry for all the questions this just interests me.

Yea kinda, everyone in the Club pays dues, which goes into various funds like a general fund which is a bank account for our treasurer and our cookouts, parties, shit like that are taken from such. Also we have a bail fund to bail a brother out of jail if he's busted and help towards legal fees. The Road Capt is authorized a certain amount a month on expenses if you break down and need towed back to the shop and if he repairs ur shit. The quartermaster gets a set limit to use on shirts, flyers, shit like that.

When you get patched over there's a "prospect fee" which covers your Colors (the patch) and first months dues, plus a little extra. Then every month you pay in some dues, or its taken out of your pay or you work for it. Our club has a few legitimate businesses which make money and provide income for a few members. For example a bar, a customs shop (which does bike repairs), and we provide security for hire.

Some clubs (not ours) charge a "support fee" from each Supporting Club and its members, so if you were a member of a smaller club ( who happened to be a support club of a major club (A) you would pay not only your club dues (if any), but extra monthly so that the club ( can pay dues to (A) for allowing them to wear a support patch and for the actual support of the major club. My club however does not do this, we have 2 clubs who support us, one officially, one unofficially, and we don't charge them anything except loyalty.

Yes and No, I wear my Colors EVERYWHERE, and every time I ride. If im on two wheels, im flying my Colors. Even when im driving the car, I usually wear them (I wear denim and they used to be black, now they are like a grayish green, from sun fade lol). But you don't HAVE to wear them except when at a Club Function.

Some people wear theirs all the time like me, and some can't cuz they work or whatever. But even if a Brother is not wearing his Colors he is expected to represent the Club, and usually has them nearby in case shit pops off.

Have you ever been to sturgis bike rally and do you plan on goin this year?

I have not, I know people that gom but I live in Florida and can't really afford it, esp the time to ride. Some people trailer their scoots in, and for me (living in Fla) that would be a better option cuz by the time I get there, ill be wore out from riding, lol...AND gotta ride back. Some people I know fly in, and rent bikes, which is prob the BEST option cuz u can fly in, enjoy the whole festival, and get home quicker than driving or riding back.

But me personally, never been, dunno if I will...it would be cool but im broke, and getting old and broken. Plus we laugh at people who trailer into bike week. Id be a hypocrite. I attend every Bikeweek and Bikefest tho, and try for most other festivals around Florida.

i mean u gotta push when it comes to shove right?

Respect All, Fear None

what do you ride?

edit: how awesome is it riding high? it's fun as hell isn't it?

Lol, this is where I catch flak if I were to at all, I currently ride a Honda. Now some of my Brothers are all Harley, every day. But I've done the harley thing, and at this point in my life, I just got through with fighting cancer, raising my son (now 2) losing our house (now finally settled back with the wife and kids) and another baby girl due friday. And seeing as I haven't worked a legit job since last July. I can't afford to buy a new Harley.

That being said, and even tho my Brothers and friends rag on me for riding a jap bike, I have NEVER broke down due to engine problems (once due to my clutch cable broke) while they are always tinkering with their Hogs and having problems. Im not hating on Harleys at all, its just they are bikes for people who love to tinker and work on bikes. I myself am lazy and a mechanical retard. Shit breaks on my bike (which hasn't happened, knock on wood) I take it to the Road Capt.

Oh and my Honda is louder than most Harleys, lol

Plus as of 2010 (I think) Honda employs more American workers (in motorcycle production) than Harley Davidson.

what do you ride?

edit: how awesome is it riding high? it's fun as hell isn't it?

Oh, my phone (only internet I have) isn't letting me post pix, but I got a few pix ill try and find, I posted them on GC somewhere but can't link with the app...ill get to it and show ya a few of our bikes.

I also have a little '81 650 Yamaha that I bobbed out, its fucking sick..ill find pix

What's the real deal with old ladies?

An Ol Lady is your wife (usually, maybe long time girlfriend). As opposed to a chick you bring with you to a party or one of the hoodrats hanging around the clubhouse or bar.

