Embroidered patches are something that motorcycle clubs all over the world will use in order to identify themselves. Also known as “colors”, these motorcycle patches will contain the specific logo and name of the club. You may also see a biker’s leather vest with a large back patch flanked on either side by patches that say ‘1%’ and ‘MC’. If you have ever wondered what is meant by these patches, the MC stands for motorcycle club and the 1% stands for the fact that this particular motorcycle club is different from 99% of all other motorcycle clubs.
The way in which they are different is the ‘one percenter’ clubs are not sanctioned by the AMA (American Motorcycle Association). There are strict rules and codes of conduct that must be followed by a motorcycle club in order to be sanctioned by the AMA. Those clubs who would prefer to be independent of the AMA are simply not going to apply to become members. This is why they are known as the ‘one percenters’.
One Percenters and Outlaws
A lot of people regard one percenters to be outlaws even though they may not be. It is true that all outlaw clubs can be regarded as one percenters but the opposite is not always true. So a motorcycle club can choose not to apply for AMA membership but will still be legal in every other sense. When it comes to not applying for AMA membership, there can be numerous reasons why this is the case. But that doesn’t mean such a club operates in violation of the law.
It is sad but true that some motorcycle clubs have spoiled the good name of motorcycle clubs all over the world. No matter what kind of group you have, there are always going to be some who will spoil things for the others. This does not meant that there are nothing but troublemakers in every motorcycle club all over the world. Quite to the contrary, most motorcycle clubs are fine organizations that benefit their local communities to a great extent.
Lone Wolf Riders
There is another group of bikers who are just as misunderstood and these are the lone wolves. A lone wolf is someone who would prefer not to be associated with any particular club but still loves to be out on their motorcycle. A lone wolf likes to be able to head off on his or her motorcycle when they want without having to ride with a group of others. The lone wolves are generally accepted among large gatherings of bikers, but sometimes they’re looked down on and ostracized.
Brave lone wolves will choose to have a lone wolf patch placed on their vest or jacket. Because of their independence, you’ll also notice that very few lone wolf patches are alike. They are just as individual as the bikers wearing them and this would make sense. Lone wolf riders want to be considered individuals so they would not choose to wear the same patch that other lone wolf riders are wearing.


