Black Bikers Experience

Please read this article and tell me what you think. Do you feel the National Bikers Roundup organization should have funded this program all by themselves due to the revenue they make off black bikers every year?

I do! We continue to support this event without thinking about what they are giving back to the biker community after grossing millions of dollars. Do you think they should donate a portion of their proceeds from the National Bikers Roundup to God’s Wheels and not solicit the bike community at the event?

  

  

Bikers roundup charity donates more than 33 tons of food
Monday, August 9, 2010 | 6:50 p.m. CDT
BY Christina Stiehl

  

The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, formerly the Central Missouri Food Bank, recently gained a lot of weight — more than 33 tons.

God’s Wheels, a motorcycle ministry and the official charity of the National Bikers Roundup, collected money and nonperishable food from people and motorcycle clubs during the roundup. The donations to the food bank came in the forms of cash, checks made payable to the food bank and cans and boxes of food.

For every dollar it receives, the food bank can buy 20 pounds of food. Through that formula, and with the additional donation of non-perishables, the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri collected 66,563 pounds of food.

On Saturday evening, the Harley Davidson Motor Co. presented the food bank with a check for $2,500. The presentation, held on the main outdoor stage, was part of a set of live events including music performances and a fashion show.

God’s Wheels has been the official charity of the National Bikers Roundup since 1998. Harry Gumby, the founder and national president of God’s Wheels, established the motorcycle ministry four months after leaving his secular motorcycle club.

God’s Wheels collects money and goods on behalf of the local food bank in the hosting city of the roundup. Gumby said everything collected, except for some perishable food that was discarded, goes directly to the food bank.

Gumby called God’s Wheels “a good way to feed America,” because the roundup travels to a different hosting state every year.

Mike Desantis, a development associate at the Columbia-based food bank, said the organization was present at the roundup every day, transporting that day’s collectibles back to the food bank in vans and trucks.

Although the food bank does not serve people food directly, it services 132 agencies and 80 schools throughout 32 counties in central and northeast Missouri, according to its website.

Gumby said donating food for the underprivileged in the local hosting community is important to God’s Wheels.

“It’s not that we are just coming to take,” he said. “We are coming to give.”

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SNCC photographer Clifford Vaughs is arrested by the National Guard, Cambridge, Maryland, May 2, 1964. Photo by Danny Lyon ©Danny Lyon/Magnum Photos

  

  

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It is almost impossible to be concurrently a chopper rider and be a success in Entertainment Business world. These two scenes just don’t recognize or respect one another.It is almost impossible to be concurrently a chopper rider and be a success in Entertainment Business world.

  

But in California today there are three men – Frank Reynolds, Gut and Cliff Vaughs who have not only made it successfully in business but also have been able to maintain active memberships in two of the state’s most publicized clubs.

  

Freewheelin’ Frank has written an astonishing best seller about his experiences for Grove Press called simply “Freewheelin Frank” and already has a second volume of poetry in the works.

  

Gut is the colorful manager of one of California’s heaviest rock groups, the Blue Cheer, which has already released a hit single and smash album on Mercury.

  

But it is Vaughs who is the interesting because not only is he a chopper rider but a successful film maker, producer, civil rights leader and black. Vaughs rides with a predominantly black cycle club out of the ghetto area of Los Angeles. (The Chosen Few MC)

  

Vaughs is college educated, BA from Boston University and formally began his film career as a maker of documentaries. His “What Will The Harvest Be” a story of the thrust of black power in the south was shown several years ago on ABC-TV. This film featured such civil rights leaders as the late Martin Luther King, Stokely Carmichael and Julian Bond according to Cliff. It was later suppressed, I guess, because they showed it here twice in California and in Chicago. But it wasn’t pushed. I think this was done because this was the first public expression of black power.

  

From documentaries Vaughs went into film production, and it is significant to note that this is the first time in the Hollywood film industry, aside from Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby that an unknown black man has been able to break into production.

  

Chopper Magazine talked to Cliff Vaughs about his feelings toward the Hollywood manufactured cycle image, the integration of white outlaw clubs, Peter Fonda as a plastic hero and the emergence of the chopper rider as the final romantic American hero.

  

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE WORLD OF CYCLING?

  

“In terms of my own relation with my own motorcycle, it’s the final romantic expression that is left in this country. Obviously the frontier is gone. The cycle is the one thing that you can build from nothing—just a basket, and make something very, very beautiful and really put yourself into it. This goes from a simple question of chrome, to developing new designs, sissy bars, new ways of riding and things like that.”

  

HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME INVOLVED WITH A CHOPPER?

