Motorcycle Club Education

Differences in Primary Club Types

SOCIAL CLUB (SC):

It is a club geared towards enthusiasts who ride together but are not structured and/or geared to host events within the motorcycle community directly. Clubs in this classification have little or no required commitment within the community.
Generally these groups do not wear a back patch, as it has not been sanctioned as a recognized club among other clubs within the community. Generally, if you are interested in wearing colors of any sort, the organization as well as patch design would need to be voted on as a recognized Riding Club (RC) by other local clubs at a region Confederation of Clubs & Independents (COC&I) meeting. If a group begins wearing a back patch that
has not been sanctioned within the region, it will most definitely begin raising flags in the territory aspect of those higher up the chain (whom we all answer to).

RIDING CLUB (RC):

The primary purpose of a riding club is to join enthusiasts on a club level with a higher level than an SC but a lower commitment to the community than an
MC/WMC (listed below). Members get together to enjoy rides, with a lower commitment requirement to the club directly than that of an MC/WMC. Riding clubs usually have regularly scheduled meetings, and generally require its members to pay minimal dues of
some sort. The club also pays local region COC&I dues annually. Members of a riding club usually get together monthly for their chapter’s meeting followed by a ride, outside of other involvements within the community. A riding club may have a one-piece back patch that may be purchased, and members can usually keep the patch even after they have left the club (unless otherwise stated in the club’s bylaws). Members of riding clubs
usually have very few commitments, and may come and go as they please.

MOTORCYCLE CLUB (MC/WMC):

A women’s motorcycle club, such as Sisters Eternal WMC, requires a deep level of personal commitment and self-discipline. You are not just joining a group of people who like to ride motorcycles, you are joining a family. Members make annual tax deductible donations and uphold several attendance/participation requirements that must be fulfilled by each member. Members participate in club activities on a frequent basis and are expected to make time in their busy schedules for the club. Members of motorcycle clubs wear “three piece patches” – a top rocker, bottom rocker, and center patch. These
patches are considered club properly, and they are earned over the course of time
through dedication and hard work. Members of motorcycle clubs join because they are seeking not only the camaraderie with other riders, but also the unconditional love and support from a family and an organizational framework they can learn and grow in. Members of motorcycle clubs make a lifelong commitment – they are club members
24-7, they do not just come and go casually. They are members for life.