I Whimped Out

[Smayniac]

My then wife asked me not to wear a kilt while walking the dog in Redding, California one Friday evening. She thought some young rednecks would pile out of a pickup and give me a beat down. I complied with her request; no regrets really, but I don't think it was as "dangerous" as she thought.
Bob

[QMcK]

Ok. Thanks for explaining that. I still don't think I'd wear a kilt, though. Most might respect you more, but it just takes one guy being an idiot to start a fight. I really would rather not draw attention (-ive or +ive) to myself in that type of situation.

[Strings]

Well, I've gotten a broad spectrum of attitudes from the 1%ers up here in the Manitowoc area. Some want to give me a ration (which I ignore), some think it's cool. Most couldn't care less.

One rule I DO have: never wear it while riding, or "working"

QMcK: I know Australia has similar rules, but that's changing. I know the BACA chapters out there are now allowed to fly their colors.

[csbdr]

Guys, you have to understand the difference between a "riding club" and a "Motorcycle club" or MC (M/C) A riding club is a group formed around a brand, usually, or a bunch of local guys who like to ride together. They typically have a single patch, which is purchased, as is often the membership. HOG is a good example.

A MC is a whole different animal. MC's are organized groups where the priviledge to wear the patch is earned, not bought. They very often are very structured, with clear codes of brotherhood. The "patchholders" are guys who have earned the right to wear the 3 piece backpatch of the club. There are typically dominant MC's in everycorner of the country, and they may control a variety of things, including whether you may form another club or not. Some are criminal enterprises, others are not at all, but all demand respect on and off the road. 1% clubs are the toughest of the lot. Not all MC's are 1% clubs. These guys will often have 1% tatoos, or a special patch.

Anyway, you've done well, and recieved the best advise from Buckskin, I think. Actually, patchholders are usually the least of the worry, as long as you don't act like a jerk yourself. The worst, in my experience, are the one-piece wannabees, and especially the MC prospects. Guys prospecting a club have something to prove, and often are looking for trouble.

[Riverkilt]

Don't have any biker bars in my little red neck town, but we used to have a biker sponsored Oktoberfest with lots of drunk "real" bikers. Went kilted many years, never a problem...lots of compliments. Think its that respect for courage thing.

[BroosterB1]

what he said! I don't frequent biker bars (or bars of any type) but I have several friends who are at all levels of Motorcycle riderdom, and yes a couple of "patched" individuals from a MC "club". Interestingly it's the "rougher" guys I get more respect from, the weekend riders give me more grief. At my age I doubt if anybody is going to start anything.....

[Riverkilt]

Good point! Now you're crackin' me up.

What 1%er is gonna wanna brag to his buddies that he just thrashed a 65-year-old man in a kilt??

And hey, some leather guys wear kilts too....

[Andy]

Going to a bar in a kilt: no big deal. I wear one all the time in my own nightclub. Wearing a kilt to a Pantera-tribute concert: could spell trouble for your kilt if a pit breaks out. My wife wanted me to wear my kilt to the last Korn concert we went to and I would have except for the fact that I didn't wish to come home with it in tatters. Good thing too cause as close as I was to the band that night, I cane home with some mere threads on when it was all said and done

[Andy]

Don't have any biker bars in my little red neck town, but we used to have a biker sponsored Oktoberfest with lots of drunk "real" bikers. Went kilted many years, never a problem...lots of compliments. Think its that respect for courage thing.

Couldn't have said it better myself.....

[JelicoCat]

Bikers and Motorcycle clubs are not all bad. 99% are law abiding citizens. Thus term 1%ers. I have worn a kilt to our locale biker bar with no more problems than at my favorite watering hole. Keep in mind I rarely have been there with a group of 1%ers were there. Still, I use the same common sense there as at any bar.