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[Bromebe]

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/waco-harley-davidson-remains-closed-following-shooting-twin-photo-133700846.html

I've been watching and the subject of Waco has not come up or maybe no one wants to touch it!
I'm just confused on why they would close the HD dealership there because of the "other incident!

Do we have members in Waco?

[kiro]

I think locally they're reacting to anyone from anywhere on a motorcycle from what I read - a regular two wheeled shut down. The restaurant closed, local dealer closed - not a good time to tour Waco for certain...

[VaEagle]

My guess would be that the local businesses that would attract a biker crowd are just " playing it safe than sorry"  with the idea that maybe they know the dispute isn't over and they don't want to be the next hot spot for bad press and violence.

[murphy]

It's not uncommon for omg members to have financial interests in dealerships... just another possibility.

[Bromebe]

I think the hole thing sucks,
it's back in the headlines again this morning

feel like I need to wear a Tie when I ride now,
"see, I'm a good guy"!

[J-Carr]

That makes as much sense as closing a soul food restaurant in Annapolis because the rioters in Baltimore were primarily African American.  To even suggest it is so racist and ridiculous that if someone did it they'd be called out on national media.

But when you do it to a biker... It's all good and prudent.

I spent some time this week explaining the rules of 1% clubs vs other 3 patch clubs etc. to non biking co-workers.  It's like an abbot and Costello routine.  Except its not very funny when your forced to live it just because you chose to ride on two wheels.

[kiro]

Except its not very funny when your forced to live it just because you chose to ride on two wheels.

It's surprising how people can perceive things they aren't familiar with. I photographed a few of my handguns as product samples and showed them to another photographer I've known for several years. She was genuinely concerned that I had weapons and asked if she should be afraid... I won't comment on what I told her. Non-riders can be the same - we're often characterized as ruffians and/or undesirables to the uninformed. 
Sensationalizing events like in Waco on a national level, although viewed as horrid by most of us, certainly doesn't dispel this perception any.

[03Lightningrocks]

It's surprising how people can perceive things they aren't familiar with. I photographed a few of my handguns as product samples and showed them to another photographer I've known for several years. She was genuinely concerned that I had weapons and asked if she should be afraid... I won't comment on what I told her. Non-riders can be the same - we're often characterized as ruffians and/or undesirables to the uninformed. 
Sensationalizing events like in Waco on a national level, although viewed as horrid by most of us, certainly doesn't dispel this perception any.

You need to move to Texas. Guns are as common as birds here.

[2014WtGld]

Sorry for this post will be long winded. I'll start with a few facts.
There was a meeting being held at the twin peeks restaurant in Waco that Sunday by the Confederation of Clubs and independent riders. It was a regular meeting in which several clubs and individuals attend several times a year. Not just 1% clubs but all types of clubs. ( they have a website that tells a little more about the confederation) they were going to discuss a few bills that were being voted on in the texas legislation,and other laws dealing with motorcyclist. Before the meeting started a fight broke out in the parking lot and that's when things went south. I have a close friend that attended and is in jail in Waco now. He claims he had just arrived, parked his truck started toward the restaurant and shots started being fired. He and couple that were with him took cover and waited the ordeal out trying to stay away from gunfire. He and nearly everybody on the premises were arrested and detained under a million dollar bond. He is a member of the bandidos and had a gun in his truck ( which is legal in texas) but that's the basis in which they have told him he was being arrested for. They have frozen his bank account and will not let anyone retrieve his truck which is in a impound lot that is accruing a 250 a day dept. (it's evidence) they say. This guy has no criminal history at all. Just as 115 of the 170 they have arrested. He said they are trying to get a hearing to reduce the bond from a million to something reasonable but will probably be June sometime before it happens.
The restaurant has released video from inside that shows nothing started inside. They also released a statement that said the local police never approached their management about the meeting or for them not to let the meeting be held there.
First the number of people killed by police fire was 4 but have recently read it was all 9.
Ap press checked the criminal backgrounds on all 170 and found that 115 didn't even have a criminal record period.
Most of the weapons being recovered have came from inside vehicles in the parking lot. (Again legal in texas)
Most of the (outlaw bikers ) converging on the town shortly after the shooting was people headed to the meeting. Again the shooting happened before the meeting was to start.
Not so much fact but my opinion -- Mr. Swanson of the Waco pd. is obviously very scared of bikers for what ever reason. The restaurant had been holding bike nights and other bike related things and he didn't like it. He may have had some kind of information that there may be trouble at this meeting. But I feel he had hipped his men a little too much and they over reacted.
My hopes would be that if there were bikers shooting at cops they got what they deserved or will be dealt with by the law. And the same goes for cops that may have shot unarmed bikers or killed bikers because of over reaction.
I'm simply a guy who enjoys riding my harley. Not affiliated with anyone but me. But I know not all club members are bad people not even all the people in some of the bigger 1% clubs. I certainly know that my friend isn't and hope all works out for him and the others that are being treated unfairly.
As for the dealer ship closing or being forced to close. (Again opinion) it's probably another overreaction by the pd. And is justifiable in their minds.

