Talk:Motorcycle club/Archive 1

Archive 1

Archive 2

Multi-piece clubs? Only outlaws wear more than one patch? Equating HOG with outlaw bikers?? This page is, from start to finish, nothing but ignorance and bias. How about a reference that HOG was the biggest contributor to the MDA last year, and hopes to hold and exceed that record? This should be deleted, or at least overhauled to actually DESCRIBE motorcycle clubs, not pass out anti-HD, anti-biker propaganda. Tom S.

Why not start an article on HOG, then? I don't think that this article is too POV. It describes both recreational and outlaw clubs. If the descriptions are inaccurate, then please correct them (with references, if possible), but please don't just delete the material you disagree with. Pburka 02:04, 24 Jun 2005 (UTC)

I dont know how to start an article. So no problem with that. As for deleting what I disagreed with... the WHOLE bit about patches and multi-piece patches referenceing one-piece=HOG member multi-piece=outlaw is just plain wrong. I did not simply delete it. I replaced it with the truth, including referencing the various patches and styles that bikers tend to incorporate into their wear.

As for sources... I AM a biker, a HOG member and all that. But if you need references, look in any publication that has pictures of bikers, or go to Sturgis or something. We are all of us decked out in many patches because we LOVE patches and pins. Secondly, where are the references and sources for THIS? The fact is that this section IS NOT NPOV. It is not POV either. It is simply not factual. Tom S.

If the info about patches is not factual, then it should be removed. My biggest concern was that you removed the link to motorcycle gangs. Although many MCs aren't gangs, many other ones are. The most well known MC is probably the Hells Angels, which self-identifies as an outlaw motorcycle club.

I just think its not NPOV to identify the two as one and the same, which this article implies. Perhaps the link should be rephrased to denote that MCs that engage in criminal activity are called motorcycle gangs? Then one can follow the link and learn that the gangs still prefer to be called MCs? Tom S.

Starting a new article is quite simple, and I think an article about HOG would be valuable, since it seems to be a notable organization. Just create a link to Harley Owners Group (or type it into the search box), click on it, and fill in the text box. Pburka 16:40, 24 Jun 2005 (UTC)

Trying

Working on removing the POV, directing the outlaw info into the motorcycle gang. The patch information is next, what is commonly worn in a club compared to gang etc et al. Mceder 09:05, 22 January 2006 (UTC)

US Centric

Its very US centric

• needs to have an explanation of MC and MCC (road clubs and off road clubs)
• AMA bit needs to change to national governing body of something, more explanation of the governing body concept.
• needs to talk more about sport promotion - a large amount of clubs promote/run/put on events along side social activities like rides, meetings in pubs, etc

Job for the future (when i get time)Pickle 21:57, 26 March 2006 (UTC)

Rewrite

I've taken a stab at a complete rewrite to differentiate Motorcycle Club from riding clubs like H.O.G. and its kin. Thoughts or opinions? Mmoyer 04:05, 25 September 2006 (UTC)

I appreciate your efforts but my comments above still stand. This is in effect an article about the Hells Angles and other such motorcycle clubs. it makes no efforts to talk about non cruiser based bike clubs (ie its US centric to a very specific type of bike club - World POV). The are a plethora of other types of motorcycles with their own owners clubs, who go on rides, etc and conduct actives that aren't, how shall i say, as "notorious" as the Hells Angels. In-fact over this side of the pond, there isn't anything like them really. Over hear superbikes dominate the biking world, along with tourers and scooters (there is no coverage of the Mods vs rocker era). To me as an off road motorcyclist this article bear no to scant resemblance of my experience of motorcycles clubs, there are thousands across Europe organising motorcycle competitions of various types. Pickle 17:30, 26 September 2006 (UTC)

Fundamentally, I agree with you. This article is about the specific cultural phenomenon known as the "American-style" motorcycle club. I believe that this topic merits its own article, and I also believe that there should be another article titled "Motorcycle riding club" to describe the kind of clubs to which you refer. Perhaps you should write that article? I hope this clarifies things. Thoughts? Mmoyer 00:16, 27 September 2006 (UTC)

Possibly thats the solution, although IMHO this article might needs to make a clear distinction between the two concepts probably on the same page, as the concept I'm referring to i would NOT characterise as "motorcycle riding club" as it doesn't IMHO reflect the fact the a "Motorcycle club" can be both what I'm talking about and what you are talking about....... A concept to ponder for the future and maybe when i get some illusive time tackle. Pickle 09:45, 27 September 2006 (UTC)

