“I sure as sh*t seen everything now.” – Bartender
I didn’t start with that quote just because it’s funny….I stuck it in because I can relate. When it comes to motorcycle “clubs” there is a part of me that admires the so called “outlaw biker”. They turned riding in the wind into something to live for. They made the motorcycle the cornerstone of their identity and it’s the metaphor for their personal freedom. Hollywood romanticizes this image. In fact, many outlaw bikers envision themselves as social rebels who promote personal freedoms, by exercising their right to choose and their freedom to associate.
I figured I’ve seen pretty much everything in all my years on this earth, but I was caught off guard by the number of comments from people who expressed outrage here and on many other motorcycle “boards” about the topic of large 1%er “clubs” trying to dominate thru intimidation and impose their will on other clubs. I didn’t even write the article, but the comments had a life of their own! Sometimes clubs are forced into, or willingly accept, “support” roles for a 1%er club. Smaller clubs who resist a large 1%er club have “voluntarily” been forcibly disbanded, e.g. told to hand over their colors or risk war. In turf wars, patches feud not people, but people get hurt.
OVMA
Should we care about 1%er business? Not really. The “hornet theory” (leave them alone and they will leave you alone) has served most of us motorcycle enthusiasts well. We’ve certainly read press reports that the larger 1%er MCs are rivals with each other and have fought over territory, patch rivalry and other issues…as the local CoC (Confederation of Clubs) work to eliminate most of these interclub issues. But this isn’t about 1%er rivalry. It’s about the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association (OVMA or cached version HERE), a legally registered non-profit organization with a membership of 600 and 12 chapters state-wide, who have been ordered to close its doors by October 24th by a 1%er “club” in Oregon.
I do care about my personal rights. I’m talking about the constitution and the right of free assembly, the right to privacy, the right of free association and the right to defend ourselves against oppressors, both foreign and domestic. These are the very rights that I connected to those social rebels, the so called outlaw biker who has been vocal in evangelizing those freedoms for all. But isn’t this hypocrisy?
The issue of “clubs” preying on each other which then spills over to preying on all of us…means you and I in the biker community loose. I grew up in a time when everyday life was simple…you worked, obeyed the law, cared for your family, looked out for your neighbors and respected your country. At least that was the creed of the working class, which does most of the of the country’s heavy lifting. How is this any different than the “Crips” or “El Norte” street gang doing their best to instill fear in local area residents? If certain groups among us are successful of shutting down a legal non-profit veterans organization then who is the next target from the mainstream motorcycle clubs or riding associations? Is it the Harley Owners Group, Honda Riders Club of America or the BMW Riders Association? Or maybe it’s the Patriot Guard Riders, who provide funeral escorts for military veterans?
A larger issue is the very real dangers regarding laws and legislation that is not specific and general in nature with regard to “clubs” or gangs and how those clubs are defined. When laws and legislation are not specific or is left to individuals or even the court’s interpretation and discretion… we should have cause for concern. It’s very likely that some opportunistic politician will leverage this situation, evangelize how Biker gangs are out of control in Oregon and use it to introduce a bill in Salem that will limit motorcycle association rights. They are probably scheduling a press briefing right now to tell us how its “good for the motorcycle economy”!
Don’t believe it’s possible? Then check out how Myrtle Beach decided to eliminate motorcycle rallies! Where is the line on a rally vs. an event in the legal system? Well the attorney’s will get wealthy because the litigation is starting and it’s the first of motorcycle association rights that effect you.
So, in the interest to educate the motorcycle enthusiasts of the northwest mark your calendar on October 25th. It’s called “Free The Colors”, a grassroots initiative in Oregon inspired by “Pappy” and I’m helping to bring visibility. See more information HERE. On that day every rider regardless of club affiliation should openly and peacefully support the OVMA’s courageous stand against intimidation.
Let’s exercise our right to peaceful assembly, to choose and defend our personal freedom of association with the OVMA while honoring our veterans. I’m just one person advocating for a just society. Now excuse me while I go rent a Mary Poppins video and buy a popsicle for little Billy (before he gets hooked on meth)…
UPDATE: October 19, 2008 – Ride details available HERE for Free The Colors Day.
UPDATE: September 27, 2008 – The ride results are HERE.
OVMA photo courtsey of web site. Legal books courtsey of VBI.
Northwest Harley Blog 
Mac – You nailed it right on the head and thank you for yours and the blog’s support of “Free the Colors Day”.
October 25th IS “Free the Colors Day” in Oregon. As you pointed out every individual rider as well as association, club, or organization is encouraged to fly whatever “colors” they prefer to whatever event, or errand, or just putt in the wind that day in support of FREEDOM from STREET TERRORISM.
There is only one Oregon 1%er club diretly at the root of this, and one of their support clubs – which calls itself a veterans club, by the way. Those other Oregon 1%er clubs have in the past been good friends and brothers to the OVMA and they are not to be confused with the Gypsy Jokers / NW VETS which have been identified to law enforcement as responsible for this by the OVMA state board.
The former president of the OVMA has formally resigned and no longer speaks or acts for the association. The appropriate legal and administrative actions have been taken with the appropriate state offices.
No one I have heard from or talked to has EVER heard of such a thing occurring, and none are supportive of it. The OVMA enjoys excellent relations with notable members of the state government, as well as with other veterans organizations such as the VFW and American Legion. The association has recieved numerous awards for their direct involvement in visiting and working with elderly and disabled Oregon veterans at Oregon’s Old Soldiers’ Home on the Columbia, and recently, along with the VMC, spent a day with disabled veterans needing assisted care at Vancouver’s VA facility.
On October 25th let’s fly the “colors” for all of us in support of their doing the hard right over the easy wrong in this situation. If anyone, whether OVMA or otherwise, is confronted or harassed or feels they are being intimidated by any other MC club/association/organization or its members you are encouraged to file a police report immediately with your local agency, or with the Oregon State Patrol / Oregon Department of Justice / ATF.
Uh, Mac?
Club Business? Remember that conversation?
Call me.
WJ
As far as Pappy’s advice goes, follow your own path and feelings on it. Whatever it is you want to do.
I will tell you however, for your own safety, if approached by a group of 1% individuals, be respectful, be compliant, and follow their directions and requests.