[03Lightningrocks]

Interesting read WtGld. Easy to believe as well. Unfortunately it was a bunch of middle aged white guys so the national media couldn't care less. Had it been a bunch of black teen hoodlums, Al sharpton would already be on his way to Waco.

Lets hope the truth comes out. Million dollar bonds for all is more than absurd. It has the same affect as denying the right to be innocent until proven guilty.

Let us not forget that Waco would be the same location that the government decided to kill a bunch of innocent women and children not so many years ago.

[BigLew]

Its is indeed an interesting read but I need to disagree with one point. Being a 1% 40 years ago I think I can speak on the subject. If your friend is a 1% in the club you mentioned hes not a good man. Why because they don't stand for anything good. They are bullies and break the law along with a laundry list of bad things they do.They make it difficult for me and my friends to put good cuts on and ride. Its guilt by assiociation. yep heard that I just want to be cool and hang out with the bros and ride. I really wish these guys would become good guys and do something positive with there lives. God loves them and I'm trying.

BigLew

[03Lightningrocks]

I agree with BigLew that the 1% clubs are not typically law abiding people. That is the whole point of calling themselves one percenters. They take pride in being the "bad guy". That being said, I took from WtGlds post that his friend is not a 1% member and that there were others there as well that have no ties with a 1% club.

[mark]

I wouldn't be associated with ANY organization/group that associates itself with OMGs.  You're judged by the company you keep.  If one wants to hang out with OMGs, then expect to be treated as such.

[grc]

I wouldn't be associated with ANY organization/group that associates itself with OMGs.  You're judged by the company you keep.  If one wants to hang out with OMGs, then expect to be treated as such.

 

Jerry

[J-Carr]

I wouldn't be associated with ANY organization/group that associates itself with OMGs.  You're judged by the company you keep.  If one wants to hang out with OMGs, then expect to be treated as such.

+1

[2k]

Its is indeed an interesting read but I need to disagree with one point. Being a 1% 40 years ago I think I can speak on the subject. If your friend is a 1% in the club you mentioned hes not a good man. Why because they don't stand for anything good. They are bullies and break the law along with a laundry list of bad things they do.They make it difficult for me and my friends to put good cuts on and ride. Its guilt by assiociation. yep heard that I just want to be cool and hang out with the bros and ride. I really wish these guys would become good guys and do something positive with there lives. God loves them and I'm trying.

BigLew

Have to agree completely. Wore a 1% patch for a year or so in the early 70's. Looking back, I honestly say.....I never met one that was 100% law abiding, would rather kill another clubs member than ride with him. You ARE who you associate with.

[FLSTFI Dave]

I wouldn't be associated with ANY organization/group that associates itself with OMGs.  You're judged by the company you keep.  If one wants to hang out with OMGs, then expect to be treated as such.