Please suggest some text for explaining the difference and I will try to help. Note, too, that these "American-style" motorcycle clubs also exist in Europe and Australia. Mmoyer 14:30, 27 September 2006 (UTC)

One one hand we have the Motorcycle club formed by competitors to enable them to ride their bikes in competitions through sports governing body (Eg FIM for world, AMA in the US, ACU in the UK, etc) in a variety of sports (see Motorcycle racing). On the other hand there is the type of club that is being described primarily on this page - ie road bikers, on cruisers (ie Harley's) tending to not entirely legal activities, etc (this is thus vastly different from the "sporting" motorcycle club - however these clubs also may have social activities). Perhaps the most crucial distinction is between the MC and MCC, the clubs your referring to *tend* to abbreviate Motorcycle club to MC, while sporting clubs *tend* to abbreviate it to MCC. Pickle 13:58, 28 September 2006 (UTC)

Not to split hairs, but please don't lump all clubs together by refering to "...road bikers, on cruisers (ie Harley's) tending to not entirely legal activities." Yes there are some 1% clubs, but there are also MANY clubs dedicated to good works, showing pride in a common background (ie military or vet MCs), or even Christian MCs! Even one up on that... the Blue Knights, of which membership requirements designate that the prospective member "Be an active full or part time law enforcement officer with powers of arrest."

Supersquid 00:22, 30 September 2006 (UTC)

I don't mean that but the inference of this article makes it appear that all motorcycle clubs are...... Pickle 11:37, 1 October 2006 (UTC)

Red Knights MC

I removed all references to the Red Knights from this page because, after reading their membership requirements, it is clear that, "Membership is open to ALL firefighters, active or retired, volunteer, or industrial, who have access to a motorcycle and hold a valid motorcycle drivers license". Therefore, the Red Knights is not a motorcycle club (MC) according to the definitions of this article. It is, instead, a motorcycle riding club. Mmoyer 01:58, 2 October 2006 (UTC)

I'm going to be awkward and disagree here again. Most, if not all of the hundreds of motorcycle clubs i know have extremely open membership requirements (ie practically anyone can join), this does not mean they are not motorcycle clubs! Of course some clubs have more stringent criteria for membership. I think you are referring to an artificial wikipedia distinction that doesn't exist in reality - the definition in this article refers to the Hells Angels et Al type of club. Pickle 11:48, 2 October 2006 (UTC)

I've tried giving the article's intro a rewrite, while leaving intact as much as possible the excellent work relating to the Hell Angels et al phenomenon. I'm not happy with some of the phrases I'm using as i don't think I've articulated my numerous years of understanding as a motorcyclist correctly. Pickle 12:25, 2 October 2006 (UTC)

Ummm but the Red Knights is a MC and not a riding club. They have three piece patches, are organized as chapters, have bylaws, etc. Just because they have fairly lax membership rules does not make them just a riding club. If you've seen the brotherhood/sisterhood between police/firefighters/EMTs/other emergency services, you'd understand why it's open. Don't need to have prospects/probies when you're already tried by fire (no pun intended). I say allow Red Knights/Blue Knights to be mentioned in the article. Comments?

Supersquid 01:17, 7 October 2006 (UTC)

I understand about the tight feelings that police/firefighters/EMTs have (I was an EMT), but they have no probate period. Remember, to be in an MC a member has to pledge total allegiance to their club brothers/sisters, and mail order colors just don't cut it. The Red Knights run a serious risk of having a 1% club yank the colors right off of their backs, IMHO. Mmoyer 01:53, 7 October 2006 (UTC)

MC vs. Riding club, racing club, MCC, etc

I carefully reviewed the changes made by Pickle to this article, and I believe that a discussion of non-MCs, as defined in the version by me (Mmoyer) belong in a separate article titled "Motorcycle riding club". Such an article would allow complete freedom to expound on all types of clubs that are not "American-style" MCs, as defined by this article. Therefore, I have reverted the most recent set of changes by Pickle to maintain the focus of this article. Mmoyer 16:28, 2 October 2006 (UTC)

