Embroidered patches are something that motorbike clubs around the globe will use in order to identify themselves. Often called "colors", these motorcycle patches beat the club's distinct name and logo. Often you'll see the back of a leather vest or jacket decorated with a main patch in the center, flanked by patches saying "MC" and "1%" on either side. You may have been curious as to the meaning of these clubs and if so, the 1% means this particular club is different from 99% of the rest of the motorbike clubs in the world and the MC stands for motorbike club.

The difference they're referring to lies in the fact that a "one percenter" motor bike club is not sanctioned by the American Motor cycle Association (AMA). In order to receive sanctioning by the AMA, a motorcycle club will have to follow strict codes of conduct and ethics. Those clubs who'd prefer to be independent of the AMA are simply not going to apply to become members. This is why they are referred to as the 'one percenters'.

Outlaws and the One Percenters

The problem for one percenter clubs is the fact that they are often regarded as being outlaw clubs when this may not necessarily be the case. It is true that all outlaw clubs can be regarded as one percenters but the opposite is not always true. So a motor cycle club can choose not to apply for AMA membership but will still be legal in every other sense. With respect to not applying for AMA membership, there can be numerous reasons why this is the case. But one this is for sure, there is nothing to state that this club is operating outside of the law.

Unfortunately, you can find a few motor bike clubs whose outlaw reputation has sullied the image of motor bike clubs everywhere. it doesn't matter what kind of group you've, you will find always going to be some who will spoil things for the others. This does not meant that there are nothing but troublemakers in every motor cycle club all over the world. In actual fact, most communities will manage to benefit from the reputable organization that's their local motor bike club.

The Lone Wolf

In relation to misunderstood bikers, there's another group and these are called lone wolves. Lone wolves are bikers who love all some great benefits of riding motorcycles on the open road but don't want to be attached to a certain club. These people don't want to have to ride with a club and like to have the ability to go where they want, when they want. While most bikers have no problem with lone wolves, there's a few who ostracize them and look down upon them.

Brave lone wolves will choose to have a lone wolf patch put on their vest or jacket. Due to their independence, you will also notice that not many lone wolf patches are alike. They are as individual as the riders themselves - which seems to make complete sense. If you are a motor cycle rider who prefers not to be attached to a club it would stand to reason you wouldn't be thinking about a uniform patch that every other lone wolf also wears.