Iron Horse Motorcycle Ministry

The AMA (American Motorcyclists Association) was founded in 1924 as an organizing arm of the motorcycle manufacturers of the day. Its main task was to promote motorcycle riding in America. As a result, many riders that already rode together as friends and neighbors became sanctioned by the AMA as a motorcycle "club," thus growing the organization. In those days, some clubs wore completely matching outfits with the name of the club stitched onto the back of their shirts and/or jackets. And at different events, the AMA would give out awards for the "best-dressed club"; that's how the motorcycle club patch got started. The term "colors" was used in referring to that clubs' emblem.

Our soldiers returning home from World War II were finding it hard to adjust to the much calmer life of peace and their civilian jobs. Many turned to motorcycles as a form of recreation. The bikes were a real challenge to operate in those days, and they developed all kinds of adrenalin rushing skill games that gave them some excitement on the weekends.

In 1947, over the July 4th weekend in Hollister California, the AMA held an event known as the "Gypsy Tour," and there were about 3 to 4 thousand bikers that came to that small town to have some fun. The organizers had invited about a thousand people so when all of the other people turned up, they were overrun. Jam an unexpected 3 thousand people together in a relatively small place, pour on a lot of alcohol and no matter what, there's going to be some problems – you think!? During the event, a member of a certain motorcycle club made headlines in a very exaggerated story (which also included some very staged photos). It was all set up by a reporter that worked for a very large and prominent newspaper. In his article, the reporter painted an exaggerated picture of a terrorized town under siege. The story was picked up by LIFE Magazine, and was later made into a movie called "The Wild Ones". The somewhat embarrassed AMA, feeling the need to set things right, held a news conference. The most memorable quote from that meeting was, "The trouble was caused by the one per cent deviant that tarnishes the public's image of both motorcycles and motorcyclists." And so it was, with that statement, the wedge was driven, and a gap was formed. Those clubs that were not AMA members, and therefore not sanctioned by the AMA, and were banned from attending AMA events. This then, began what we know today as, the "outlaw" or "one percent" clubs.

In order to designate themselves as an outlaw club, the "one percenters" (as they came to be known) cut their club patches into three separate pieces. Hence the term, "three-piece-patch." The top and bottom pieces, called "rockers," are usually curved bars; the top bar designating the club's name and the lower bar designating the location of the club. The center piece was the emblem of the club. These outlaw motorcycle clubs put on their own events and parties, and setup their own protocols, and did the exact opposite of what the AMA had been doing. There were no "Best Dressed Club" awards; they "chopped" or "bobbed" their bikes to look different and to go faster; they rode hard and fast with no mufflers; they would drink, and do all kinds of other "wild" things. Not much has changed from those days; the one percent clubs today still operate in basically the same way.

In the early 1980's, many national organizations set up a policy to connect their "rockers" with their emblem, so as to make it a "one-piece-patch." Most family style/social clubs, groups and organizations now design their patches as a one piece, so as to avoid any misunderstanding or confusion within the motorcycling culture.

This is basically how the motorcycle club back patches are recognized today:

* A one-piece patch normally signifies a family style or social motorcycle club, group or organization. They are known as an RC (Ride Club) or as an RG (Ride Group). If it is a Motorcycle Ministry, then they are known as an MM. It is generally considered inappropriate to call a one-piece back patch "Colors".

* A two-piece back patch is usually a social group or organization (an RC, RG, or MM), and again, it should not be called "Colors". However, there are some "outlaw" or "outlaw style" clubs that also wear a two-piece back patch. In that case, their back patches are called "Colors".

* A three-piece patch normally means that the group is a traditional "one percent" club - but not always. There are some Christian motorcycle clubs (CMC) out there that wear a three-piece back patch as well. Even though they govern themselves by "outlaw rules," they are generally not considered to be true "one percenters". However, they are considered to be "hardcore". In either case, the three-piece patches are called "Colors," because they are always hard earned - never just bought. Because of what they have to go through in order to receive their Colors (it doesn't matter whether you agree with them or not), they all need to be respected - at least for their efforts.

Now you know basically how it all got started and how it is today. We hope this was both informative and helpful to you. However, please remember these two things: 1) This is no game, and 2) no matter what the back patch is; no matter what club or group it may represent; always, always be aware of the "Golden Rule" of conduct while ministering to all motorcycle clubs, groups, and organizations:

"If you give respect, you'll get respect."

Once respect is earned (which does not happen overnight), then, and only then, you might be given the opportunity to be heard.

As mentioned before, God has created Iron Horse Ministries to be multi-faceted. This means that God has called some of us to minister behind-the-scenes to the hardcore riders, whoever and wherever they are. However, we know that this aspect of the ministry is not necessarily for everyone, and that's okay. With that in mind, if you feel that this part of the ministry is not quite for you, then go ahead and check out the rest of the web site. There's something here for almost everyone.

However, if you feel that God Himself is calling you into this realm of motorcycle ministry, and you would like more detailed information about the basic aspects and protocols of the hardcore biker culture, then the link below is a MUST for you. We are offering it here for two reasons: 1) To give you an opportunity to educate yourself about some of the subtle nuances and protocols of the biker culture, and 2) to enable you to minister more effectively.