Well you may not quite understand how it works if you want your non-criminal MC to be able to wear a 3 piece patch.  The dominate club in the state, gives you permission to wear it or not.  Most all the time the Dominate MC in a State is a 1% club.  Most all these states also have a Confederation of Clubs, or COC.  All 3-piece patch clubs are required to send a few representatives to the monthly CoC.  Most 3-piece patch clubs are law abiding, most never have issues with the Dominate club if they play by the rules.

There are a very few exceptions to 3-piece patch clubs not having to attend the monthly CoC, for example the Blue Knights and other LEO MC, or firefighting MC's.

Also you will notice most 3-piece patch clubs do not have a State name for bottom rocker.  This is because the dominate MC, usually 1% claims the state and prohibits other 3-piece patch MC's to wear the state.

This is why HOG for example does not use 3-piece patch.

I only lightly touched on it.

I know lots of 3-piece patch holders, they are law abiding Men, with families, good jobs and no criminal record.

[J-Carr]

Sorry.  Sounds like a pack of dogs sniffing the dominant one's ass.

I ride because I'm free. I'll be damned if I'd ever subjugate myself to a government that required that kind of obedience let alone a "club" for my hobby.

And yeah, I know all the rules and how to conduct myself so I don't get stuffed into a drain or dumpster because I peed in someone's MC Cornflakes.

[cambo]

FYI -

http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/03/us/texas-biker-shooting-lawsuit/

[moscooter]

 
"Well you may not quite understand how it works if you want your non-criminal MC to be able to wear a 3 piece patch.  The dominate club in the state, gives you permission to wear it or not. "

Dave,  there are a lot of older riders out there now.......in their mid 40's and older that rode very little in earlier life or not at all.   Now they have the time and/or money and decide to ride and get a Harley.   Next thing ya know,  a few of them just might decide they really enjoy each others company and riding together and they decide to start their own little "private" club.  Knowing that it is "typical" to hang patches on the back of leather vests,  they come up with their own "logo" and by God ...........what State they represent across the bottom.

So,   all of a sudden they might be subject to some 1%ers b.sh**.................I can just see such a scenario as that happening.   Joe Blow rider and his buddies owe (NO ALLEGIANCE/RESPECT) to some other bunch of riders they aren't even aware of or have no clue.    

[lowflight]

1%ers or not, doesn't make a difference no one in this country should be jailed without evidence and then be held with a trumped up bail. Some of the media is starting to pick up on the, "Facts are not adding up" side to this.

[03Lightningrocks]

1%ers or not, doesn't make a difference no one in this country should be jailed without evidence and then be held with a trumped up bail. Some of the media is starting to pick up on the, "Facts are not adding up" side to this.

I could not possibly agree more! The whole thing stinks to high heaven. Imagine the reaction if they arrested everyone that was black in a resteraunt because a few black gang bangers got into a fight. Sounds crazy. Well why the hell does it sound OK if iuut is a bunch of white guys with motorcycles.

[mark]

I agree the mass arrest will not pass constitutional muster and many of those charged will be released.  As litigious as we are in the U.S., you had to know the ambulance chasers would emerge from the shadows.  However, when you go to an organization's gathering in which OMGs are allowed to attend, don't be surprised when thugs start acting like thugs.  Easy way to avoid arrest - be wary of the company you keep.

[FLSTFI Dave]

"Well you may not quite understand how it works if you want your non-criminal MC to be able to wear a 3 piece patch.  The dominate club in the state, gives you permission to wear it or not. "

Dave,  there are a lot of older riders out there now.......in their mid 40's and older that rode very little in earlier life or not at all.   Now they have the time and/or money and decide to ride and get a Harley.   Next thing ya know,  a few of them just might decide they really enjoy each others company and riding together and they decide to start their own little "private" club.  Knowing that it is "typical" to hang patches on the back of leather vests,  they come up with their own "logo" and by God ...........what State they represent across the bottom.