While i admire your aim of keeping the focus of your efforts concentrated i don't think the phrase "motorcycle club" is the right term/phrase for what you are describing, i also think the phrase "motorcycle riding club" is inappropriate for what i am trying to describe. i believe the scope exists for the same article to deal with all types of motorcycle club (sporting, owners, north American with criminal tendencies or not, etc, etc). In my very humble opinion as a life long motorcyclist, as member of a club [1], having many friends and family in numerous clubs, being deeply involved with the UK governing body (ACU) i feel deeply offended by this attempt to appropriate the phrase "motorcycle club" from what i believe it truly means. i by no means want to belittle your efforts with the work you are doing here, but by using the phrase "motorcycle club" exclusively for reference to clubs like the Hells Angels, you inadvertently offend/upset/tarnish/etc anyone in all other forms of "motorcycle club", while the abstract phrase "motorcycle riding club" means nothing or little to those involved. at the very least in resolution to this apparent edit conflict can we agree to turn motorcycle club into a disambiguation while atempting to create suitable phrase to describe the various sub type of motorcycle club acuratly with implicatly or subtly causing offence to any party concered. Pickle 21:29, 3 October 2006 (UTC)

Just going out on a limb here... isn't one of the tenants of Wikipedia to go with the "common denominator" regardless of the technicalities (popular usage)? I googled "motorcycle club" and got a big majority of hits that refered to "American Cruiser style motorcycle clubs." While this does seem USA-centric, google is worldwide. I don't believe a disambig page should be created; instead, add a disambig link at the top stating that this applies to a specific style of club or something....

Supersquid 22:37, 3 October 2006 (UTC)

Thats a very valid critique of my argument but i must add "world view" case (see Wikipedia:WikiProject Countering systemic bias ), to me there are lots of motorcycle clubs out there but are their members necessarily IT literate enough to have made the required impact on Google??? A Google search from this side of the pond ( [[2]] ) brings up lists of clubs, several owners clubs (distinct from the "American Cruiser style motorcycle clubs"). I really do see the validity of work on the "American Cruiser style motorcycle clubs" side and its in part my fault for not tackling this issue earlier that the other aspects of "motorcycle clubs" have not been sufficiently covered here on Wikipedia *yet* ...... I don't by any means to imply i have the answer, but i don't think the current situation is right either. Pickle 12:35, 4 October 2006 (UTC)

Hmmm. You raise some very valid points, and I certainly don't want anyone to be offended or upset. Nonetheless, I still continue to believe that "American-style" motorcycle clubs, as a specific cultural phenomenon, need their own article, but perhaps it could be retitled, "Motorcycle club (American style MC)", while the article that covers other motorcycle clubs (to which I have referred to as motorcycle riding clubs) could be titled "Motorcyle club (generic term)". The two articles could then refer to each other. Thoughts? Mmoyer 01:29, 5 October 2006 (UTC)

I completely agree with ""American-style" motorcycle clubs, as a specific cultural phenomenon", as its a very worthy topic, i just can't phrase the right title in my mind that correctly convey what we're talking about without sounding to convoluted or offencive. IMHO Hells Angels et al are not restricted to north America, par se - and, there are plenty of "other type" motorcycle clubs that are in North America. Similarly i have yet to conjure up a good phrase to describe the "other" type of motorcycle clubs out there. As a step in the right direction perhaps we could change this article to point to at least 3 separate articles; one about the Hells Angels et al, the second about other road biking clubs (eg VMCC, Triumph Owners MCC, etc, etc) and a third about "sporting" clubs that promote sporting events (eg Dirt Diggers North [3], my club [4], etc). Its a move in the right direction that avoid creating an overtly complex article here that would appear contradictory to user unfamiliar with this area. Pickle 13:26, 5 October 2006 (UTC)

Its hard to think of a good name for this, or a division of material, that would not offend someone. Difficult to see an approach that could not be construed as POV. Good luck.Seasalt 02:19, 18 October 2006 (UTC)

I've been away, run a mx meeting and a trial and still can't think of the right phrase, once i / someone else conjures one up i can go forward! Pickle 14:15, 18 October 2006 (UTC)

As a member of a non-outlaw motorcycle "club," I react pretty negatively to the generic term "Motorcycle Club" being equated to what is, these days, a minority of organized motorcyclist associations (outlaw bikers). People looking for information, or creating links for, associations as varied as Hells Angeles, Christian Motorcyclists Association, and Goldwing Touring are going to come to the generic "motorcyle club" article and get a very skewed presentation. This article really needs a re-write and for that re-write to not be endlessly debated but posted. 67.160.41.173 04:55, 30 June 2007 (UTC)

I quite passionately share your view there, but am still well and truly stumped as how to best come up with the correct form of words to split this page. There is very clearly encyclopedic scope for coverage of "non-outlaw" motorcycle clubs and "outlaw motorcycle clubs". Please either back what been outlined above, especaily the form of words for the title, or be bold and come up with your own form words to explain encyclopedically what we are tring to explain, without damadging the extenive work Mmoyer has done on "outlaw motorcycle clubs" here. Pickle 09:33, 30 June 2007 (UTC)

