T

he intent of this page is to give you an overview of the structure
and philosophy of the traditional motorcycle club (MC). This does not necessarily express the feelings or priorities of any particular club, as all motorcycle clubs differ on some points. Regardless of the basic philosophy of this group, it is important that an individual understands the perspectives of other clubs that they may be associating with from time to time.

If motorcycles and riding influence your lifestyle, then you are part of the motorcycle community. Of all the types of organizations found within that community, the traditional motorcycle club (MC) stands apart and
ranks highest in stature in this community.

A serious MC club commands respect for one reason. Those who are correctly informed recognize the deep level of personal commitment and self discipline that a man has to demonstrate and must sustain in order to wear a MC patch. They realize that a club's "Colors" are closely guarded and that the membership process is long and difficult.

Other factors notwithstanding, they respect full patch holders for what they have accomplished and for being able to earn and keep the patch they wear. This respect is born out of recognition for the dedication and accomplishment. Anyone wearing a MC Patch gains respect for this reason.  Many outside the motorcycle club community do not understand what respect means nor do they understand the commitment to this lifestyle.  Many people can hardly make a commitment to get out of bed in the morning and earn a living let alone understand our commitment to each other and this lifestyle. Others understand what the MC lifestyle is and support us.  This segment of society is by far the larger, and therefore represents a larger market for any fund raising activities that the MC might undertake. It stands to reason that cultivating a relationship with these people is important, and if we are perceived by them as "Biker Scum", this would not be advantageous to the MC world.

Our members conduct themselves as U.S. Military Veterans and upstanding citizens.  Our goal is to be admired and respected by the general public rather than feared.  The serious club, and all of its members and guests, will always conduct themselves publicly in a manner that does not negatively impact the reputation of the MC.

The general public does not understand or draw a distinction between different club colors. In many cases, they simply can't tell the difference: we're all "Bikers" to them. If one club causes a problem that creates public awareness, the offending club's identity is often confused or ignored and the heat comes down on all clubs. The term "Guilty by Association" may then be applied as we are all considered "Bikers". The general public also does not draw a distinction between a MC and an RC (Riding Club), therefore everyone needs to be aware that no matter whether they are in an MC and RC or an Independent rider, their actions reflect on all in the motorcycle world. The MC's tend to police themselves to avoid such incidents.

A patch holder should never discuss any club business whether it's about membership numbers, club goings on, or any member's personal information with anyone outside of the club. They understand that they are a patch holder 24 hours a day whether or not they are wearing their colors. Everything they say or do in public can affect the club. They also understand that if they get out of line, that they are subject to be counseled and disciplined for their own good and for that of the club. Wearing a patch is more than getting together for good times. It also means getting together for the other times, too. It constitutes a lot of work. It's committing themselves to a lifestyle in which they do not look for how their brothers can help them, but for ways that they can support their brothers. They always look to give rather than to receive. All of this may seem very idealistic, and in some cases it's just that. But it is an ideal that all clubs profess to and are always striving for in principle and in practice.

Always be aware of the "Golden Rule" of MC conduct while traveling in club circles as a probate or full patch holder: If you give respect, then you'll get respect. If you act with disrespect, then you'll be treated with the same.

When someone earns their patch, it does not mean that they have reached the ultimate goal, and from that point they can kick back and coast. Moving from a hang around to prospect to probate to full patch holder is not climbing from the bottom to the top, but rather more like climbing a constantly ascending slope, and in time becoming a stronger and more committed brother. A person's probationary rocker and later their patch are presented in recognition for what they have earned along the way. and that they are accepted as a full patch holder and a Brother.  The more senior the patch holder is in the club, the more the respected they are, with officers having earned the highest level of respect and recognition in the MC structure.

The prospect and probate period is not an initiation, it is instead a period of time that is sustained until the person, in every way and sense, conducts themselves in accordance with club protocol that is mandated in order to become a patch holder. It's a time in which the probate is taught to display a sense of responsibility and respect toward all the patch holders of the club, without which they would not develop a sense of respect for the entire club and their own patch.

A probate is taught basic MC protocol, etiquette, and the club's code of conduct.

A probate is evaluated and must demonstrate that they consistently maintain the correct habits that are basic to proper club security and that they maintain proper communications protocol in the MC world.

A probate must become accustomed to trusting the judgment, at times blindly, of those patch holders who will become their brothers once they become a full patch holder.

There are other specifics to earning a patch that are based mostly upon demonstrating honesty, integrity, and respect for and an understanding of the MC brotherhood which a probate begins to learn once they are accepted as a probate and they are assigned to a full patch holder as their sponsor.

If this information intimidates you, or you have reservations, then joining the USMVMC or any motorcycle club probably is not for you.