This does not mean you are a coward, or a weenie. It is how the life is lived. If you want to make your report or whatever afterward, that is between you and your moral code. But, between you and a potential emergency room visit is entirely upon how you handle the situation when it comes down.
Yea yea, I know, I’m an American and can wear what I want when I want, blah blah blah.
Look, been doing this 34 years, I’m not a PH but have spent a lot of time among clubs in various parts of the country. I can tell you, those that comply with requests are rarely bothered. Those that come off with the “I’m an American” routine generally don’t fair so well.
Like I said, do what your concience tells you to afterward, but when confronted, Don’t pull yours out to see who’s is bigger, I can almost certainly predict yours ain’t.
Personally, Unless your wearing a patch that you have prospected for, Unless your in a club that is so tight you would die for the guy next to you (as 1% clubs are by the way) I don’t see the sense in getting into a physical confrontation over a piece of cloth.
Pappa, in the biker world, it is generally considered bad form to be naming club names and discussing their business in public. Take it for what it’s worth, I didn’t make the rules, been like this long before I came along.
Best of luck to all concerned.
Windy Joe – your post here should be read very carefully – for exactly what it says and the message you are conveying for someone else – since you are not a club member – with all respect (and you know I mean this) – I ain’t a biker and I ain’t in the biker world. I’m a retired peace officer, read: Law Enforcement Officer. I’m on my side of the line and it’s a Thin Blue one whose business is Public Safety, not “club business”.
Windy Joe,
I gotta side with Pappy on this. You are dispensing advice yet you admit you are not a PH. Just rubbing elbows with Clubs for 34 years does not make you an expert. You ain’t walked the walk yet because you were on the outside looking in.
If approached by those you describe (and appear to have an affinity for given your long association), I will react as appropriate and it won’t be by their rules. If its a hand in friendship, so much the better.
If theirs is bigger as you say, they better be ready and willing to use it. Yes, I am an American.
windy,
I am a PH. obviously not in a 1 % club since I am a female. Just a few points.
interesting that you say it is “club biz”, then proceed to speak for them. You also suggest clubs/individuals who are confronted to shut down, fold, walk away (if they can) why???? You are suggesting they will do serious harm?? Again, speaking for them. Now, we have a non ph telling us the rules. This is exactly why this kind of thing has gone on this long. ie.keep it secret, have non ph do most of the intimidation work for them. You, actually, have broken the very rules you speak of. You are speaking FOR the 1% and while you are at it, threatening us with an ER visit if we don’t comply.
We’ll see what happens. 40 members of one OMG can’t shut down a club of 600. Unless it stayed quiet. Now that the general public and law enforcement as well as numerous other groups, are aware…I seriously doubt the Jokers will have their way.
Just maybe, a new era is on its way. A time when the OUTLAW no longer has control over the masses. Yes, some may get hurt (on both sides) but I’d rather make that trip to the ER than to meekly comply and feel contempt for myself for life for rolling over for a bully.
As for you not understanding fighting over a piece of cloth???? That’s why you are NOT a PH. You don’t get it. It is called MY freedom, which is just as important to me as to the OMG’s. You walk the picket fence in life where it is safe. You can brush elbows with a PH but never be one. You give instructions to non PH’s as well. I have met and know many people just like yourself. You actually do more harm than good by spouting “their” rules. They live, work & play in a free and lawful society not a jail house. They can dictate all they want inside prison. They no longer can dictate outside. Some people still play by the rules and laws of this land.
It’s time they got over it. They can’t rule the masses. I understand about territory etc…but we aren’t in the same sort of business, if you get my drift. We are no threat to their existence and we won’t allow them to threaten ours.
jan
KPMC
I posted this on another, older NWH Blog page but think it outta be here, too – reference the OVMA.
I’ve ridden a motor for nearly 35 years now – I don’t need a club, or an association, or an organization at this stage of my life to simply enjoy what I’ve earned as an American, as a combat veteran, and as a street cop.
Feel the same as RETIRED LE – you want to extend a hand of friendship, I’m there. Otherwise, mind your own business.
Windy Joe –
It’s a one piece patch; it’s always been a one piece patch; for 18 years it’s been a one piece patch; it was blessed by the Oregon CoC; for years the OVMA has offered it is a neutral organization; for years all the 1%er clubs have enjoyed a good relationship with the members of this organization; the OVMA has been formally represented in the CoC (for years); it lost its vote recently but was reinstated in the CoC due to that organization’s membership – representing both 99% and 1% clubs – voted it was absurd not to have the OVMA represented; the problem, if there was a legitimate problem, should have been an agenda item for the CoC…but the vote would have gone in favor of the OVMA just as it did on reinstatement…and certain folks knew that and decided to do an end run and threaten physical injury/death if the OVMA didn’t just “go away”.
Your argument could just as easily apply to the 1%er clubs regarding wearing colors, blustering all up, et al.
This is nothing but a personal agenda that the OVMA is standing up to. Your argument offers if someone gets hurt, is it worth it? What that really says is that the 1%er club in question indeed did what it did and threatens violence if they don’t get their way.
In essence, you’re supporting someone else’s criminal means of taking from someone else, and affirming in point that’s exactly what may happen.
You offer you’re a vet; great. The OVMA, as with the VMC, as with the In-Country Vets, have the right to form an organization and affiliate. Just like folks can join ABATE and affiliate, regardless of being an independent or a member of a recognized group.
You may not have worn a patch on your back; you may wear a membership patch on your front; however, back or front your view offers if someone in one organization takes offence at someone else’s…it really doesn’t matter where your patch is.
The mafia has tried and in some cases succeeded in shutting down labor unions, or forceably enlisting their unwilling support. Other unions have fought back – as they should – and remained legitimate, helpful, powerful, respectable organizations. The OVMA is doing just this, legally and by being up front with the greater Oregon MC community.
Your argument is the same argument I’ve studied and fought against in El Salvador and Iraq – it’s the “Al Queda” doctrine…the old “FMLN” doctrine. “If you don’t do or give us what we want someone, anyone may get hurt…and wouldn’t you feel bad about that?”
That’s terrorism, pure and simple.
And if you hadn’t noticed we’ve been fighting a global war on terrorism, both foreign and domestic, since 2001.
