I don't "get" colors, can anyone explain

[horsepower]

I guess I kind of just don't understand the whole motorcycle club thing.  Please understand, I am not knocking it, I just don't understand the draw.  I enjoy my bike.  I ride it every chance I get but I don't see that being enhanced by belonging to a club.  To me, it is transportation first and really, really fun transportation second.  Of course, I also have a Saturn with over 200,000 miles on it and have yet to make the annual trip to Saturn Mecca in Tennessee for the big birthday party.  Can someone explain to me its general purpose and advantages? 

By way of example, I went on my first group ride a few weeks ago.  It was motorcycle Sunday at a local church and afterwards, we all went to lunch at a diner about an hour away.  I kept thinking to myself, "This is nice but had we taken the church van, we could have visited together all the way down and back as well as at the restaurant.

[ironglow]

  I am in the same position as you are horsepower, I don't understand it either. Of course,then I stop and think, ...I'm sure there are lots of citizens out there that wonder just what I see in shooting or hunting; plus shooters & hunters who may wonder why I prefer rimfire to the powerful centerfires..

[Mike Britton]

I grew up around motorcycles and I've ridden for 50 years now.
IMHO, I think for a lot of riders the "club" thing is inticing because for them it's all about what the motorcycle represents instead of what it does.
For a lot of us the motorcycle is like a horse, you can ride and go places and see and feel things that you can't experience in a car. It's about solitude, to think things out,and it's about the sensations.
 Feeling an autumn morning on a bike has to be one of the best things ever.
But for a lot of riders, the motorcycle is all about "look at me". It's a tool to gain attention, and more attention can be had in a group. For them a group gives credibility to all the "in your face patches and attitude enhancers" that they would never wear alone.
 Again, IMHO, I've always felt that there was a difference between a "motorcyclist" and a "biker".
I know I'm going to get jumped on here, but these are my feelings.

[Graybeard]

Understand that I no longer own or ride a bike and when I did I didn't much care for highway riding and preferred to ride on dirt roads up in the mountains all alone. I've never been in any kinda bike club.

I think some folks enjoy riding just to be out doing it. Others need the company of others for their enjoyment and can't seem to find it on their own. They feel a burning need to belong to something to be a part of a greater whole. For those clubs make sense. It's the same for group hunting as opposed to going out on your own. I think if it wasn't a bike club they'd still be in some kinda group activity cuz for them there is that burning need to be with others. Me I kinda like to do things alone or with only a friend or two. Group activities are OK at times but not something I'd want to do regularly.

[S.E.Ak]

I would guess that most wearing colors are Vets that wanted to keep the Brotherhood they had while serving.How many old farts walk around wearing a USMC or Army cap that haven't served in forty years,they still wear their colors and their Brothers know them.Colors are 100% about Brotherhood and respect.Movies,t.v. shows and now gangland on the history channel paint a poor view of what its all about. Take me I'm a 100% disabled service connected disabled vet from V.N ,I'm a forty year life member of the NRA and TSRA,I'm a Mason and I'm a patch holder which to many does away with the good of the first four items. Most colors a person does little to earn them and some can just be purchased and you are in. Real colors are earned much like going to boot camp to earn the title of Marine. The big clubs were all started by vets and the military way still is the backbone of these clubs.I much prefer to wear club colors of like brothers that love me than wear a Dodgers teeshirt supporting folks who could care less about me. As for finding joy I do it by myself every day and then I share it with my Brothers.
Mike a real patch holder needs no one to cover his six and on his own can part the sea and any sign of disrespect will be dealt with then and no excuses and one against ten is fair. Most of the time a PH is by himself and takes care of himself but when with his brothers the whole is greater than any part on its own which is scary.
A few years ago when being a biker was new to 99% of the world i was at the local Ice House and there were 40+ HOG members there acting like they thought bikers should act,loud and drinking to much and disrespecting everyone and the barmaid was going crazy. I walked up to their prez and told him he needed to controll his members teach them manors and watch how much they drink,he said Ok and I then told him to take butt out of the area and go back to their town and they did no problem no questions asked.what I'm saying is if you need others to back you club material you ain't.

