very informative link. thanks

 

that is a really good link........

 

Why do so many people have to mix riding their bike with making a statement? Then they want to use the same symbolism from another group to show their individuality. IDK, I just don't get any MC myself. The only ones that make any sense are the 1%ers. Their lifestyles aren't for me, but I respect them.

 

Probably a dumb question but don't you guys get any kind of vets patch from the government, if you serve in the British forces they give you a small enamel pin to wear, which some guys using the same design have enlarged into a back patch, personally I only wear the pin, and I only wear that encase I get pulled by the law figure it may help me out as a lot of police are x military .

 

Until you actually join an MC you will never know.

 

I am not in an MC. I do not wear a bottom rocker. I don't wear any patches. But for self-preservation's sake, I try to maintain 'situational awareness' of the environment around me, which very often contains bikes, and bikers.

This same question, or one very much like it--"I'm not in an MC but why can't I wear a three-piece patch?" comes up a lot in Harley forums. The provided link explains a lot. The answer to the question is like many other things in this life, i.e., you can do whatever the hell you choose to do...but the time might come when you have to take responsibility for your choice. There's no 'right' or 'wrong' at that moment, just what you'll have to do to get by.

Regardless of what any of us thinks, or what is right in an absolute, moral sense, there's a general rule among MC clubs that only they will wear the bottom rocker, which is used to denote locale, or some would say 'turf'. As a general rule the clubs are 'serious' about this particular rocker, and are liable to assert their 'rights' in this regard. (Under certain circumstance even among themselves, if their patches represent different clubs).

My understanding is, if an MC member questions your right to wear a bottom rocker, it's not unusual for you to be asked to remove the garment bearing the rocker. If you refuse to comply, you might need to defend your choice, and right. It sounds to me like you were approached, issued 'notice', and let go your way... If it were me, a word to the wise would be sufficient...

It's cool I suppose to vent about this. But then, it would be wise to have read the included link, understand the rules, and remove the bottom rocker until such time as you are a member of a recognized club that sports such. That's what I'd do, out of respect for 'the rules'. And because I didn't want to be placed into a position to have to defend my position. I don't feel that strongly about it, for one thing. For another, I doubt I could defend the right sufficiently, if an MC took issue to me wearing a bottom rocker.

There are an infinite number of ways to represent individuality. To wear the same, precise style as that affected by an MC doesn't appear to be an attempt at individuality, but an attempt to emulate a member of an MC. It will be what it appears to be, to any casual observer.

If someone wants to wear a bottom rocker, and affect the trappings of an MC, one should endeavor to join an MC, go through the rights of initiation, accept, and be accepted by his 'brothers'. To stand alone, against all of this, might even be noble, representing a free, unfettered spirit. But it is also unwise, will be insulting to some and so potentially fraught with way too much drama (at least for gentle souls, in nearly worn-out bodies like mine).

I, too, thank you for your service. Where I work, veterans get either 5 or 10 'points' toward qualifying for a job, which generally puts them ahead of all others in the competition. This is a 'right' you get for being a vet. But there are certain other rights, e.g., a right to ignore speed limits on the highway, a right to disregard stop lights, a right to wear a bottom rocker... that don't come from having served. Some rights none of us will ever have. Some we have yet to earn...

Alan

 

ever thought of joining a vets club? quite a few out there

 

HAHA the Yankee cap in Boston sounds kinda dangerous HAHA=========================
Thanks for your service scootertrash but I would take the advice above.

 

In an ideal world you could wear what you want without some folk thinking they have more rights than you, but it isn't an ideal world and some of the MC's will take you down for it so why stir the pot? Take the higher ground and live a quieter life.

 

Excellent ! You cut thru the BS into the heart of the matter . I enjoyed and understood your Yankee cap analogy . lol.