I agree with Mac’s editorial on the NW Hog blog – you might want to read it.
Postscript –
I’m with Jan/KPMC – she called it spot on on all counts.
And by the way, two people already got hurt. Set up and welcomed in with hugs and handshakes then sucker-punched and rat-packed and threatened not to tell anyone what happened to them and why.
Fly your colors on the 25th – contact the OVMA or an OVMA member and tell ’em you’re behind their stepping up to the plate for all of us – if you get hassled by anyone make a report, LE is on this in a big way and will help all it can –
The 1% need to hear loud and clear from the 99% and the OVMA and other honorable VET clubs need to know their service, sacrifice, and truly good works on behalf of so many are respected and we’re with ’em on this one.
If anything – post your support here.
De Oppresso Liber – “Free the Oppressed”
Nope, I didn’t speak for them. You people obviously don’t get it. First off, I didn’t name names. Secondly, i did’t mention their business only repeated and discussed things said here already, in an effort to educate as to what the rules are they go by.
Merely trying to explain the survival guides to not have a negative physical encounter when it happens.
Colors as many of you call them are also earned and consist of 3 pieces. Sorry you all don’t like it, but thats just how it is, i didn’t make it up. Didn’t make the rules either.
Jan, if you don’t think they will do serious harm, I can’t say it any plainer, your a fool. There are thousands of incidents over the last 60 years where people have been physically assaulted for not complying with 1% patch holders to remove a garment etc. Countless.
Am I suggesting they will do harm? How about this, find out for yourself. Go tell one your not going to take off your patch, explain your rights as an American and see what happens.
You people want to ride around with patches on your back and apparently know diddly jack about the world you have entered.
Physical harm Jan, yea, when two or three people with a patch they don’t like are sitting around and get rode up on by half a dozen or so, and give them the blah blah balh, history has a long and bloody tail about how those people are dealt with.
But, you all go ahead and give your speaches in their face, I’ll be watching the headlines to see how it goes.
Windy Joe,
The long and bloody trail you refer to is littered by those of the outlaw world who have fought EACH OTHER and sometimes died for turf, perceived slights, revenge, money, snitching, insults, drugs, and the list goes on.
One only has to read what has occurred over the years in Canada between various outlaw factions who vie for control.
Sometimes innocents are caught in the cross fire and when that happens, the law finally gets its collective ass in gear and comes down hard on the players.
Lets hope it does not come to that in our area of the Northwest.
windy joe,
I never said I didn’t think harm would befall someone. I know quite well, that it is not only possible, but probable. What I said was, it is not up to you and others like you to “educate” the rest of us. It is precisely that education from the non PH that brainwashes the average Joe into believing he has NO right to wear anything without prior approval. without great physical harm befalling him. The outlaw has to no nothing, you did it for him.
I don’t care if it has been that way for 50 years. (they finally stopped the witch trials didn’t they) It needs to be stopped.
When you side with the outlaw thugs, knowing what they do and what they are capable of, it makes you just as bad as them.
I know what to expect from them – it’s the people like you I need to watch. You never know what side of the fence you’ll be on.
I DO know diddly jack about this world.
Maybe more than even you. I can tell you more about them than you know. Just because I’m a female doesn’t mean I don’t know about their education, prospecting, protocols, rat-packing etc…
I would never walk up to them (as you suggested) and tell them I won’t remove my colors….but if they come up to me, I will have to refuse their request. I know the consequence, but I’m willing to stand up for myself.
It’s really too bad that the actual masses (people like you) won’t stand with us. I guess it’s like the wild west gunslinger. All were afraid of him, but wanted to be close to him. Who ended up taking him out? Usually not another gunslinger, it was the bartender behind the counter with a shot to his back.
Again, you are the one I fear. While you are rubbing elbows with your thug friends, if there was an altercation…whose side do you take then? Or do you just slide on out, pretend you didn’t see it and go on with your life?? To have hung with this type for 30+ years, you have to be blind, deaf and dumb. (see nothing, hear nothing and say nothing)
The law breaking thug that will only fight when it is 6 to 1? Who beats you senseless because he doesn’t like your patch? Who tries to rule all of motorcycling with their threats and intimidation? Who is ready and willing to break the law at any time for any reason???? Who will shoot someone off their bike???? Who offers his hand in friendship, just to sucker punch you?????
That is the guy you have respect for????
These are the guys you have hung with for 30 years??????????
Speaks volumes about you, doesn’t it.
I’ve been around and I know their rules as well as the rules I live by.
My decision stands. And should I live through the threats you’ve mentioned…YES I will talk about it, let it be public and first and foremost, bring the authorities in on it. It’s time everyone knows how they operate, what they do because they can and sees what reprehensible acts they are capable of. So, yeah, I’ll talk about it to anyone who will listen. Maybe, if enough of us talk about it, we can change those rules.
And I support and applaud the OVMA for taking this stand. I will help them in any way I can. They have a lot of supporters out here that they don’t know about.
God be with them…and my respects to them as well.
jan
With what “Windy Joe” has shared with us about how the 1%er clubs in Oregon – and apparently anywhere else – truly feel about anyone but themselves – we should stop supporting their toy runs and other sponsored charity events; their support gear; the Confederation of Clubs; and all else.
Clearly, in lieu of WJ’s insight and experience, all these are simplistic charades meant to present a public face that isn’t real and to take advantage of folks’ good hearts who aren’t in any way affiliated with a 1%er club or mindset.
Anyone can Google the Oregon Department of Justice’s 2006 crime report, skim down to “outlaw motorcycle gangs” and see the numbers each identified club has as membership – it hasn’t changed all that much from 2006 to 2008.
Those stats pretty much say it all about abnormal presence and influence in Oregon’s greater motorcycling community.
It’s the organizations like the OVMA that do us proud regardless of what we ride, who we ride with, and what our interests are.
I’d add it’s fair to say there are vets in the 1%er clubs who very likely are not happy with this having taken place for the very reason that they are vets.
Of course, like Windy Joe, I can’t and don’t speak for them.
To Pappy:
re: “And by the way, two people already got hurt. Set up and welcomed in with hugs and handshakes then sucker-punched and rat-packed and threatened not to tell anyone what happened to them and why.”