[95Road King]

I've been to Daytona, Myrtle beach, York, Pa.  , Sturgis rallys. Sturgis was the best because of the sights to see around there other then Sturgis itself!!
     I've belonged to a "HOG" chapter too. Bottom line, I prefer to ride by myself!!! Half them people in them group rides shouldn't even be on a motorcycle!!!!

[horsepower]

Thank you, Amigo Will, that makes a lot more sense.  I wasn't aware of the common military background and that definitely causes a lot of pieces to fall into place.  Like I said, I'm not really a biker, more of a 2-wheeled transportation guy seeking the great mileage but I am growing to enjoy it and the atmosphere more and more.

I find it fascinating, when I show up somewhere (even on my little foreign bike), bikers there are always accepting and welcoming.  A lot of these folks look like people I'd lock my doors or cross the road to avoid but when I actually take the time to interact with them, they are fine and decent folks.  Having less than 5 months total riding experience, I've even had a couple of the scary-looking people say "Hey, have you considered . . ." and possibly shared lifesaving advice.  In a lot of ways, I am growing to learn that I wish the folks in my church would behave more like the bikers I am coming to know.

[S.E.Ak]

Look at it as why would a kid want to be a boy scout with all the rules when he could just be a kid. The way every person acts that rides a scoot and I mean everybody reflects straight back to the lead club in any given area and that's why at times clubbers may seem pissy at best. If Ganny calls the police and says these weirdos on motorcycles flipped me off and passed me on both sides of my car the cops are going to ask if the bikers were wearing vest. weather they were or not she will most likely say yes and then were they wearing patches and again probably yes. well what did they look like will I'm not sure but.Well were they such and such colors ,I think maybe. Guess who gets a call five minuets later,the boss man.Sooo then you got to go out,one or two Brothers in ten different direction and clean up stuff you had no part in cause folks feel that they got to party hard for the biker image and they get sent to the house. You will seldom see a big club out in public drinking alot if drinking at all,that's for private time in public its eye balls open and full alert.

This forum is for bikers that hunt and shoot so after this folks should check out sites like Biker 101 to learn about lifestyle and what its about.

[horsepower]

Sorry

[S.E.Ak]

No problem with it being a one time deal. in everything we fine folks that enjoy different levels of things. some folks don't understand shooting serious as opposed to plinking,just different strokes for different folks.It was kept respectfull and now folks have a very basic understanding. Ride Free and keep your powder dry.

[Bigeasy]

Horsepower -  No reason to apologize to anyone, your opinions are yours.

[deernhog]

It all comes down to the fact if it has to be explained to you you won't understand anyway. If you think riding in a van for a hour beats the wind in your face I see a bike on E-bay pretty soon" low mileage,rarely out of garage".

[Mike Britton]

I'm going to relate an experience I had a few weeks ago.
Keep in mind that I've been riding for fifty years, and understand the lifestyle, and actually know and like quite a few "1 percenters".
I crew on a sprint car here in the Dallas- Ft.Worth area, and the promoter of the racing series that these cars belong to struck a deal to provide the evening's entertainment for a weekend "meeting of the tribes" at one of the local dirt tracks.
Our season was over, and the promoter put together a night's racing program where all the cars would be paid the same, no matter who won. It was a win-win for the cars as regardless of your finishing position you got the same money, and the bikers got a night's sprint car racing to watch.
Most of us are in the 50-60 age range and remember the biker clubs of the '60's, so when we heard that clubs like the banditos, scorpions and several others I don't recall at this moment were to be sharing the same grounds, along with copious quantities of alcohol, we expected some tension.
That expectation was enhanced when we got to the race track, and saw that each club had cordoned off their "turf" with everything from safety tape to barb wire!!
We were invited to check out the vendor area, which was smack in the middle of the "tribes", and the comment from the guys with our car was "OK Britton, you've been around these people all your life, will we be safe going over there?" My answer was that it was all about attitude, if you belittle these people because of their lifestyle, you're going to have a problem.
To make a too long story short, the night went on, we did our "race" thing, and after, talking to the local police that were there providing security we found that after two days of being at the race track, the "bikers" had had no problems whatsoever.
After the racing was over the clubs were invited into the pits to look at the cars and mingle with the drivers, and we found many of these folks to have more than a passing knowledge of the sprint car and it's workings. If one were to go by appearances alone, you would never get out of the tow truck in the pits in the first place. In reality, regardless of how these folks looked, they were on their best behavior, and I've seen many "rougher" nights at the race track.
Don't judge a book by it's cover........