Link to Outlaw Biker World

Outlaw Biker World is a website that has news articles (and More) for the Motorcycle/Outlaw community. I feel a link to it from this page is appropriate. The link is [5]

The link is already present as Reference #3, though it is shown as its former name, Bikernews.net. Good idea, and thanks for the suggestion. Mmoyer 16:16, 3 November 2006 (UTC)

Notable MCs

This section of the article is meant for truly notable clubs, either for their size, notoriety (good or otherwise), or historical significance. Please refrain from adding your personal club to this list unless it meets this criteria. Mmoyer 03:54, 25 November 2006 (UTC)

Vampires MC seems like a riding club, and has only two chapters. Not sure it meets the "notable" criteria. Please discuss before adding. Thanks! Mmoyer 03:23, 2 December 2006 (UTC)

I agree with the idea of not turning this article into a list of the thousands of motorcycle clubs worldwide, but if the club - in this case Vampires Motorcycle Club is "notable" enough that they have a wikipedia article, then who are we not to have them mentioned somewhere on this article? Alternatively, maybe the article "Vampires Motorcycle Club" should be put up for deletion is its not notably enough? - we can have on or the other option but surly not the continued existence of that clubs article, yet refuse to mention it here in this article? --Pickle 17:19, 2 December 2006 (UTC)

Vampires MC is not a riding club. The club has a nine-month prospect period, and new members must be patched in by unanimous club vote (i.e. not anyone can join like an RC). It also has history in California dating back to the 1950s. Must an MC must have a vast criminal record to be considered notable? You seem to be editing down the list of notable clubs to 1%ers only.Wkyirqi 18:54, 2 December 2006 (UTC)

I could find no letters "MC" on their patch (but clear photos were unavailable that I could see), I could see no info on a probationary period, their meetings are open to the public, they have only two chapters, and, despite their history from the 50's, they were defunct until that past couple of years. They just don't seem notable to me. The U.S. Military Veterans MC, on the other hand, is not a 1% club, has a documented probationary period, wears a highly visible MC patch, has 45 chapters in 19 states, and is 19 years old. That seems notable to me. I admit it's somewhat subjective, but Wiktionary defines 'notable' as "Worthy of notice; remarkable; memorable; noted or distinguished". USMVMC meets the notable criteria by its size alone, as well as its military veteran slant. The HA, Pagans, Mongols, Bandidos and Outlaws are notable by their reputation and size. The Boozefighters are notable for their history in the "Hollister incident". The Wild Pigs as a law enforcement club (not 1%) with a national reputation, and so on. Perhaps another way of looking at it is this: Adding a club to the list should enhance the readers understanding of motorcycle clubs. I hope this helps. Mmoyer 03:44, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

Regarding whether a club is notable enough to have an article: though there are limits on a persons notoriety for a bio article, I do not believe that extends beyond individual biographies. Many small towns and villages have Wikipedia articles despite their otherwise lack of noteworthiness. Mmoyer 03:44, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

Its really an issue of reconciling the fact we have Category:Motorcycle clubs and List of motorcycle clubs with the article. By posing the opposite (ie why has a non notable club got an article) I'm trying to reconcile this from the other end. Mmoyer's hits the nail on the head with does the club further this article, if it doesn't then it goes to the list. Pickle 17:44, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

That Vampires MC meetings are open to the public is inconsequential--many motorcycle clubs hold open meetings for visitors. The San Francisco Motorcycle Club's weekly meetings, for example, are always open to the public, and there is no question as to that club's status as a bona fide MC. The Vampires MC was not defunct until "a couple of years ago", it was defunct until 1993--that would be thirteen years. The club's website hosts a discussion forum and hundreds of pictures from rides, rallies and other events over the past 13 years, which certainly should enhance a reader's understanding of what many MCs are all about--riding and camaraderie. There are no images online of the current, complete Vampires MC patch. The graphic on the Vampires' Wiki article is just the top rocker. There is also a lower city rocker, and a separate MC patch. Finally, there is public information on the club's prospect period, you just didn't look hard enough.Wkyirqi 08:43, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

Abutre's MC has been added as a notable MC. The Wiki page claims they are the 3rd largest in the world. Can anyone verify that they even exist in substantial numbers in the southern hemisphere? War 2:58, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

I have deleted all clubs from this section that do not meet the criteria set out in Wikipedia:Notability (organizations). Sorry, but Wikipedia is not a directory. Mmoyer 18:56, 19 January 2007 (UTC)