Obviously, since you have mentioned this incident here, the two people involved didn’t adhere to the last part of this statement.
I hope they were not seriously hurt. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.
Let them know that there are many people in other states that are following this and are on their side cheering for them. Again, if I can be of any help just let me know.
respects,
k`lam
(never ever fight fair & never trust a snake)
K’lam –
How could they not tell anyone when to try to shut down the OVMA, a legally registered non-profit organization governed by state and federal law as well as by the organization’s bylaws demanded a whole slew of folks, to include the non-OVMA member attorney, be at least misinformed or fully informed (e.g. the immediate state officers whose first question would be “why is your face all f**ked up?”)
Why would anyone be surprised the OVMA would stand up to this challenge given its 18-year history in Oregon as a positive and contributing organization on behalf of its individual communities and the Oregon veterans community as a Whole? Especially with a membership that includes lawyers, doctors, federal workers, state workers, county workers, and a large population of active, former, and retired law enforcement officers?
Of interest is a former occupation of the now resigned president of the OVMA was as a LEO – the current president, who served in this office earlier, is a retired LEO. As you pointed out in an earlier post both have to live with how they respond to this situation as, in this case, men. IMHO one did the easy wrong over the hard right, the other the hard right over the easy wrong.
Equally important to remember is that Oregon has for many, many years enjoyed a unique peace among its 1%er clubs. They deserve great credit for choosing to create an atmosphere where all such clubs could co-exist, and if there were issues they created the Confederation of Clubs to address such matters in a private meeting closed to only senior officers of the CoC membership.
The inclusion of non 1%er clubs into the CoC was meant to enhance both the stated aims of the organization as well as to give it greater prestige within the Oregon motorcycling community, as well as a degree of positive influence.
It is not a stretch to believe other Oregon 1%er clubs are not happy with how this has come about and gone down, just as the majority of non-1%er associations, organizations, and clubs likewise feel. Again, it has been the norm for 3-piece clubs NOT to fuss with 1-piece MC groups and indeed the OVMA has a long history of supporting the specific 1%er club at the center of this by participating in their toy runs, showing up for special events and memorials, and generally promoting their stated neutral status by doing the same for all those other outlaw clubs in the State.
Bear in mind Oregon has a number of Blue Knight chapters, all of which fly a 3-piece patch, and no one from the Oregon 1%er community has demanded this cop club shut down (yes, the reason is painfully obvious as to why not).
At the very least a long held trust has been breached and the fault does not lie with the OVMA for not going along with the program, but with those who side-stepped both the CoC and common sense in favor of an agenda not beneficial to anyone but themselves.
In theory the CoC could step in and address this and mentioning this does not violate any pro forma protocol as the CoC membership is made up of both 1%er and 99%er motorcycle groups. Will it do so is the question, and can it do so given its membership and varying influences behind the scenes is likewise in question.
ABATE of Oregon, likewise, might be expected to take a public position on this and as a former ABATE state coordinator I’d expect them to. ABATE’s membership represents ALL concerned motorcycle riders and ABATE has always enjoyed a leadership role in whichever state it has an organization. I agree with Mac that this situation could easily spill over into the legislative realm in Salem, especially if those legislators friendly to MC rights and programs authored by ABATE sense that association with ABATE is somehow association with thuggery and quietly withdraw their support.
Finally, the OVMA is all about veterans. Veterans benefits, veterans rights, veterans care, taking care of veterans’ families when they need help, supporting other VET motorcycle clubs with similar forums and agendas, and caring for each other.
This is what is at stake and what is being threatened. The OVMA touches thousands of Oregon veterans’ lives yearly by the work they do and what they represent. To lose the OVMA would be to deny those they touch, those they heal, those they fight for far too much in terms of dignity, respect, and hope.
When I resigned from the OVMA it was because I couldn’t dedicate the time and energy necessary to further its goals and objectives. It was not about flying a patch, it was about what could I contribute for the privilege of wearing the patch as a member of this caliber of organization. However, I am an ardent supporter of the OVMA. I have been since it was my privilege as a law enforcement officer to have assisted their nearly 300 members and friends in honoring PFC Thomas Tucker and his family when Tom was brought home from Iraq to be buried in Madras.
If you were there you know how much the OVMA’s gestures, to include the presentation of a POW flag to Tom’s parents (which still flies outside their home today), meant to his loved ones and his memory.
This is the kind of Heart, the kind of Spirit, and the kind of Brotherhood that epitomizes the OVMA and its 600+ membership.
Let’s all support our brothers and sisters in the OVMA, its individual chapters and the reformed E-board. “Let Those Who Ride Decide” used to mean something. Let’s put the meaning back into those words by thanking an OVMA member anytime or place we see one – and welcome him or her home, too.
Postscript –
Apparently the former president of the OVMA is now contacting individual chapters and members promoting an “offer” of their resigning their membership/pulling their patches so they will be “off the hook”.
If accurate, and I have no reason to believe it is not, this fellow isn’t content with sellling himself out but wants to sell his brothers and sisters out at the same time by demeaning their personhood as his was and getting “off the hook” for his own reasons.
Clearly there are those who do a stint in the service and are then generic “veterans”…and those others who have both earned and continue to earn the privilege of the title along with the responsibility that comes along with it.
Pappy,
You ask why anyone would be surprised that a large organization such as OVMA (comprised of a least a number of active/former/retired law enforcement types) would stand up to this challenge.
A few years back, a one patch riding club, comprised at that time of an estimated 26,000 members nationwide, was threatened and intimidated out of existence following in incident in Texas.
Well, not actually out of existence per se – they were told to take off their back patch. And did.
I am sure they had lawyers, doctors, federal workers, state workers, county workers, and a large population of active, former, and retired law enforcement officers in their ranks, but the leadership decided it was better to fold than fight.
Pappy,
I think the “surprise” along with our resprct in this situation, is precisely because they are standing up for themselves. I have heard of far too many clubs packing it up when “told” (forced with threat of violence) they were finished as a club. 99% of the time, the reason has been over some kind of patch worn on the back. Any kind, 1, 2 or 3 piece. Some of the groups have remained together and now wear a small 3″ patch on the front. (that has been ok’d by the dominant club) Most of these have been the Mom & Pop clubs who although count in their membership, those in law enforcement, have many non LEO types or veterans as well as the ordinary citizen and are therefore very concerned about their membership being hurt. Almost all think it is easier and safer to fold rather than risk harm and stand their ground.
