Ask a Biker!

[Spike101]

From BR:

"But if a woman wears her man's Club's patch, she has earned it either through the Club or thrugh her ol' man."

Normally from her OM, who is responsible for her education on what it means and what is expected when she wears it. He will also answer for her behavior while wearing it. Some clubs require that the OM get approval before his OL can sew it on, but many leave it up to the PH and he will make sure she does not make the club look bad.

[Spike101]

Originally Posted by BabyRider

Spike I was seriously hoping you'd see this and chime in. Thanks for your input and if I start rambling about something I need to close my yap about I know you'll let me know.
Appreciate your time.

No problem...while I no longer fly rags, as you know, I was a member of a 3 Patch Traditional M/C and have some general knowledge and a basic understanding of some of these things of which I can share as long as I stay out of any Club's biz. I dont pretend to be the "burning bush" on this stuff though. There are many, many, clubs out there and things can vary greatly from one to another. I speak only in general terms.

[BabyRider]

Originally Posted by Spike101

No problem...while I no longer fly rags, as you know, I was a member of a 3 Patch Traditional M/C and have some general knowledge and a basic understanding of some of these things of which I can share as long as I stay out of any Club's biz. I dont pretend to be the "burning bush" on this stuff though. There are many, many, clubs out there and things can vary greatly from one to another. I speak only in general terms.

Well let's get the next thing out of the way then:
There has been a question about the specifics of the different shaped patches between a one piece and a 3 piece. That information is not for public view, is that correct?

[Kynky]

I know nothing about Motorcycle Clubs, and I don't think I even know anyone who rides with one, but reading this it seems like it's a sexist society. Like, do the "old men" feel like they own "their old ladies" and how do the women feel about that?

Are there any other bikers on this forum? And I know there are police officers here - how do you officers view all of this?

[lady cop]

Originally Posted by Kynky

And I know there are police officers here - how do you officers view all of this?

hello Kynky....there is a big difference between clubs and gangs. most bikers and cops get along fine, and i've had a lot of experience with them in florida because of bike weeks. .. in fact, BR and i have been close friends for a long time, it takes understanding and mutual respect.

[BabyRider]

Originally Posted by Kynky

I know nothing about Motorcycle Clubs, and I don't think I even know anyone who rides with one, but reading this it seems like it's a sexist society. Like, do the "old men" feel like they own "their old ladies" and how do the women feel about that?

Are there any other bikers on this forum? And I know there are police officers here - how do you officers view all of this?

If you don't "think" you know anyone who rides with a Club, you don't. One thing we don't do is hide our lifestyle to anyone, for any reason.

Are you assuming sexism simply because of 2 phrases?
I am a very strong independent woman who loves her husband more than I like breathing. If he treated me chauvanistically, we would not have lasted a day, much less the years we have.
As with ANY GROUP of people, there are sexist ones. In Clubs, other groups, men AND women. How anyone else is treated is between the woman and the man.
There are several Bikers here. They will make themselves known if they choose to, and a couple are here answering things now. All you have to do is read.

[Spike101]

Originally Posted by BabyRider

Well let's get the next thing out of the way then:
There has been a question about the specifics of the different shaped patches between a one piece and a 3 piece. That information is not for public view, is that correct?

This isnt really a question that deals with club biz. Alot of this stuff is generally known and isnt really a secret to many. There are generally accepted outlines for patch configurations and the significance of certain setups (one patch, 2 patch, 3 patch, mc cubes, rockers, 1% diamonds, territoriality denoted by certain setups, ect) but it is not set in stone. As with anything in the subculture, these things vary from club to club, region by region.

I took this off of another website. It gives a general description of what they mean. This isnt the RULE though as there is much more to this, and these are not my words:

"Conventional wisdom regarding motorcycle club patches:

• A one-piece patch signifies a family club, riding club, AMA-sanctioned motorcycle club or political action/biker rights organization. Some require little more than filling out an application (which is actually a release of liability) and mailing a check.

• A two-piece patch signifies a motorcycle club in transition, awaiting approval from the dominant club(s) to become a three-piece patch. These clubs are sometimes, not always, in the process of becoming an associate or support club. The heirachy and traditions in the MC community are complex but not without purpose. They are valuable for maintaining order and avoiding trouble.