[AtlLaw]

folks should check out sites like Biker 101 to learn about lifestyle and what its about.

Thanks Amigo Will.  I posted that site in another forum a while back for the same reason.  I'll not say much because you have covered the subject far better then I could, and I don't like being serious.  Remember, my Club is one of the 2 things in life I take seriously.

Words have meanings.  There are differences between an MC and a RC like the Southern Cruisers or a RG like HOG.  Just because some people have the same design on their back doesn't mean they are an MC.  The MC world has it's own traditions, protocols and hierarchy which are fairly complex and rigidly enforced.  If you don't know what they are, you can easily violate them without even knowing it.  But I'll tell you one thing not to do, that is refer to an MC as a "gang."  That is disrespectful.  Remember what Amigo Will said in his first post.

So, the best thing to do when you see colors, assuming you know what the colors of a traditional 3 patch MC look like, is to ignore the wearers.   They have their Brothers to talk to and are not interested in anything you have to say.  The fact that you leave them alone is more of a show of respect then disrespect.

If the MC world interests you, fine.  There are ways to begin the process.  But, you are not asked to join an MC.  The membership process is long and arduous.  Don't think you walk up, pay your money and get your colors.

If it doesn't interest you, that's fine also.  Then you don't have a reason try to associate with MC's or talk smack about them.

I could go on, but I have said what I wanted to say and probably more then I should have.  And again, Amigo Will is absolutely correct, this is a subject better kept offline.

[S.E.Ak]

Thanks Brother from a different Mother,Respect

[Swampman]

So, the best thing to do when you see colors, assuming you know what the colors of a traditional 3 patch MC look like, is to ignore the wearers.   They have their Brothers to talk to and are not interested in anything you have to say.  The fact that you leave them alone is more of a show of respect then disrespect.

If the MC world interests you, fine.  There are ways to begin the process.  But, you are not asked to join an MC.  The membership process is long and arduous.  Don't think you walk up, pay your money and get your colors.

If it doesn't interest you, that's fine also.  Then you don't have a reason try to associate with MC's or talk smack about them.

Pretty much covers it.  I respect but avoid them.  They are often involved in things I'm not interested in.

One word of advise is don't wear or do anything that might lead others to believe you belong to a MC when you don't.  I prefer to ride (and hunt) alone.

[Matt]

All I am going to say about colors is if you don't understand them and want to then befriend someone in a MC and talk to them.

In the late 90's I did this very thing with the local chapter of the Devil's Disciples. In the 3 years that I hung out with these guys I saw many things and learned many things about clubs and "The ClubHouse". The information that was posted about hazing from my experiences was incorrect as I saw many many prospects get their colors and not one time did any of that take place...

Clubs be them MC, HOG, or OMG each have rules and bylaws that they follow and if you do not follow those rules then you might get you butt kicked but it is by those you call your brothers and they are doing it for a good reason.

Depending on the club as to what a prospect has to do to get their colors. Some require illegal activities and some don't but it is up to the prospect to do it or not and never are they forced to do it.