Quite frankly, Mmoyer, it's laughable that you unilaterally deleted SFMC and Yonkers MC from the list of notable clubs. The two oldest clubs in the country are not notable enough for you and you alone. You continue to craft this article into one solely about outlaw motorcycle clubs, and it really shows your narrow view and lack of knowledge on the subject of MCs.Wkyirqi 07:00, 27 January 2007 (UTC)

It seems that you are taking this all very personally. I believe that SFMC and Yonkers MC are the two oldest clubs, but the information needs to be verifiable by external sources. WP:V states that, "The threshold for inclusion in Wikipedia is verifiability, not truth". I would really LOVE to see more clubs included, especially these two venerable organizations, but we are bound by Wikipedia policy. Herein lies the core problem: Most non-1% and non-outlaw clubs lack sufficient reliable source information to satisfy WP:V. Therefore, the this article seems somewhat unbalanced. Perhaps we can engage some administrators (hint, hint) to help us find a way to include more info. I am open to suggestion. Regarding SFMC and Yonkers MC, please feel free to create articles on these two clubs provided you can add references that meet WP:V, at which point they most definitely SHOULD be included in the list of notable clubs here. You can take it as a personal challenge, perhaps (likewise with the Vampires MC). Please do not misconstrue my motives nor impune my source knowledge and impartiality, as I am only trying to follow the rules. Happy editing! Mmoyer 03:43, 28 January 2007 (UTC)

Update on Yonkers MC and SFMC. You made me feel guilty, Wkyirqi, so I did some poking around to find a reference, updated the SFMC article, created the Yonkers MC stub, and readded them as notable. Mmoyer 02:57, 31 January 2007 (UTC)

Rewrite Progress Update ?

This article is still really nagging me, and is crying out for either rewrite or expansion, but i really can't think of any suitable sets of words to really account accurately and inoffensively for the different types of motorcycle clubs that are out there. Anyone else had any thought on this topic ??? Pickle

Given that there is already an Outlaw motorcycle club article and a Motorcycle gang article, this article seems far too weighted towards 1% clubs to me. They make up the minority of MCs, yet information specific to them makes up most of this article. For example, until someone just added them to the list of notable MCs, Yonkers MC and SFMC (the two oldest clubs in the country, est. 1903 and 1904 respectively) did not even get a mention. Neither are outlaw clubs, which I suppose makes them less exciting and titillating to the layperson, but that's a crying shame considering their rich histories. IMHO this article should just gloss over the subject of outlaw MCs and link to the more detailed article on them. Regarding the logistical and philosophical differences between RCs, MCs and Outlaw MCs, this site has some valuable information that might help you out.Wkyirqi 00:22, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

Well, frankly, IMHO both the Outlaw motorcycle club and Motorcycle gang articles are factually inaccurate and in dire need of Wikification. Earlier versions of this article got lots of complaints for being filled with misconceptions and so on, so I will accept that the recent lack of same is a good thing. Let's face it: it's sorta hard to talk much about MCs without mentioning that the 5 largest clubs in the U.S. are 1%ers. The truth is, it's hard to be in a non-1% MC, because to maintain MC status you have to either put up or shut up against a 1% club, which is a tough act. At least one Pagan clubhouse has a wall of shame - colors they've taken from clubs they have forcibly disbanded. FWIW. Mmoyer 03:13, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

"it's sorta hard to talk much about MCs without mentioning that the 5 largest clubs in the U.S. are 1%ers. The truth is, it's hard to be in a non-1% MC, because to maintain MC status you have to either put up or shut up against a 1% club" - but this fails to take into account the other types of motorcycle clubs out there.... Im going to have a read thoguh that link Wkyirqi provided.. Pickle 19:05, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

The terms used on that site may be sufficient to explain here on Wikipedia the American perspective on the biking community and how it is structured but i really feel that it fail to address or even explain at all how the motorcycle community operates on this side of the pond Pickle 19:27, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

I don't disagree with you, Mmoyer, and I definitely don't think that this article should ignore the elephant in the room by not briefly discussing 1% clubs and their relation to mainstream MCs. I just think that it goes into too much detail when that should be reserved for a separate article. The final paragraph of the "One Percenters" section, for example, lists specific crimes and the clubs that allegedly committed them--I think that's over the top for an article that's supposed to be about generic MC culture and traditions. It could also be be noted that there are quite a few MCs these days that are not AMA-chartered (so 1% in the strictest sense of the term) but are 100% law abiding and choose not to charter with the AMA for financial or political reasons. In other words, AMA affiliation alone is not really the litmus test for "outlaw" clubs that it might have been 50 years ago.Wkyirqi 20:18, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