I won’t judge them on any decision they make, but because of the numbers of clubs that have folded here, it just fuels the OMG’s into believing they have total and complete control over all. And, I suppose ultimately they do.
We also have a number of LEO groups here…none have been asked/told to take their patches off. For the obvious reasons. However, in light of the Sturgis incident, I’m not so sure they won’t give it a try. Although, it would be a foolish move on their part.
Just the fact that they are trying to shut down the OVMA whose numbers are 600+ and they have survived for 18 years, tells me they think they can – therefore, they will try.
My surprise, is in learning the outgoing Pres. is LEO. My thought would have been, tell the membership what’s up and let everyone decide for himself. He should have been the last man to stand his ground wearing his patch, rather than to decide FOR others which path they should take. It sounds as if there are a majority of believers in freedom. Many who have already paid a high price for that freedom.
My guess, is that this will just quietly go away. It is out in the open now and the OMG really can’t win this round.
The current president is handling this situation correctly, to include properly informing the membership of what’s transpired and letting members make their own decisions as to what’s best for them, and what’s best for the organization as a whole.
As for the leadership styles of the former OVMA president –
From the Latin:
“Plus exempla quam peccata nocent” – Examples hurt more than crimes.
As of last night the former president of the OVMA is officially “out in bad standing”.
Retired LE – Well, it’s like a domestic violence case – too often the victim won’t cooperate but those who do stand up to the abuser see him/her pay the penalty and can begin getting the appropriate help and protection.
The OVMA is standing up to the abuse and to date the majority of its 12 chapters have made it clear to the President Pro Tem they remain onboard and are in agreement with the actions taken to date.
The removal of the former president is apparently based on dialogue with the OVMA’s attorney regarding organizational and administrative matters uncared for by the former senior administrator, a situation requiring the action taken for the Good of the Order.
The OVMA continues to inform its membership that should any member be harrassed, intimidated, or threatened that member should, if necessary, remove his or her vest, place store it in or on the vehicle, leave the area, then make a police report and notify the President Pro Tem for record.
All should remember October 25th as “Free the Colors” Day in Oregon – commemorate it as is most appropriate and keep sending the OVMA the good notes of support and encouragement that continue to come in.
Pappy,
Know what you mean about DV cases. There are some parallels in this particular situation for sure.
Count us in as supporting the OVMA in their time of need.
Roger that.
Interesting article regarding intimidation of other MCs, extortion, and physical threats not unlike what the OVMA is being subjected to –
FBI honors 2 sheriff’s investigators for help in Hells Angels crackdown
——————————————————————————–
By ROCCO LaDUCA
Observer-Dispatch
Posted Oct 09, 2008 @ 06:16 PM
Last update Oct 09, 2008 @ 10:54 PM
——————————————————————————–
WHITESTOWN — So who are these two Oneida County sheriff’s investigators the FBI chose to honor Thursday for their expertise in cracking down on the Rochester-based Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang?
Well, sheriff’s officials and the FBI aren’t saying.
The names of the investigators are being withheld for their safety and due to the dangerous undercover nature of their work, Undersheriff M. Peter Paravati said at a news conference Thursday afternoon.
“We are going to give them these awards in private, but we’re very proud of them,” Paravati said. One investigator has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 13 years, another for 20 years, Paravati said.
“Their efforts directly related to the success of the investigation” into the violent territorial and drug operations of the Hells Angeles spanning three years, Syracuse-based FBI Special Agent Robert DeSantis said of the investigators.
The case was initiated following the March 2005 arrest of a Bonanno crime family member – Anthony “Ace” Aiello – along Oneida Lake in connection with the attempted murder of an Assistant U.S. Attorney from the Southern District of New York, officials said.
The sheriff’s investigators videotaped several members of the Hells Angels in what appeared to be an attempt to coerce an individual from another motorcycle club during a summer Bike Night event in Sylvan Beach in 2006, officials said.
They also coordinated the audio recording of an extortion attempt by two other Hells Angels members, officials said.
Those recordings were later used to bring charges against several suspects, including Hells Angel David Lust, 45, of Poland, and prospective member Dominic Bonanza, 33, of Clayville, in 2007, officials said.
“Extensive knowledge of this outlaw bikers’ community and their ability to gain the trust of multiple witnesses were crucial to the successful outcome of this case,” Sheriff Daniel
Middaugh said in a released statement.
“It is with great pride that we recognize their efforts, which resulted in the arrest of five individuals and served as a major disruption to the illegal ventures of this Hells Angels’ charter,” Middaugh said.
Among the illegal activities disrupted were the planned attempted murders in August 2005 of members of the rival Kingsmen motorcycle gang in a bar in Fulton, N.Y., which would likely have resulted in the deaths of innocent victims, DeSantis said.
Over a period of three years, the investigators’ work assisted in the arrest of five people, DeSantis said.
In June 2007, two Mohawk Valley men affiliated with the Hells Angels – Lust and Bonanza – were arrested on federal charges accusing them of conspiring to threaten and assault in aid of racketeering.
Both men pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and were sentenced last month to 18 months in prison.
FBI officials did not identify the other men arrested.
The activities of Hells Angels clubs across the state continue to be investigated, as well as their possible connection to mob operations in New York City, DeSantis said.
“We’re all working together everyday, and this is a case that certainly impacts all of Oneida County,” Paravati said.
wow!
“murder – extortion – assault – coercion”?
sounds like your average, hard working, great guys to hang with.
Hopefully, other agencies will step up to the plate as well.
Although I know it takes witnesses for anything to come of it. It would be nice to see a rise in the wit list.
Maybe those people who are star struck by the OMG will see them for what they really are (thugs & pathetic bullies) and stop glorifying them.
k`lam
On October 25th, if you’re participating in “Free the Colors Day” on behalf of the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association, you can show your support by tying a twist of blue ribbon and gold ribbon on your bike or around your right arm (the colors of the OVMA – see photo in Mac’s editorial above) as a sign of support.