You need to know that because of the nature of this culture, parts of the link below are not for everyone's eyes. This link is for mature adults only.

Also, DO NOT EVER think that just because you've read everything on this link, that you now know everything there is to know about the hardcore riders - that's dangerous. Remember, this link offers only the basics - that's all it's meant for. However, if you feel that you need more information, then please contact us and we'll talk about it.

So, with all of that having been said, please pray for God's discernment and wisdom before entering this link. Thanks for your understanding.

As you may know, most cultures in this world have their own terminology that they use to describe various things or behaviors within that culture. Well, bikers are no exception. So in an effort to help build a bridge between those that eat, sleep and breathe motorcycles, and those that don't, we've provided a link (left) with a fairly exhaustive glossary of the most commonly used terms within the motorcycling community. Some will make you laugh, some are a little colorful, and some will make you say "Hmmm, I didn't know that". So, if you want to learn some of the biker jargon, go ahead and read through it - we hope you'll find it helpful.

On the lighter side of things; motorcyclists not only use hand signals and waves to communicate to one another, they're also showing their camaraderie as well. If you ride a motorcycle, regardless of the make, most likely you have been waved at by other riders. It's our way of showing the world that we are unified in our love of riding. Besides, it looks cool and it makes the folks in the cages curious.

Here are a few waves to have some fun with:

1. The goddess Durga Wave:

   This is when the rider and the passenger wave at the same time, on the same side of the bike, making it look like a rider with several arms.

2. The Hang Loose Wave:

   This is when the pinkie and the thumb are extended with a twist of the wrist. It can denote a wild coolness.

3. The Long Wave:

   This is when the hand is extended until the last bike in the line passes. A real challenge in the twisties.

4. The Bull Wave:

   This wave is done with the arm straight up, the hand in a fist with only the fore finger and pinkie extended. It's also handy in checking the wind direction.

5. The Armpit Wave:

   This wave was developed by sportbike riders to solve the problem of how to wave to a rider going in the same direction. It's done by reaching the left hand under the right armpit and waving as the bikes pass.

6. The Sportbiker Commute Wave:

   This wave is frequently seen when a Sportbiker is resting their shoulder in traffic with the left elbow on the gas tank. The wave is from the hand that's on the tank.

7. The Vespa Wave:

   This wave is given to a rider on a scooter. Their shocked response is sure to be the 'Vespa Wave'. It's a clear but simple wave, sent too late to be seen anywhere except in the left rearview mirror.

8. The Stopped Biker Wave:

   This is given by the biker parked on the side of the road, taking a break. In response to your wave, you'll get a standard wave with the arm held upwards and the hand extended, and rider standing next to the bike's kickstand.

9. The Top Gun Motorcycle Passing Wave:

   Parked riders also send this wave, which mimics the motions of the deck launch crew of an aircraft carrier. It's done by pointing in the direction of travel of the passing bike, then spinning the other arm in that direction, and dropping to one knee as if to allow your wing to pass harmlessly overhead. Definitely an eye catcher.

And you thought a wave, was just a wave.

As riders, we should wave to one another, whether on a bike, a trike, a scooter, or a bicycle. We're all in the same wind, fighting the same traffic, and on the same journey, enjoying all of God's creation.

'The Wave', courtesy in part by:
Motorcycle Adventures Book 3
Published by Milestone Press (2004)

I saw you,
hug your purse closer to you in the line at the grocery store.
  But, you didn't see me,
put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you,
pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk.
  But, you didn't see me,
playing Santa at the local mall.

I saw you,
change your mind about going into the restaurant.
  But, you didn't see me,
attending a meeting to raise more money for the disaster victims.

I saw you,
roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by.
  But, you didn't see me,
driving behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you,
frown at me when I smiled at your children.
  But, you didn't see me,
when I took time off from work to run toys over to the homeless.

I saw you,
stare at my long hair.
  But, you didn't see me,
and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks Of Love.

I saw you,
roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves.
  But, you didn't see me,
and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none.

I saw you,
look in fright at my tattoos.
  But, you didn't see me,
cry as my children where born and have their names written over and in my heart.

I saw you,
change lanes without signaling, while rushing off to go somewhere.
  But, you didn't see me,
going home to be with my family.

I saw you,
complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be.
  But, you didn't see me,
when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you,
yelling at your kids in the car.
  But, you didn't see me,
pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.

I saw you,
on a cell phone, reading a map as you drove down the road.
  But, you didn't see me,
squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you,
race down the road in the rain .
  But, you didn't see me,
get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you,
run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time.
  But, you didn't see me,
trying to turn right.

I saw you,
cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in.
  But, you didn't see me,
leave the road.

I saw you,
waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.
  But, you didn't see me.
I wasn't there.

I saw you,
go home to your family.
  But, you didn't see me.
Because, I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker, . . . . .
A person with friends and a family.
  But, you didn't see me.

~ Anonymous ~