Well, I'm certainly open to further expanding the article in terms of generic MC culture and traditions, so please feel free to contribute more material in that area. Nonetheless, I think the materials about 1%ers is valuable and contributes a great deal to the article. Mmoyer 03:30, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

So are we all agreeing to move the bulk of the current article to a page (new or existing) that covers the North American "1%ers", turning the current page into some sort of disambiguation page. What we're searching for as i see it, is correct terms/phrase that covers the variety of terms out there (see above talk - some way up) Pickle 16:59, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

I did read through the above talk but I'm not sure that I'm following you. Moving this page to a "North American 1%ers" page would make three articles on outlaw MCs (along with Outlaw motorcycle club and Motorcycle gang articles), and zero article on mainstream MCs. "Outlaw" and "One Percenter" are effectively synonymous, and while "Gang" is basically a term tacked on by law enforcement, all three words are basically pointing to the same animal.Wkyirqi 21:31, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

I'm prepared to write an article on "mainstream" clubs (my area of expertise), be they by manufactures, sporting, ride outs, etc - but the main hindrance appeared to be;

1) resolving where work relating to "outlaw MCs" goes (not my area at all) - as lots of work has already been done, and none of it should be lost

2) establishing the correct words to use to describe it

3) turning (presumably) this page into a disambiguation page

my past efforts along this path got lost in a series of reverts (so i want to establish consensus on talk before i have to rewrite everything!)

Pickle 20:13, 18 December 2006 (UTC)

Given the discussion above regarding differences between the term "motorcycle club" on either side of the pond, I am envisioning this kind of outline for the topic:

1. Motorcycle Clubs
   1. American Style MCs
      1. AMA Chartered MCs
      2. 1% or “Outlaw” MCs
         1. Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
   2. Riding Clubs (RCs)
      1. Brand/Model Specific RCs
         1. HOG
         2. Honda Riders Club of America
         3. Yamaha Owners Club UK
         4. etc.
      2. Type-Specific RCs
         1. Sport Touring
         2. Dirt/Off Road/Adventure
         3. Stunt Clubs
         4. etc.

I think that the entire outline can be boiled down to four wiki pages:

1. Motorcycle clubs (disambiguation)
2. Motorcycle clubs (American Style MCs)
3. Motorcycle riding clubs
4. Outlaw motorcycle gangs

In the States, both 1% and AMA chartered Motorcycle Clubs (MCs) share largely the same traditions (limited membership, probationary period, use of "colors", etc.). I think they can both be covered in one page, much as they are right now.

Riding Clubs, in contrast, are generally open to any new members with the payment of dues. Some wear patches (one-piece), some don't wear a patch at all. Membership is immediate, and generally purchased/given rather than earned.

My chief concern with this entire topic, at least as it relates to the American MCs that I am familiar with, is in accurately describing to the 103 year-old cultural phenomenon of the Motorcycle Club. At the same time, I want to make sure that the articles do not insinuate that all MCs are criminal organizations, nor that all 1% MCs are necessarily criminal organizations, though admittedly some certainly appear to be.

As I've said before, there are countless non-AMA MCs that do not deal in drugs and violence. While they are technically not AMA chartered (i.e. 1%) they are not criminal organizations. Law enforcement around the world have labeled certain specific MCs as "Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs" or OMGs, and that is where I'd like to see the bulk of the talk about criminal activity. In other words, I believe the line between criminals and law-abiding riders should be drawn between "clubs" and "gangs" rather than between AMA and 1%. The AMA doesn't hold any patent on legal motorcycling.

Additionally, there is some serious contention from some MCs that have been labeled as OMGs but vehemently deny any club-sanctioned criminal activity (Hells Angels, for example). I don't want to defend or condemn them--their history can speak for itself. There is also quite a large chicken/egg debate regarding the trafficking of drugs by some OMGs and their need for legal defense funds. All of this, IMHO, should be covered in detail in the OMG article, with a brief blurb and link to that article in the American MCs article.

I hope this makes a lick of sense.Wkyirqi 02:26, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

----------

You should be very careful about the use of "1%". A motorcycle club that did not choose to go through the AMA's chartering process does not automatically make it a "1%" club. If you insist on the use of "1%" then you should have a distinction between "1%" and non-"1%" MCs that are not AMA chartered.