This is a grassroots effort that each of us can participate in either as free individuals or as MC organizations, associations, or clubs.
Let’s send a message on the 25th – “Let Those Who Ride Decide!”
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
– Dylan Thomas
And your supporters
The jokers trying to strong arm Veterans disgusts me
Stand Strong
Your Brothers and Sisters are behind you
Mother – thanks for the good words.
A small OVMA chapter in southern Oregon closed down, this as much to do with its former president also being a member of an MC close to a three-piece club.
A larger chapter closed its doors in the Molalla area, as well.
This president offering he was only following the orders of his now out in bad standing state president.
Those members who did not vote for dissolution are being reminded that any five members wanting to form a chapter can, meaning the “closing” of the chapters noted is more symbolic than real under the state bylaws. Also, members wanting to transfer between chapters may do so, again under the bylaws.
The remaining 10 OVMA chapters are holding strong.
Celebrate “Free the Colors Day” on the 25th of this month. Fly your organization’s colors whether you a H.O.G., Legion Rider, Gold Wing Club, fellow VET club, Patriot Guard, or an independent. The American flag counts, too.
The OVMA needs our support and appreciates the many good words coming in.
We’re living the sage admonition “Evil only triumphs when good men (and woment) stand by and do nothing.”
Let Those Who Ride Decide.
Info Adjustment –
The chapter in southern Oregon only took the action it did because it believed, wrongly, the OVMA had dissolved at the state level. Appropriate notice has been sent to correct that mis-assumption.
The Molalla chapter mentioned has communicated it has only voted not to wear the OVMA patch for the time being – this to preserve the safety of its members in face of the physical threats implied. The chapter remains on the books.
All 12 chapters are hanging tough.
Here is a web-site that may be helpful. It provides a lot if info and answers a lot of questions concerning various types of Motorcycle Clubs, Riding Clubs, Motorcycle Associations, etc..
http://home.earthlink.net/~rcvsmc-edu/
There is a lot of reading and getting through it all is time-consuming, but well worth it.
I’m going to post this on several related threads, so don’t be surprised if you run across it in another area. Not trying to “clog up the blog”,… just think that it is a good site which may help those unfamiliar with patch-holders and club life have a bit of insight into our world.
Respects,
Hermano Roadrash
PS: I still maintain that the best way to get to know the club world is to respectfully meet and get to know a patch-holder or two (or more) in person.
To Hermano Roadrash,
The site you mention (and the information in it) needs to be taken with a grain of salt.
The contributors are those of the 1%er (outlaw) world (or their supporters) and this is how they would like everyone to think and operate.
Their brand of respect is often confused with fear and intimidation.
I will allow that it is informative in that it shows a window into the outlaw way of thinking.
Retired LE – I’d only add that “their” brand of respect is through fear and intimidation – only way they can get it – only way they can keep it – it ain’t easy living on the marginal side society – and knowing that you are.
Although I can’t (and won’t) speak for all patch-holders or all Clubs, I can tell you this:
There is a vast difference between respect and fear. Given a choice between the two, I would greatly prefer to have someone show me genuine, sincere respect.
The articles on the site I posted are intended to give an honest, open view of various types of Club life, along with helpful information for outsiders who are new to interacting with patch-holders or to those who might be considering becoming Club Members or forming a Club themselves.
It is also very generic and not reflective of any particular Club or area. Of course any info contained therein is going to come from a patch-holder point of view.
When you claim that all patch-holders intentionally instill fear and intimidate everyone around them, this comes from your point of view. If you created a web-site about Clubs and patch-holders I would expect that the views expressed there would reflect your opinions. Seems logical, doesn’t it?
Likewise, if you created a web-site about law-enforcement, wouldn’t it be slanted toward a positive viewpoint?
As for fear vs. respect,… don’t law enforcement personnel demand respect from everyone they meet? Don’t they feel that because of who they are, what they’ve done and what they wear they deserve to be shown respect by those they encounter? If someone treats them disrespectfully, don’t they intimidate them with threats of legal action, arrest, fines, incarceration, etc.? Or maybe just a good ol’-fashioned attitude adjustment on the spot?
Wouldn’t it be fair to say that there a plenty of law-abiding citizens who are far more afraid of their local law than respectful? Perhaps their fear is unjustified. Perhaps it’s based only on what they’ve been told over the years, what they’ve seen on TV or in the media. Maybe they never took the time to actually meet and get to know anyone in that world.
Well, that’s more than enough on a debate that will undoubtedly go on until the end of time. I’m not trying to sell anyone anything here. If people only want to believe the worst about me (or any patch-holder), that’s their business and not worth my time worrying about. If they want to take the time to get to know me, I welcome the opportunity to get to know them.
Respects,
Hermano Roadrash
We all know about “protocol”, respect, fear, intimidation…..Bottom line is, stop the bickering, step up.
The old axiom applies: “LEAD, FOLLOW,or get out of the way!”
Personally, I don’t give a crap if you are a PH, Prospect, Hang Around, Assn member, RC or if you ride a friggin chinese sled. If ya ride period, whether ya want to be or not, you become part of a “brotherhood” or should I say family”? We all have one love and that is our scooters.
Name calling and finger pointing is not going to do anyone any good!
Strength in numbers!
On the 25th, wear whatver you want on your back, and allow anyone to wear what they want! I am going to live my way, so you jus live your your way!
I am a combat Vet, and personally, NO ONE….I say again…NO ONE is going to tell me I can not wear an OVMA patch! ESPECIALLY some one that has not been there. THis goes for LEO, 1%, Legacy etc. Call it ego, I call it it PRIDE.
So I say to ALL my brothers and sisters on two wheels….Ride Free and Ride Proud
Hermano Roadrash – thank you sharing your thoughts – more of this kind of good communication needed.
Mike – absolutely!
Since this entire matter has begun I have reinstated my membership with the OVMA.
Now’s the time to come together.
Let Those Who Ride Decide.
Mike,
You have nothing to worry about from the LE side of things. They are not going to threaten you or demand that you remove your patch. That is not how they operate.
Ride Safe, Ride Free.
Hermano Roadrash.
Law Enforcement agencies are formed to enforce the laws of the land and to serve their respective communities. In other words, to make our streets safe. At least that’s the usual mission statement.