I walked away from those guys with a much better understanding of the lifestyle and a respect for the camaraderie these people have. They treated each other with respect as well as the women and children that were around them. I still carry the card I was given by the president and it has saved me several times when I found myself in the middle of something I should not have been in.

F.T.W..... If you don't know the real meaning behind it then you will never understand it...

Matt

[45-70.gov]

i  was  not  familiar  with  what  collars  meant but  didn't want to  seem  to  dumb  and  ask got  a  link  to  ''bikers  101''? i  have been riding  and  owned  several  bikes  over  forty years if  i don't  understand  a subculture  of people  that also  ride does  that  mean  i am  not a biker? not  being disrespectful ......i am interested  in  subcultures  and don't mean any thing negative i  hunt  all  my life  but  usually get skunked so  you my say  i  am a hiker  with a gun  and  run  me  off   of  here  too i  just  didn't  realize  there  was  so much social  structure to  it when  riding  is such  a statement  of individual freedom

[buck460XVR]

So, the best thing to do when you see colors, assuming you know what the colors of a traditional 3 patch MC look like, is to ignore the wearers.   They have their Brothers to talk to and are not interested in anything you have to say.  The fact that you leave them alone is more of a show of respect then disrespect.

If the MC world interests you, fine.  There are ways to begin the process.  But, you are not asked to join an MC.  The membership process is long and arduous.  Don't think you walk up, pay your money and get your colors.

If it doesn't interest you, that's fine also.  Then you don't have a reason try to associate with MC's or talk smack about them.

Pretty much covers it.  I respect but avoid them.  They are often involved in things I'm not interested in.

One word of advise is don't wear or do anything that might lead others to believe you belong to a MC when you don't.  I prefer to ride (and hunt) alone.

Pretty well sums up my feelings Swampman. Back in the late 70's early 80's I was good friends with the president of the local MC. We worked together and  shared a love of bikes, guns and hunting, and because of this,  I spent considerable time with him,  and since he lived there, their clubhouse and his fellow members .  Altho an interesting lifestyle, it was  not for me.  I learned that most are normal folk, with normal lives, with strong family values and will give the same respect they ask from others. I also learned it's okay  to  initiate a brief conversation(as in, "how much?") if you're buying their raffle tickets at the swap meet.................

[S.E.Ak]

Being a Biker is in the heart and being a clubbers is having the heart and sharing if with true Brother.

Here's a BIG FACT a clubs Colors are their Flag just like the Stars and Stripes. At no time in history has a branch of the service or any other American group fouled the flag and made a person wear it. For someone to come on here and say that a club he knows more than fouls their colors before giving them to a new member is BS never has never will happen as its their flag and you don't mess on your flag.Colors are the most pridefull thing a club has and will die for them so they dang sure ain't going to dump on them theirselfs. I'm sure someone watched the movie beyond to law and instantly became a expert on clubs in this case.

[BlkHawk73]

  The whole "club" thing has no appeal to me.  One, I have no desire to have that stereotype attatched to me.  Secondly, I don't have that need to have a resurgance of the age-old male "pack" thing from the pre-historic hunting pack days when the males had thier hunting "club" out looking for food. 
  I see it more of an ego thing and needing to feel  a part of something more than anything.  then again, I think a LOT of what many folks do is strictly based on one's own ego enhancement.

[AtlLaw]

then again, I think a LOT of what many folks do is strictly based on one's own ego enhancement.

I know that's the case with me... I like stroking my ego!     Like I always say, when you got it, flaunt it!   

[deernhog]

I guess I should feel offended about the ego thing the way it was thrown out there but I don't. I like the feeling of riding up to the group and spending the first 15 minutes on hugs and handshakes. What he described was human nature around me. I don't know I need it but I sure enjoyed it with the club and enjoy the group I ride with now. Must be one lonely rider.   TWCKMA

[horsepower]

I'd just like to add this is not the direction I intended this to go.  I have no pro or con club feelings, I was just wanting some information which was shared and appreciated. 