A good reading is available at: Motorcycle Club & Riding Club Education. I'd recommend reading it all... and pay special attention to the sections about 1%ers.

--US Military Vet 05:26, 28 December 2006 (UTC)

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Yes, I'm quite familiar with that site. I linked to it a few posts up.Wkyirqi 18:10, 28 December 2006 (UTC)

I think we can all live with the 4 pages outlined by Wkyirqi;

1. Motorcycle clubs (disambiguation)
2. Motorcycle clubs (American Style MCs)
3. Motorcycle riding clubs
4. Outlaw motorcycle gangs

The only real concern was the phrases used, "American Style MCs" and "Motorcycle riding clubs" were both "invented" to give some sort terminology in the field and I'm not convinced they are accurate phrases in either respect. But barring anyone with any better suggests I'll start making some work on "Motorcycle riding clubs" in the new year. Pickle 19:06, 30 December 2006 (UTC)

I'm good with it, but the pages titles should be singular, not plural. Mmoyer 01:37, 31 December 2006 (UTC)

I'm not "happy" with Motorcycle riding club, maybe Motorcycle club (riding) and then it fits with the other two ... ??? Pickle 17:38, 31 December 2006 (UTC)

FYI: List of motorcycle clubs deletion pending.

Hello, List of motorcycle clubs is currently nominated for deletion at Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/List of motorcycle clubs. Thanks. - Denny 20:40, 27 February 2007 (UTC)

James Gang as OMG

I deleted the addition of the James Gang to the list of OMGs since it was not mentioned in the references I provided. Please re-add if a reference can be cited. Mmoyer 20:02, 13 March 2007 (UTC)

Hollister Brawl

I have restored the deletion of the description of the Hollister brawl. The brawl, though small, did actually occur per the supplied reference. Given that there are numerous references to the brawl, some reference must be supplied stating that the brawl did not occur. Thanks. Mmoyer 02:08, 2 May 2007 (UTC)

I have again restored the deletion of the Hollister brawl, per above. Mmoyer 00:22, 1 June 2007 (UTC)

I would like to know what these so-called references are, as that I don't see any on-line. I do know that there is a book available, the motorcycle club's web site, and numberous documentaries that state factually that no such riot occured. 208.34.201.223 19:22, 1 June 2007 (UTC)

I have to concur. Everything I've read points in the direction that what most people assume to be the truth about Hollister is a myth. I'm taking the brawl statement out. Rsm99833 00:57, 4 June 2007 (UTC)

Well, the Boozefighters themselves (who were involved) not only claim it happened, but there is a rally there every year to commemorate the event. I shall supply references and restate the issue when I get a moment. BTW, I have no axe to grind here. The whole point of mentioning the brawl is that it was an isolated incident that was blown out of proportion to lead to the negative image of bikers in general. I will be using this link from the Boozefighters national website as a ref. Mmoyer 15:00, 5 June 2007 (UTC)

No, the Boozefighters have ever claimed that such a brawl ever took place. You can see this on their web site, in the interviews with the people who were at the event, the many reputable books on the subject, and various televised documenaries. I believe you are confusing the yellow-journalism article with what actually happened. As per your referenced article, read it very close. 208.34.201.223 00:01, 6 June 2007 (UTC)

I have taken another stab at working the Hollister incident into the article. This version calls into question whether or not there was an actual riot, and mentions the yellow journalism and staged photo for Life Magazine. Mmoyer 22:20, 8 June 2007 (UTC)

It's still wrong. According to eyewitness accounts of people who live there, and as documented in many books on the history of motorcycle clubs, American Motorcyce history, and many television documenteries, no such riot, brawl, or general uproar took place. Truth be told, all that took place was that the local police department shut down part of main street, so that the overflowing crowds from the AMA rally would have a place to go, race, and generally have a good time. There were a couple of arrests- mostly for drunk and disorderly, but nothing beyond that. Rsm99833 17:47, 26 June 2007 (UTC)

Massive change by User:Tomkin

I reverted the entire change, not so much because I disagreed with it in it's entirety, but because of its sheer size. In general, I think there have been some NPOV issues introduced by the continuing referral to certain clubs as OMGs, which supports a law enforcement point of view. I also noticed that the section entitled, "One percenters, gangs and outlaws" became "Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs", thus equating one-percenters with OMGs (a law enforcement term). I'm not saying that it was perfect as written before, but I would like to see, perhaps, the discussion on one percenters get its own section to fully explain the term. In short, let's talk and reach a consensus on these changes point by point. Cheers! Mmoyer 02:00, 28 July 2007 (UTC)

Ah, I see - yes, I agree:

>but because of its sheer size.