The respect you refer to should more correctly be identified as the AUTHORITY they are given once they put on the badge. Respect makes the job easier but it is not mandatory. Make no mistake though, the lack of respect does make the job harder and the good LEO’s understand this.
If they screw up and abuse their power and/or authority, they are dealt with. Legally. Bad apples are removed.
The side you speak of does business a different way. They handle things in house with no regard for the law. To involve the law is against the code. Sometimes it spills out of the house and onto the streets, or casinos…
Hermano Roadrash,
When I “throw out” the term “outlaw”, I am fully aware that the outlaw’s are not offended by it. I am not trying to offend them, just make a distinction between, ummm….two different types of riders. I’m sure when I mention the “outlaws” or OMG’s asking other riders to remove their patch, most of us know what I mean. (since they are the only ones who have ever told anyone to take a patch off)
As far as the LEO’s are concerned. You mostly got it right, except for the fact that you do not separate the cop at work from the guy on a bike who happens to be a cop. They are a bit different. At work, yes, he is pretty much in charge…can arrest you, ticket you, tell you to have a great day & let you go…etc. The cop on the bike out for a ride does not have that capability, nor would he try to use it off duty. Now if you and he happen to get into a skirmish of some sort, then it is you against him and how it escalates or not is probably up to you.
It is for sure, no secret that PH’s from 1% clubs totally hate the idea of a cop or cop club wearing a 3 piece patch. They (not all of them) are usually the ones to give the eye f*** first as well as have something to say. Oinking is slightly disrespectful from my point of view. Again, not all do, but enough do, so that it is more expected than not.
In a perfect world, it would be nice if they didn’t care who wore or rode what. But our world is not perfect. I know the 1%’S feel they own the rights to the 3 piece patch & cube, but they do not. They came after the original 3 piece and adopted it as their own. I will give them the credit for the 1% patch, even though they didn’t come up with that either.
I have no problem with the outlaw/1%er or anyone else….unless and until they try to dictate to me with threats of violence.
Those are the outlaw/1%er/PH
I am not overly fond of.
I haven’t yet seen much “respect” (just for being out there on a bike) from that segment yet. Maybe there will come a time………..
To Mike:
I do….
Have a safe day,
K`lam
Saturday, October 25, 2008
“I offer that this October 25th be known as “Free the Colors” Day at the grassroots level across this State. Let every rider regardless of affiliation openly support the OVMA’s courageous stand against street tyranny. Understand the issue is bigger than just the OVMA because if certain groups among us are successful in terrorizing this legal non-profit veterans organization then no one from any category of club, association, or organization on two wheels is safe from the same cowardly treatment.” ‘Pappy’
“On October 25th, if you’re participating in “Free the Colors Day” on behalf of the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association, you can show your support by tying a twist of blue ribbon and gold ribbon on your bike or around your right arm (the colors of the OVMA -…..) as a sign of support.” “Let’s send a message on the 25th – “Let Those Who Ride Decide!” ‘Pappy’
Fly USA flags and OVMA patches with PRIDE!
At the least, fly your twist of blue ribbon and gold ribbon!
OREGON VETERANS MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION
‘OVMA’
West Valley Chapter Sponsored Run
“Free the Colors”
Saturday, October 25, 2008
We ask that everyone do their best to clear their work schedules in order to participate in this Run for Freedom. The 1%’s involved need to see the 99%’s support of the OVMA.
If you have non-OVMA biker friends who wish to join us to show their support of the OVMA, bring them along with their twists of blue ribbon and gold ribbon.
1. Join us from the beginning of the ride in McMinnville. We will leave Sharis parking lot at 1100 hrs SHARP! Be there early.
2. Join us at our first scheduled stop. We will be leaving the parking lot of K Mart on Hwy 22 in South Salem at 1210 SHARP! Be there early.
3. Join us at our only other scheduled stop. I-5 Northbound Rest Area (near Wilsonville). Time will be contingent upon the time it takes to ride from South Salem to the rest area. You will need to be there by 1220 SHARP!
The route we ride will be determined by our State Road Captain, approved by our State President.
OVMA member, Greg Walker recommended the following truism be assigned to the run as he believes it says what we all believe and want to make known –
“For Those Who Fought For It
Freedom Has a Flavor The Protected Will Never Know”
NOTE: This is not an OVMA West Valley Chapter Sponsored Run, Greg Walker gave the run that title and we accepted it. This is a grassroots State wide show of support for the OVMA, inspired by ‘Pappy’ and the Northwest Harley Blog. Riders from every corner of the State will be showing their support of the OVMA on Saturday, October 25th.
I predict you will have riders showing up from outside the state showing their support as well.
Retired LE – Roger that – it’ll be a good run.
The OVMA would like to thank its brothers and sisters in ABATE of Oregon for their support – we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the 25th for “Free the Colors Day” – if you can’t make it please fly blue & gold ribbons wherever appropriate –
We encourage those VET clubs in support of the OVMA to join us this saturday, as well. Our colors don’t run and neither do yours –
Pappy
Windy Joe
You as a retired military man should be ashamed of yourself for even wanting to sit on the sidelines and read the headlines.
You as an abate member should care if another peaceful Veterans motorcycle association gets pushed around.
Windy Joe is good wood – simply expressing his views from his perspective – his crew will be flying blue and gold ribbins on their bikes in Hub City this weekend in support of the OVMA.
On another note – it appears as of today the ATF is taking down the Mongols MC in six states, to include Oregon/Washington, in what is said to have been a 3-year undercover operation with 4 fully patched ATF agents deep inside the Mongol Nation.
Hmmmm….
Speaking of a patch issue – read below ref: the Mongols take-down …
61 bikers indicted for racketeering, murder, drugs in 7-state raid
Buzz up!Like this story? Share it with Yahoo! Buzz
Federal and state authorities in six states today arrested 61 members of the Southern California-based Mongols Motorcycle Club and charged them with racketeering, murder, drug trafficking, weapons violations, money laundering and hate crimes. In a novel move, the government also intends to take control of their trademarked name and insignia — a Genghis Khan figure on a chopper — and make it illegal to wear the patch.
