Category Archives: Dear Gemma

Blog, Dear Gemma

Where To Go For Advice

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Dear Gemma

Dear Gemma,
I’m an independent rider. I hear so much about protocol and outlaw clubs that I’m always a little nervous when I go to a bike party. I’ve only gone when I’ve been invited by my friends. A few of them are in clubs. But I’m so afraid of doing something wrong and being approached by one of these men. I don’t mind learning but not sure who to ask because I’m not in a club. I hear club business is club business said often by my friends so I don’t even know if I can ask them.
Where To Go For Advice

Dear Where To Go,
It’s good that you want to learn to feel more comfortable in the motorcycle community. It’s not always easy for independent riders, and depending on the area, not all are welcome as civilians (non club members). It seems as if your area is accepting of the Indy rider. Now, being that you are around the patched (club) crowd you should know some fundamental protocol. Protocol is not inherently “club business.” For example; how many riders to start a club, how to ride in formation, the dominant (outlaw) club for your area, are basic information. Club business consists of specific material that pertains to that club, such as; what is spoken during church (meeting), how officers are elected, how many members in that club. You said you have friends already in clubs. Who ever you are most comfortable talking to, and who you think has a firm understanding of the rules that govern the community, that is the friend you ask questions of. There are also a few educational pages on social media that discuss protocol and traditions. Take what you hear and read and match it with what you see. Protocol in one area may vary when you travel into the next area. Do not be afraid to ask a question or to say you don’t know something. Do not get turned off if someone tells you that’s none of your business – at times what seems like an innocent inquiry may actually be club business. Watch and listen to everything going on around you – visual education can be just as enlightening as verbal education. Good luck. May your destiny take you to a better place.
Gemma

Blog, Dear Gemma, Protocol

Tired Of The Bullshit

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dear gemma

Dear Gemma,
Why should I respect and adhere to protocol when men remind us we aren’t welcome here?
Tired of the Bullshit

Dear Tired
Let me be clear to the women and the men – WOMEN HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HERE. Men are not the only occupants of this house. We have a key to the door as well. The female population may be smaller than the male population, but there has been a woman on iron since the early 1900’s. The influx of men coming home from wars rode iron built in factories by a large population of women, who played a significant role for Industrial America during wartime. You’re riding machines women helped build during those eras. However, men shaped by society, live out the caveman mind frame in the motorcycle world – last bastion of pure male testosterone. Because they control it, they make the rules. That being said…the culture is pure and should be honored. The traditions should be respected. And the protocol should be followed, unless it’s the made up kind because some man has his panties in a bunch. We, as women, chose to enter this motorcycle community. Most knew coming in that it is a misogynistic society, those that did know quickly found out. Even when greeted with animosity, that should not deter us from doing it the right way. Otherwise, you become a part of the larger problem – the fuckery that has invaded this way of life. My advice is to ignore the reminders of the men – most are attempting to prove their manhood by debasing women. Do not allow their attitudes to disrupt your journey. May your destiny take you to a better place.
Gemma