I don't see someone taking a stab at pro club riders as being any different in the ego department than the brush they are trying to paint with, except perhaps from seeking an ego boost by attempting to push someone else down rather than a positive lift found within a group which bears similar interests.

In the end, aren't we all riders and facing a lot of the same challenges.  Because some of us prefer a social aspect to riding and others don't, we do all have the common thread of enjoying the ride and at least here, also enjoying the hunt.  Let us focus on that and appreciate the commonality all of us enjoy and toss the posturing, no matter what side it may be on, in the gut pile where it belongs.

Again, thank you to those who answered my questions and also thank you for the heads up towards better locations to pursue more information should I wish it.  Whether in a club or not, if I pass you on the road, I'll wave but waving back or not is on you.

[S.E.Ak]

Its amazeing how many feel no need to belong to a group belong to the forum which is a group.Guess its a ego thing where they can show how smart they are.

[Badnews Bob]

I think this tread is very interesting. They way so many people can view the same thing and see it in so many diffrent ways, We are strange animals arent we. I personally don't feel the need for colors nor to be in a club but I know alot of club members and I respect the views they have, Mine are just diffrent, I'll ride with anyone anyday and have fun doing it But the only colors I wear are red white and blue.   Ride on brothers.

[BlkHawk73]

  I think my "ego" thing was taken the wrong way.  I wasn't so much trying to say that's specifically why ppl join the "clubs".  Sure there's the common interests and the comradery (sp?) but it's when these ppl have the idea that because they're members of the "club" that they're better than someone that isn't a member.  You wanna join, by all mean do it.  It's fine to have "colors" but doing so doesn't make one better than anyone else.

[jamesrus]

The colors i wear are the colors of the Christian Motorcycle Association. I belong to the mechanical ministry and have promised to help anyone i see on the road broken down. Be it the roughest looking biker or a little old lady. I use my work to promote the ideals of Christianity. Ive been riding for 22 years and have ridden everything from Harleys, Hondas, BMW's, Iron Horse Choppers, and all in between . Its not the bike, its not the colors, its the person inside that counts. From personal experience you find good people everywhere you look no matter the colors they wear or the bike they ride.

Now where am i gonna mount this double gun scabard on this Honda?
Jamesrus

[deernhog]

blkhawk It's great to have your blessiing to be the way I want to be. In reality if I was to meet you on the street I could give a crap less who you were or what you think unless you got my attention. I  have my crew or others who want to be associated with me to keep me company. If you needed help I would help and be on my way. If you are trying to get my attention beware what you ask for because you will get it reflecting the way it is sought . If this is not your crowd go fly off into the wild blue yonder away from the leather bound misfits who luv to be that way.  In other words DILLIGAF (because Graybeard runs a clean board). Look it up tourist.

P.S. I 'm off this subject too many RUB's and tourists trolling thru

[AtlLaw]

I think my "ego" thing was taken the wrong way. ... it's when these ppl have the idea that because they're members of the "club" that they're better than someone that isn't a member.

Don't worry about it.     When I read your post I said to myself, self, he got the wrong idea somewhere along the line.     Then I remembered my comment about geezer glides and matching leathers and realized I could have contributed to that feeling.     So to any 'wing drivers out there, Mia Culpa, Mia Maxima Culpa.    Though meant as a humorous jibe at rub's, I can see where they could consider it offensive; the thin skinned or self conscious ones anyway...    You should hear what I get, from my Brothers, for riding a rice burner!   

I think it's possible that what appears to be aloofness to the uninitiated is just part of the MC subculture, I dunno what your statement is based on.  Oh well, it's to complex to go into anyway...    Like Amigo Will said, check out the site we talked about earlier.

Why did you pick Black Hawk as your handle?  Something to do with the UH-60?  At one time my call sign used to be Black Hawk Blue, then Black Hawk Red, then Black Hawk 6.