  

“Certainly bikes attract a great deal of people who have basically been frustrated in their life. I haven’t been frustrated but I do view my bike as another way of relieving a lot of tension from myself. I have been riding since 1962. I even missed the March on Washington because I was building a chopper. I like my bike and I like Choppers and I’m very concerned about the restrictive legislation that is coming out from most states against the rider. Laws that are trying to keep Choppers off the road, and I think that a Chopper is a typically American expression.”

  

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE CHOPPER IN YOUR NEW FILM?

  

“In “Easy Riders” the cycle is just a vehicle to get around on. It’s like the horse from the old days. What we are basically doing is psychological western. We have two guys who have problems and are into their own bag. They are good friends, they’ve made one big score and are off to Miami to retire. Now in the course of the film a number of things happen to them on their trip. These are things that could happen to a guy if he were driving a car, flying in an airplane or riding on a train—except for the fact that being on a bike—they are more vulnerable to what’s going on.” Chopper asked Vaughs if the movie was going to say the same thing its predecessors from American International have said again and again.

  

“This is not what we are into. I think we can change the image of the cyclist, and make a significant contribution to changing the development of the cycle image. I don’t feel that Hollywood today is producing anything of much significance. And I think that this is the time to make the change, because the western has been the major success in this country. If we can change the vehicle from a horse to a cycle—and still develop good stories and good concepts then I think we have made a significant and artistic contribution to bikes and films.”

  

We asked Vaughs if any fulltime chopper rider could be trained by Hollywood into a Fonda role.
“No Peter and Dennis are very heavy into a lot of cultural things. They are in a position to be very, very socially aware of what’s going on. A lot of bikers just don’t know what’s going on because the whole weight of having to deal with everyday situations or hustling to live precludes any awareness of other problems. I mean, theirs is a hunting and gathering culture. You must remember that most bikers are not in a medium where they can project anything. Even if an average rider went on ”Meet the Press,” he would give the same rap about oppressed bike riders, patriotism, etc.”

  

He stated that before the film was started he indicated that one of the main things “Easy Riders” should do was break down the whole idea of black and white motorcycle clubs. “Because my investigation showed that white clubs had restrictive clauses and it’s only the blacks that are integrating. The Chosen Few has been integrated for a long period of time.”

  

“In this film said Vaughs we have a situation where the two main characters are riding across country. Their bikes break down and they run into about 50 black cyclists. They are very, very up-tight, scared and shaken up. But, it works out very well because the black cats just say, “Can we help you get some gas?” Everything is very groovy. And that to me seems a real situation.”

  

“I maintain if that situation can happen and it does in real life there is still some hope. There are many, many people that maintain that it can happen. “But I’ve seen it happen this way.”

  

Does Vaughs feel this situation is only confined to the cycle world? Naturally he answers in the negative.

  

“The cities are still going to burn despite the fact that these black cats stopped to help these white cyclists on the road.” That baby is reality.

  

CLIFF’S BIKE REFLECTS TRADITIONAL DESIGN. THE 68 ENGINE NESTLES NEATLY IN THE EARL RIGID FRAME. THE REAR SEAT HAS BEEN UPHOLSTERED ALL THE WAY UP TO THE SISSY BAR, AND THE FRONT FORKS RAKED AND TENDED. THE EARLY BRAKE ROD HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A DC CHAIN, AND THE TANK HAS BEEN FANCIFULLY DECORATED WITH MULTICOLOR FLOWERS.

  

THE FRAME ON CLIFF’S BIKE IS A 57 HARLEY STRAIGHTBAR. HE EXTENDED THE ORIGINAL GLIDEFORKS 8 INCHES AND RAKED OUT THE FRAME 7 DEGREES.

  

THE MOTORCYCLE IS THE LAST ROMANTIC EXPRESSION LEFT IN THIS COUNTRY. THE FRONTIER GONE AND THE MOTORCYCLE IS THE ONE THING THAT YOU CAN STILL BUILD YOURSELF FROM A BASKET CASE.
Written in Chopper Magazine around 1968.

  

Below is a photo of Cliff Vaughs today.

  

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This information was share by Full Tilt Riders.

  

BEHAVIOR

  

The general public does not draw a distinction between different club colors. If one club causes a problem that touches the public sector, the heat comes down on all clubs. EVERYONE needs to be aware that no matter whether they are in an MC, RC, MM, or an Independent (Lone Wolf) rider, their actions reflect on all in the motorcycle community. The MC clubs tend to police themselves to avoid such incidents.

  

DESIGNING A NEW PATCH

  

When designing your patch, it would be a good idea to get to know some of your area clubs, and observe their designs and colors. If you can, bring your design to your local dominant club, and show it to them before having them made, making sure they approve. This is not a requirement but is a jesture of respect. Although this may be intimidating, generally, the dominant clubs are very receptive to this and will respect you for your consideration.