You're right, changes should be introduced gradually so that people can approve or disapprove.

>In general, I think there have been some NPOV issues introduced by >the continuing referral to certain clubs as OMGs, which supports a law >enforcement point of view.

Sounds good. I can introduce the term "OMG", which wasn't there before, and explain that it's a law enforcement term.

>In short, let's talk and reach a consensus on these changes point by point.

That totally makes sense. I agree!

(Tomkin 18:53, 30 July 2007 (UTC))

Cool! I look forward to working with you on improving this article! My suggestion is to split the section entitled, "One percenters, gangs, and outlaws" into two separate sections entitled, "one percenters", and "Gangs and outlaws". The term one-percenter deserves its own section and explanation, and we can introduce "OMG" as a concept in the "Gangs and outlaws" section. Whaddya think? Mmoyer 19:21, 30 July 2007 (UTC)

Hi there! I'm fine with keeping the title as "One percenters, gangs, and outlaws", since those terms are the way the groups define themselves. As long as there's a sentence that defines the term "OMG", keeping the label of the group as "one percenters" certainly makes sense to me. There's no need to split the article in two...one sentence about defining the term "OMG" should be enough. Your thoughts? (Tomkin 20:08, 30 July 2007 (UTC))

I've given it a lot of thought, and have decided to take a stab at the two different sections. It seems to be the only adequate way I can find to separate the "One percenter" concept from the law enforcement assertion that they are criminal organizations.

I also reverted the statement, "According to the DEA, the meth epidemic in America is due in large part to these groups, who distribute methamphetamine throughout the country." The source states that most meth comes from Mexican superlabs and that OMGs are sometimes used for distribution. Not quite the same thing. Mmoyer 03:36, 1 August 2007 (UTC)

Okay, I've completed the section split and done a copyedit. I also removed some of the less notable assertions of criminal activity, not because they aren't factual, but because they don't add to the article. The article is about motorcycle clubs, and an essential component of the topic is that clubs and supporters assert they aren't all a bunch of criminals, just people with a non-traditional lifestyle, while law enforcement agencies beleive they are completely criminal organizations. Listing incident after incident lends more credence to the latter POV, and upsets the balance of the article. Thoughts or comments? Mmoyer 04:03, 1 August 2007 (UTC)

Your work on the separation between One Percenters and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs definitely helps differentiate the two points of view, and I think that split will help keep the stability of the Wikipedia entry. Good job!

I also agree with that listing individual incidents are misleading. Instead of listing individual incidents, I'll replace them with statistics (with citations), which are definitely much more helpful, less imflammatory, and more accurate. Tomkin 14:37, 1 August 2007 (UTC)

Help needed - I think OMG's role in meth distribution is important, but you're right, they are part of the distribution NETWORK, and not the supply. I took out the sentence that I had originally put in about their role in the US meth epidemic, and just used the citation to help support the fact that they are a significant part of the distribution network (not the supply). Do you agree that this wording is more appropriate? Tomkin 21:17, 1 August 2007 (UTC)

Question - the reference to the fact that one-percenters are actually only 0.2% of American motorcyclists was deleted. I think it's an appropriate, cited statistic, though. May I ask what are your reasons for deleting it? Tomkin 21:17, 1 August 2007 (UTC)

I feel that it's an irrelevant statistic (even though true) and adds nothing to the understanding of Motorcycle clubs. The term "one percenter" is important, not for its statistical value, but for its cultural history and current usage. Mmoyer 21:24, 1 August 2007 (UTC)

By the way, I feel bad about the large initial change I made... this smaller, point-by-point way of introducing changes is much more valuable, and is helping create a much beter Wikipedia entry. Thanks for your patience! Tomkin 21:21, 1 August 2007 (UTC)

I concur. The article is now much improved overall. Mmoyer 21:24, 1 August 2007 (UTC)

I'm so pleased! Question: I just found a quote from CNN, which helps with the meth and drug connection: "Bikers dominate the meth business, which government sources estimate is worth several hundred million dollars a year. Outlaw bikers have also been arrested and convicted for trafficking millions of dollars of cocaine. The ATF estimates they control 50% of the illegal drug market in Oregon and 35% in North Carolina." These statistics are distribution related and help quantify the link between these groups and illegal activities, so I'd put in the statistics (with citation) with their relation to distribution (not production) in mind. Would you agree? Tomkin 21:39, 1 August 2007 (UTC)

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