Threatened by an outlaw motorcycle gang

[Hivetyrant]

Ahh yes, The Ulysses, a club I hope to one day join (when I finally get a motorbike) im sad to hear about all this crap that goes on between them, I mean, most of them are just in the club to share their love for bikes and to have a great time, and its just the dickheads in the clubs that ruin it for the rest of them

[johnny]

Sounds to me they're nothing but a bunch of overripe hooligans, their way of thinking is the same at least.

[VulcanRider]

Originally posted by shamrock_uk: Thanks for the link, i'd no idea things were this complicated! Would it be an accurate summary to say that riding clubs are much more relaxed than motorcycle clubs? These motorcycle clubs seem to be much more prescriptive about appropriate behaviour etc. Glad things have been sorted out Wellard, but I have to say, I find the notion that one group can dictate the sort of designs that another group wears rather offensive. They need taken down a peg or two... How exactly are patches "earnt" then, seeing as so much store seems to be placed on this?

Absolutely. Riding clubs generally allow anyone to join. About the only limitation on their membership is for a specific brand of bike (HOG=Harley Owner's Group, VROC=Vulcan Riders & Owner's Club) or a specific group, like the Blue Knights (former/current law enforcement) or the Christian Motorcyclist Association. Anyone who meets the demographic and pays the membership fee (if one is even charged) can get a patch.

OTOH, to join a motorcycle club, you have to hang around the club until the members decide you might fit in, then be sponsored for membership. That makes you a Prospect, basically, their gopher/errand boy, for generally a year. If your behavior meets their standards they'll vote you a full member and award your patch. Joining a MC is kinda like joining a Mafia family -- loyalty to the club is supposed to supercede even your family.

AFA taking them down a peg or two. The idea that someone can tell you what you may or may not wear in public is wrong, but how many ordinary citizens are willing to risk serious injury standing up for this particular right? Some of these gangs take the patches, especially with the lower rocker that denotes a specific territory, very seriously, and they will fight.

[Timber Loftis]

OMG that link to the MC/RC distinction is HILARIOUS!!!! It's like reading "regular" and "lite" food labels!

[Skippy1]

Giday Wellard. Sorry to hear about your trouble mate. Would seem prudent to do what they want rather than risk someone getting hurt or for that matter killed.

After reading your story, I was reminded of the 'Milperra Massacre' that the press quickly labeled it. Was at a BBQ at a mates place on the day, about half a mile away from the pub. Heard all the shooting and went to have a look. Bad move. Was pretty gruesome stuff. We didn't hang around long. Just went back and got stuck into the beer. Never did here what it was all about. Heard a few rumours that there was a problem between the two groups. Something along the lines of the Bandidos being a breakaway group from the Commancheros. Who knows. Could just as easily have been all about a spilt beer!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/d...00/2495261.stm