  

COLORS VS. PATCHES

  

Traditional MC’s differentiate patches from colors. In their eyes, patches belong to riding clubs and are purchased, not earned. Colors belong to motorcycle clubs and are earned. Colors represent a much deeper committment.The dominant club or local MC has expectations for others to adhere to when developing their patches.

  

Different numbers of patches represent different things to motorcycle riders.

  

ONE & TWO PIECE PATCHES

  

A one-piece patch normally represents a family club, riding club, or social motorcycle club. One piece back patches are generally accepted and approved, unless the patch displays stolen logos or those that are similar to the local MC. The UK is the only place where wearing any back patch other than the dominant club’s has created problems.

  

A two-piece patch can have many different meanings. Both of these types should be respectful to the area clubs by not infringing on their established territory.

  

THREE PIECE PATCHES

  

A three-piece patch normally signifies that the club is a Traditional Motorcycle Club (MC). These are worn with the top rocker showing the club name, the middle showing the club’s patch and the bottom showing their territory location. There are also a few 3-piece patch clubs where the bottom rocker has something other than territory, such as a saying. The traditional MC is one that adheres to the protocols and traditions that have long been established. There are a few exceptions including veterans, firefighters, and Christian groups. Law-enforcement groups stand alone because, they are the law.

  

To keep it simple, a three-piece patch should only be worn by established MC’s. Becoming an “established” or “traditional” MC involves a well established protocol of sponsors and approvals by existing MC’s. Wearing colors that resemble a 3-piece patch with permission could turn out as a disaster. Do your homework, and show respect.

  

ROCKER PATCHES AND TERRITORY

  

Rocker patches (these are the top and bottom curved patches) are NOT AN OPTION FOR A RIDING CLUB PERIOD, UNLESS DIRECTLY SANCTIONED BY THE LOCAL DOMINANT CLUB. No rocker patches in any shape or form, not even unified rockers that are actually 1 piece are appropriate. ROCKERS ARE ROCKERS no matter what. This also includes any little patches that may have a rocker type design and are to be worn on the front of the riders’ vest or jacket.

  

RC’s and Social MC’s should never claim territory with a patch. DO NOT HAVE THE NAME OF YOUR STATE EMBROIDERED ON THE BACK OF YOUR VEST OR JACKET (even if it’s not in a rocker patch). That’s claiming territory and could get you places you don’t want to be. Chapter location bars are generally found on the front of an MC member’s jacket or vest. This small patch is how MC’s readily identify each other without actually wearing full colors.

  

1%er AND OUTLAWS

  

The term 1% comes from the AMA. After a violent event in the 60’s, the AMA wrote an article in their magazine, stating that “99% of all of their members are law-abiding citizens and only 1% are “outlaw””. This then, began what is today known as Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs and one percenters. The AMA named “Hells Angels” and the likes, as making up only 1% of all motorcyclists as being “The Bad Boys”. The Angels adapted that and became an exclusive 1% club. And ANY club that tried to wear that 1% diamond had better be able to back it up. The term “The Big Four” is the four largest 1% clubs and the most dangerous clubs in the world. 1.“Bandidos”, established 1966 2. “Hells Angels”, established 1948 3.”Outlaws”, established 1935 4.”Pagans” established 1959. The Bandidos , are the fastest growing outlaw motorcycle club in the U.S.

  

The fact is that 1%’s and outlaws are not at war with the world. They do not go out of their way to draw attention to themselves. Outlaw/1%er clubs for the most part keep the violence in the rival Motorcycle Club circle. The violence rarely spills out into the general public. Rival clubs have killed each for years over things like territory and simple arguments over what seems to be nothing to the average citizen. In the past, this had a lot to do with $$$ and income streams. Don’t try to claim territory or get involved with their business.

  

As you know they seldom wave at anyone. It is nothing personal and has nothing to do with the bike you ride. They also seldom wave at another outlaw club. The outlaws are a society within a society, with their own rules, own codes of conduct, own ways of reacting to the world. The fact is they respect you, other than that they don’t think about you at al.

  

Be as patient and as tolerant as you can when in a situation where you are approached by outlaws. It is not always a good idea to approach them even if you are just being friendly. Outlaws are very suspicious of an approach by a stranger. However, some can be very friendly provided you don’t ask questions about their “business”. Just be careful and respectful and you should not have a problem.

  

This information was shared by Full Tilt Riders.

  

One of the first black motorcycle clubs in Los Angeles that became the first to be multiracial.

“The first shall be last and the last shall be first.

Many Are Called… Few Are Chosen”

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