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Club/Group/Etc

Bryan - don't totally give up on it. But, really put some thought into it before you start. If I were to do something again, I would not have a patch or any kind of structure at all until at least a couple years into it. In other words, find out if its all about the patch and politics. If what you have is worth keeping it will be awesome regardless of the colors or who's in charge.
 
These are some interesting ideas and expressions. I enjoyed reading them. I think it all boils down what your life style is. There is a club for each. Many years ago I rode and partied with some members of a patch MC (but did not belong). They were medium range I guess, they all had jobs but they were definitely a MC and defended their colors and had some fairly wild parties. I had just got out of the Army and was a bit unsettled myself at the time. However after a time I moved on from that scene since it was a bit much for me.

I don't really have any desire to join any club now (except the Patriot Riders) and I definitely do not want to get into any patch issue. The only patch I wear is a large Viet Nam Veteran patch on the back of my vest. I will not stop wearing that patch for any MC unless they take it off my dead or badly beaten body.

I do ride with some friends I have met and we feel comfortable with how we ride. I have often wondered what some of these organized rides are like since they sign up and in 20 min's or less it's kickstands up. You could end up behind (or in front of) a guy that just completed rider's school with less than 5hrs experience. Just kinda makes me wonder.

But in closing Bikes and Bikers all share a common bond (whether faint or clear). It is the love of the machine, the freedom of two wheels and the one with the surroundings you feel while riding. We all belong to that Club no matter where or who we ride with. Even if you ride alone you still belong to this brotherhood and sisterhood.
That's my 2 cents worth, R_W_B
 
This was a group ride one year after it was started. I think there were 45 bikes. 12 had patched by then. But sadly by the end of that riding season, it was all over. Remove the patch and it fell apart.

Like I said, I miss it... I don't miss it
 

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R_W_B said:
I do ride with some friends I have met and we feel comfortable with how we ride. I have often wondered what some of these organized rides are like since they sign up and in 20 min's or less it's kickstands up. You could end up behind (or in front of) a guy that just completed rider's school with less than 5hrs experience. Just kinda makes me wonder.
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This is very true. It was emphasized in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course that I took. Instructor said two things to absolutely avoid until you're much more experienced and confident in the saddle:

1. Tail of the Dragon
2. Large group rides
 
"The only patch I wear is a large Viet Nam Veteran patch on the back of my vest. I will not stop wearing that patch for any MC unless they take it off my dead or badly beaten body."

I doubt you will ever have a problem with that! Its the one thing that still exists nationwide in the riding culture - A profound respect for Vets!

"We all belong to that Club no matter where or who we ride with. Even if you ride alone you still belong to this brotherhood and sisterhood."

True! Thanks for the reminder!
 
Been there and done that on the 'Let's obey the rules', then it's a race to the finish. Also the groups that just want to bar hop. Used to ride with 5 or 6 couples, but that has dwindled to another couple and my wife and I. We trust them and their skills, so we do well together, and always have a great time. Also got tired of 'whiners'. On one trip, that was a little cold and blustery, as we ate that night, I asked one of the gals if she was having fun. She said "I'm having the worst time of my life". My wife and I looked at each other and smiled, and said "That's funny, we're having the BEST time of our life". We have never ridden with them since. I decided I wasn't going to worry any more as to whether one of our group was having fun or not. My patch is a 14" US flag, and a 14" POW/MIA patch below it.
 
NICE! I've seen that too. Reminds me of the Tom Hanks line "There's no crying in baseball!" Not in riding either. I'm also not impressed with people who can't get off the cell phone. When we're out having a good time, must you text everyone you know or check your facebook every ten minutes? Sakes!
 
Bull Dog Jim, this has been an interesting thread you initiated. I have posted elsewhere in HDT my experiences riding with various groups. The bottom line is: I gave it up! The last time I rode with anyone else was on May 28, 2010. I followed Retired Jake from Clarksville, TN to the Natchez Trace. He was kind enough to escort me around Nashville in order to miss the horrendous traffic I had encountered the previous afternoon. It was a real pleasure and I sure enjoyed riding with him. I went on to finish my 9508 mile ride around the country by myself. I am now the president, secretary, treasurer and sergeant at arms of my own motorcycle gang. There is a big embroidered Marine Corps emblem on the back of my vest, but nothing on my leather jacket. While on my cross country ride it would have been nice to share the adventure with someone else, I’m pretty sure my riding style would have caused a partner significant aggravation. Undoubtedly there are advantages to small group rides, but for me, the freedom to stop, go, eat or go hungry are things I like having control over. Ok, its 46 degrees now; gotta go for a ride!
 
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