• A three-piece patch signifies that the club is an "outlaw club," but not necessarily a 1% club. With very few exceptions, the club has been approved by the dominant club in the state or area. The three-piece patch is awarded in three parts as a prospective member earns the privilege to wear the full patch. A "hangaround" is someone who is eligible for membership and has been invited to attend club events and runs, but wears no part of the patch. If he is sponsored by a full member and approved by the club members he may wear the bottom rocker and is considered a “prospect” or "probate". If he sucessfully completes the training period and is approved by 100% of the members, he is allowed to have the top rocker and the "center patch" or club insignia. His colors are then complete and he is considered to be a full member or "patch holder." The traditional, or "old school," three-piece patch MC is one that adheres to established protocols, traditions and a code of conduct. "

Here is a good place to see some examples of Club Colors, including the one's I used to fly:

M/C Colors

Here is a good site to learn more about the culture and the differences between different kinds of clubs:

Biker Education

[Spike101]

Originally Posted by Kynky

I know nothing about Motorcycle Clubs, and I don't think I even know anyone who rides with one, but reading this it seems like it's a sexist society. Like, do the "old men" feel like they own "their old ladies" and how do the women feel about that?

Yes it is i suppose...The M/C "world", by and large, is a male dominated culture. It is the way it is, like it or not, and it will always be this way. There are women's M/C's of course, but these are the exception and not the rule. Rarely will they achieve the status in the "community of clubs" that men do simply because the culture doesnt allow for women to get a free pass based on their gender. Gender equity does not exist. If they want to exist in a man's world, they must earn it just like the men do. There are no shortcuts. They must measure up. The rules of the society you live in dont apply here and it doesnt care. It neither asks for nor requires anyones ok.

While all this is true, one must take into account that women are not forced to participate in this. If they are there, its by their own choice. They are not prisoners. They are not victims. They are free to leave at any time. Most of the members OL's are proud and happy to represent their OM and his Club and are highly thought of in Club circles.

BTW, "Old Lady" is not considered a derogatory term in this culture. It may be in other cultures though. No one owns anyone either. I posted a biker education link in a previous post in this thread. Read it.

[Kynky]

Originally Posted by BabyRider

If you don't "think" you know anyone who rides with a Club, you don't. One thing we don't do is hide our lifestyle to anyone, for any reason.

Are you assuming sexism simply because of 2 phrases?
I am a very strong independent woman who loves her husband more than I like breathing. If he treated me chauvanistically, we would not have lasted a day, much less the years we have.
As with ANY GROUP of people, there are sexist ones. In Clubs, other groups, men AND women. How anyone else is treated is between the woman and the man.
There are several Bikers here. They will make themselves known if they choose to, and a couple are here answering things now. All you have to do is read.

I had to go back and see what two phrases you were referring to. I guess the "property patch" WAS one indicator to me, and other threads I've read sort of make me think this way. I would have to go back for specific phrases. You obviously feel strongly about this. I meant no offense. And I have been reading.

[BabyRider]

Originally Posted by Kynky

I had to go back and see what two phrases you were referring to. I guess the "property patch" WAS one indicator to me, and other threads I've read sort of make me think this way. I would have to go back for specific phrases. You obviously feel strongly about this. I meant no offense. And I have been reading.

I am well-read in the prejudices and closed mindedness that Bikers face. My goal is to educate the uneducated and you have said yourself that you don't "know" anyone in our life. To assume anything about it is prejudicial.
The 2 phrases I refer to are "ol' lady" and "ol' man". Being that BOTH are commonly used, it's not sexist, it's just a term about how Bikers refer to themselves and their significant others. As Spike has so eloquently pointed out, permission is not required by anyone, nor is it asked for. We just don't care enough about it to be concerned what civilians think. It hasn't changed since the inception of Bikers, why would anyone get smarter now?
The only thing in my life I feel more adamant about is my blood family.
There should never be any "sort of" thinking if you do not know anything about our culture. Learn, or don't. Just don't assume.