If your dating a girl, that your in a relationship you make her your "Property" or your "Ol Lady". This is so other Brothers, as well as members of other Clubs and the general public will know not to try and mack on her, cuz she's taken. For example your girl would have a vest or jacket or shirt or whatever that says "PROPERTY OF DANCINGVINODINI" so that everyone knows not to fuck with her.

Some people/clubs do it different, but around here an Ol Lady is usually your wife or long term girlfriend. But my wife still prefers to be called Property cuz she hates the "Ol" thinking it sounds like she's "old" even tho she's a kid compared to me. Lol. I figured PROPERTY sounded kinda sexist and mean, but she still prefers to be Property over Ol Lady. Tho most I know prefer Ol Lady over property cuz it carries an aura of permanency and value higher than, say...your bike.

"PROPERTY OF DANCINGVINODINI"

HA!


We might wanna abbreviate that to DV.





Ahhh I love this thread already.

O.P.P.! I'm sure you don't get down like that
but the song popped in my head as soon as
you said property. I obviously know you guys
aren't down with O.P.P. ....seeing they're ol'
ladies and all...property.

How does your club view the race issue?

Is your club rooted in a major city, or in an offshoot town nearby?

If one doesn't own a bike, are they expected to before they prospect?

On topic of customization, how far does your club allow you to express your individuality as far as bike mods go?

O.P.P.! I'm sure you don't get down like that
but the song popped in my head as soon as
you said property. I obviously know you guys
aren't down with O.P.P. ....seeing they're ol'
ladies and all...property.

Great reference!

How does your club view the race issue?

Is your club rooted in a major city, or in an offshoot town nearby?

If one doesn't own a bike, are they expected to before they prospect?

On topic of customization, how far does your club allow you to express your individuality as far as bike mods go?

1) We are totally open to all races, I myself am "white" but from native american background, we are open to all races. A lot of clubs however are white only (or black only, or whatever)a to us it doesn't matter.

2)Both, my chapter is outside the metro, but we have people everywhere. I myself live in a slightly rural area (not the sticks, but alot of open area and scenic riding, which is where we go when we do "rides" and events of that sort cuz its a better view and easier to stay together when ur not in major cities with a million redlights to split the pack, lol

3) yes, u must own a bike or plan to have one within 6 months (if approved by the Executive Board) and until you have one you will not be patched over. For example we have a prospect that lost his license and couldn't ride so he was technically a Prospect for well over a year. But he also made little mini bikes (with the OCC Shwinn bikes with 50cc and 80cc engines) which he rode around at our shows and such, and eventually started making them and selling them but now he just does Bobbers now that he's got his license (tho im sure he would still take an order for the bike choppers lol)

4) anything you want to do, its all about being yourself and having a good time. Express yourself, and if you gather attention, rep the Club...lol

We also do not have limits on our bikes. One of the Clubs we deal with will only accept Harley Davidson's 1100cc or higher.

We however accept any make or size. We prefer 650 or higher, but that's mostly just so u can at least attempt to keep up. We accept Crusiers and Crotch Rockets. Tho I personally do not like crotch rockets and rag on our speed freak Brothers, lol all in good fun tho

HA!

We might wanna abbreviate that to DV.



Ahhh I love this thread already.

O.P.P.! I'm sure you don't get down like that
but the song popped in my head as soon as
you said property. I obviously know you guys
aren't down with O.P.P. ....seeing they're ol'
ladies and all...property.

I ain't heard that in a long ass time.

Lol, im married..but there are a few girls who, let's just say...have been around the Clubhouse a few times. Either jumping from one Brother to another in relationships (bro gets tired of her shit, she's back next friday fucking someone else) or just straight up hoodrat getting the Chinese Fingercuffs in the garage. The first option would be an example of property and you would fuck with her (even if ya had before) until so and so was done with her.

Or said he didn't care, seen that happen on occasion as well...I've seen people share property (down with OPP lol)If but never an Ol Lady.

EDIT: ok, for real its almost 4 am, I gotta be up and out by 8:30 so im going to bed...FOR REAL THIS TIME lol

Thanx for all the questions guys, im loving it..keep 'em coming and ill check back periodically throughout the day

What kind of relationships do American Original MCs have with the same clubs in other countries? In particular Australia.

Subbed. Really cool thread man.