Motorcycle Club Etiquette 

Hi Guys and Gals.
I wanted to follow up on my confrontation with the Pagan's motorcycle "club". I didn't know why they acted the way they did, so I decided to research motorcycle club etiquette. Now this video will only cover two areas. Those being what to do if you ride up on a motorcycle club and wish to move past them and some etiquette concerning "patches".
Most motorcycle clubs frown upon riders just approaching at a high rate of speed. The captain or tail-gunner is at the end of the pack. His job is to keep the pack safe. When you approach, make contact with the captain and once contact has been established, motion that you would like to pass by pointing forward. When it's all clear he (captain) will wave you by. They say it's a safety issue because the captain doesn't know who you are or what your skill level may be. It's also a respect issue. Once he waves you on, just maintain a good pace. Do NOT speed by. Do NOT linger. You don't want to be seen as blending in with the pack. And, by all means, do NOT wheelie by. This could get you followed and, in some cases, "educated". Don't be afraid to make eye-contact while passing members. Just give a nod of appreciation for their courtesy and be on your way.
The second matter is "patches". Vikingbags.com has a great article concerning patches on their website. Patches anyone can wear patches only one-percenters wear. Colors of the patches and text. Which are okay for everyone and which should be avoided by some. It's really interesting reading.
For my 71st birthday I got a denim vest (cuts), a 'DEADHEAD' upper rocker, a Grateful Dead 9" x 12" red, white, and blue skull patch, and a 'MARYLAND' lower rocker. After watching some videos on motorcycle clubs, I decided to find out what the protocol was concerning the patches. I contacted some motorcycle clubs in my area and explained my situation. I also stated that I wanted to know protocol out of respect. A club contacted me and let me know that the patches sounded great to them, however, the lower rocker could cause me some grief. I responded by asking if that grief would be by bodily-injury or harassment. They responded that the "one-percenters" may not like it. Seemed only logical to contact some one-percenter clubs. I sent emails to three local one-percenter clubs. One club responded by letting me know that even though I didn't have the "MC" (motorcycle club) cube patch, that my patch would be considered a three-piece patch and it may be wise to leave the lower rocker off, depending on what club I may encounter. I got my vest out, situated the upper rocker and middle patch on the vest the way I would have them sewn on, took a picture and sent it to this club asking if it would be an issue. The response was, "That's work. You shouldn't have any issues".
Some friends of mine, after hearing my story, got a little bent out of shape. They told me that this isa America and I should be able to wear what I want. I told them that I COULD wear the three-piece but, depending on what club I may run onto, could cause me grief. Now grief comes in all forms and, most likely, the grief I would catch would be a warning. However, depending on the mood of the pack, it could easily escalate. That would be a worst-case scenario but I like to look at worst-case scenarios and that way I'm prepared. Anything else that happens is gravy.
So there you have it! A quick, painless lesson on motorcycle club etiquette.
Ride Well Everyone!