Why Do Men Join Motorcycle Clubs?

Why do men join motorcycle clubs?

There are many reasons why, and I'll explore them below.

But first, it also depends on the club itself. Guys don't just join a club for the sake of joining a club, but because that club offers a specific purpose. Each have different perogatives, philosophies. And of course, the people in the club have their own personalities, and that makes each club and/or chapter unique.

There are many motorcycle clubs founded with the purpose of brotherhood. Some of these clubs are more like "support groups", particularly on staying clean and sober, or recovering from alcoholism. Think of them like an Alcoholic Anonymous group, but for bikers.

Quite a few are military based. There are some that are solely for active military, mostly as a way create unity among a group of soldiers and sailors. There are many more for veterans, and these clubs exist to provide charitable support for veterans causes.

There are also faith-based clubs. Some of them are motorcycle clubs for Christians, and there are also some for Jews. But there are also "motorcycle ministries" (MM), which are not so much clubs, but actual churches that get together and ride, and then have service.

There are clubs centered around professions, like policemen, firemen, and iron workers. Some clubs are auxiliaries of local labor union chapters. Some guys are interested in joining these clubs because they can mingle with like-minded folks.

Some clubs are actually corporations, or enterprises, that own bars, restaurants, and other licensed businesses. Some sell guns, prostitutes, and drugs. Their goal is to make money.

Other clubs are just interested in partying, be it drinking all night, swinging, or whatever floats their boat.

What that in mind, guys join motorcycle clubs mostly because the club offers something that they're wanting. Be it a sense of brotherhood, a sense of family, partying, or spiritual healing. If you're wondering why your husband or boyfriend wants to join a motorcycle club, take a look at the club.

Most guys join motorcycle clubs because the club offers reputation. If a club has a well-established reputation, be it good or bad, that reputation will rub off on them when they wear the club's colors. In that sense, guys join these clubs because they seek "legitimacy", or, they want to be the "real deal" in the eyes of others.

Larger clubs rely on an organizational structure to keep everything in order. A lot of guys thrive on this. They want to join these kinds of clubs because they need a sense of "structure and order" in their lives. They want to contribute to a larger goal, and they want their place in the framework.

Some guys are just lost, and many motorcycle clubs offer them "family". They give them a place in the structure, and tell him that he's now part of their family, and that they'll back him up no matter what.

There are also guys in their middle ages that have become bored with their lives. They might have wives and kids, but their kids are grown up, and romance is no longer that big burning flame that it once was. Instead of cheating of their wives, they find that a motorcycle club gives them something to look forward to.

Keep in mind that there are also "riding clubs", as opposed to "motorcycle clubs". The riding club is centered around riding motorcycles. Motorcycle clubs usually have a greater goal or perogative than just riding bikes. The riding club offers no other purpose than to go out riding with some folks, grab some lunch, have a beer, and call it a day.

What makes things confusing between riding clubs and motorcycle clubs, is that some motorcycle clubs are actually riding clubs if you look at them closely. There are also clubs that call themselves "riding club" when in fact they're trying to be a motorcycle club. They do this because the Confederation of Clubs in their state has made it difficult for new motorcycle clubs to exist.

If you hubby says he's joining a club, you might want to ask him if its a riding club or a motorcycle club.

Posted:   Wednesday, March 12, 2008