So,   all of a sudden they might be subject to some 1%ers b.sh**.................I can just see such a scenario as that happening.   Joe Blow rider and his buddies owe (NO ALLEGIANCE/RESPECT) to some other bunch of riders they aren't even aware of or have no clue.

The above does happen.  Usually the group of guys are informed by a local, non 1% MC in a very nice way that it is not recommend they were a 3 piece patch with the bottom rocker the state.  They explain very politely it could draw unwanted attention from the Dominate 1% MC.  This is usually all it takes, as the people you describe are educated family men who do not want any trouble, just a good time.

Also a one piece patch with a state on the bottom does not usually draw any attention, look at the motor maids, a two piece patch with the state, they have no issues.

It's when you try to be a 3 piece patch MC you have to be careful how you do it.

Most 1%ers do not want to draw attention to them selfs, so the non- 1% MC's do the policing on the rules, unless a start up MC just refuses to comply.

[J-Carr]

The above does happen.  Usually the group of guys are informed by a local, non 1% MC in a very nice way that it is not recommend they were a 3 piece patch with the bottom rocker the state.  They explain very politely it could draw unwanted attention from the Dominate 1% MC.  This is usually all it takes, as the people you describe are educated family men who do not want any trouble, just a good time.

Also a one piece patch with a state on the bottom does not usually draw any attention, look at the motor maids, a two piece patch with the state, they have no issues.

It's when you try to be a 3 piece patch MC you have to be careful how you do it.

Most 1%ers do not want to draw attention to them selfs, so the non- 1% MC's do the policing on the rules, unless a start up MC just refuses to comply.

Hmm.  So take away freedom of expression and replace it with intimidation and bullying.  Sounds like my days in catholic school.  That was real fricken unpleasant too. 

Yeah, its good to know so you don't get hurt.  And I'm too high mileage to screw with that system, other than on a keyboard or amongst friends.  It may be the facts of life, but there is nothing about "brotherhood" that will ever make me think its anything but bad.

[moscooter]

 
I used to Hill Climb back in the mid 60s.  Met a (1%er type there that was the leader of his "group").  He'd back up to the log for the launch up the hill........Hold his breath for the start and then he would (bail out) when he ran out of breath or looped out before that.

Reasonbly nice guy and polite.  I got the impression at the time that many of those guys were half way decent.........one on one.   It's when several of them get together that they can cop an attitude and things can go South in a hurry.

 

[tweeter13]

I have to say one thing also.  The rocker patch thing is coming up a lot here in Ohio recently around me.  I ride once and a while with several friends that belong to different 1% clubs. But can't ride with them at the same time because they are not aloud to.  There are some local guys that have their own little group and these 1% leader didn't approch them nicely.  Almost was a fight.  When drinking is involved there is no telling how things are going to happen. 

I belive in my opinion that drugs and guns are involved for some of the 1% to maintain this life style of riding all the time and and group first before family and work.   Because it's a quick way to make money and your brothers have your back.  The leaders and the higher up guys reap the rewards while the lowere level guys which may not have no record yet.  Take the rap for some of crimes.  Get light sentences.  When they get out they move up the chain.  Recruit new members to cover their butts later on.  That's how I see it.  I may be totally wrong.   

Don't think any of these clubs are AMA sanctioned any way. 

Todd.

[kiro]

It may be the facts of life, but there is nothing about "brotherhood" that will ever make me think its anything but bad.

Back in the day was I was skinny and had lots of hair I was in the mason's union. They had a saying, 'Brothers in the Hall, F____ you on the wall... Sometimes brotherhood leaves much desired - LOL.

[screaminCVO]

Interesting read - http://bikerspost.com/forums/topic/1644/blurry-lines-between-bikers-police-clubs-draw-concern

[lowflight]

I wouldn't think that too many 1% clubs would be all that interested in having Law Enforcement Officers within the rank and file. But as you said interesting read.

[J-Carr]

Most chapters of 1% clubs aren't doing the illegal activities.  And I think that article might have been mixing up the real 1% club with regular 3 patch clubs.  Just a guess on my part.  I don't have any particular knowledge.