“Not only are we going after the Mongols’ motorcycles, we’re going after their very identity,” U.S. Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien said in a telephone interview this morning with the Los Angeles Times. “We are using all the tools at our disposal to crush this violent gang.”
After a three-year undercover investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, search warrants were executed in California, Nevada, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Florida and Ohio. More than half the defendants were arrested in Southern California. Ten others had been arrested already, and eight more named in the 86-count indictment are at large.
Ok, so, a lot of what I said has been taken out of context, or, misconstrude.
Here’s the deal. I’m heavily involved with motorcycle legislation in Oregon. ABATE, BikePAC, MRF, you name it.
My standpoint I suppose should have been softer. But, I’m guessing none of you realize how hard it is to approach, and get time with legislators. Most of them see biker, and have a single set opinion already. Getting meaningful motorcycle legislation passed, is a terribly difficult thing.
Nobody was suggesting OVMA roll over for anyone. NO WAY. I was merely suggesting a non confrontatinal approach. If there was to start some sort of “biker war” in the state, do any of you realize just how much harder my job would be? It would be like trying to type handcuffed behind your back. I would lose access to 50% of the politicians I can now access because a lot of people just don’t know the difference between one group and another. All they read in the paper is, one biker group after another. Or, this happened or that happened and bikers were involved. It would be crippling to what myself and hundreds of others are trying to accomplish, not only on our behalf, but yours too.
I apologize if I sound pro club. I’m pro biker, period, Independent, club, association, if they ride to wheels, I’m on their side. I have to be, that is the nature of my job. I have to be in the middle of this group, and that group and the other group, and get everyone on the same page moving forward towards meaningful non invasive non harassing legislation. A biker war would kill every bit of hard work in the last year.
And, I apologize to any OVMA members that feel I meant they should “roll over”. No, not at all, I suppose sometimes what I’m thinking does not come out in type as well. My hopes is, that things work out for everyone in a non violoent non harassing peaceful manner which does not have a negative impact on the biker/motorcyclist image in the state.
I hope your saturday ride is filled with comraderie and brotherhood and good times, and, that you achieve what it is you seek in a manner that leaves everyone feeling good about whats been accomplished.
I guess, and it has been pointed out to me that in my previous posts, they seemed slanted to one side. Not true, the only side I’m slanted towards is getting passed meaningful motorcycle legal issues and laws, and, I have to come into contact with a variety of people to do so. Trust me, it is not an easy job, and my only goal in my previous posts was to avoid any kind of open hostilities that leave a bad image of bikers in Oregon.
Ride free people, ride in peace, the laws i’m trying to change and things I’m trying to achieve are for you too.
Again, sorry people didn’t know or didn’t understand my true intent.
WJ
I have spoken with Joe numerous times via email and phone and what he offers in his post is how the man feels and what the man is about.
As a former state coordinator for ABATE (Washington State) I know how difficult it is to advocate for motorcyclists’ rights and motorcycle education, to include the challenges of working with all those different groups and interests that are represented by an organization like ABATE.
Thank you, Joe, for clarifying your position and doing so in such a public forum, and in such a stand-up manner. And thank you in advance for the offer to take good care of our OVMA representative to the Hub City event your folks are sponsoring this saturday – to include flying blue and gold ribbons on those bikes at the show in support of the OVMA.
That said –
The final route is close to being decided upon. Those paticipating in “Free the Colors Day” this saturday can expect us to run from McMinnville to Salem where we will gather, then from Salem up I-5 with a short break at the Wilsonville rest stop then on to North 205 into Portland. Most likely we’ll transition back across the Columbia to I-5 South and return to the Salem area. Watch NW Harley Blog for a final route update.
The OVMA is in contact with various law enforcement agencies in conjunction with this run, asking for courtesy assistance as the run progresses along its route. To date the response from law enforcement has been professional and positive.
The OVMA has taken the high road in the matter behind this event, contacting and working with federal, state, and local law enforcement as is appropriate and expected of a responsible body of citizens.
We do not expect and will not condone any less than the highest degree of professionalism and responsible behavior on the part of all those who may attend on saturday.
In short, if your intent is to act out then please stay at home.
As the first rule of the road is Safety we encourage all those participating to do the necessary repairs and safety inspections of your bikes before saturday – make sure you carry up to date licenses and insurance paperwork – dress appropriately for the road and for the weather – and do not operate your vehicle under the influence or impairment of any legal or illegal substance.
Courtesy on the road to those others we will be sharing it with is the rule of the day.
This run is about Freedom, Fellowship, Comrades-in-Arms, and Brotherhood. It is not about Fear, Intimidation, Violence, or Tyranny.
The run’s theme says it all –
“For Those Who Fought For It – FREEDOM has a Flavor the Protected Will Never Know”
Thank you for supporting all our veterans and their families, especially in this time of war, and for supporting the OVMA, its membership, and their families as we all assemble peacefully, in good faith, and with humble courage this saturday.
Let Those Who Ride Decide.
Postscript –
The Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association is just that, an Association.
Our mission statement and core values revolve around serving veterans and their families, and helping our veterans as they return home from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The OVMA is a neutral entity in Oregon. For nearly 17 years we have both supported and been good neighbors to all other organizations, associations, and clubs (1%er and 99%er) in Oregon. We honor this tradition and will continue it.
The new OVMA president has extended an invitation through a well respected Third Party for a good faith meeting to be arranged to settle any misunderstandings that have arisen for reasons still unclear. This effort is made in good faith.
On saturday we ride to honor Freedom – Freedom of Choice and Freedom of Expression – and on behalf of those who have served, are serving, and who have paid the ultimate price in the preservation of our Great Nation.
Let Those Who Ride Decide
Pappy – My first question is whether or not you are an OVMA member and if so what chapter are you in?
I am and have been an OVMA member since the very being and I would like to talk to you about what your doing and where you received your information.
Curious –
Kindly recommend you read the posts from me on this blog – all of them – the answer to your question(s) are out in the open.
And you may certainly contact our president, Bill Jones –
As an aside, curious’s post is a good example of things perhaps taken out of context or reading into things, or, not reading everything as intended. Curious, no slam intended just pointing it out.
If everyone reads Pappy’s post number 20, paragraph 4. It states the advice of the OVMA on what to do if confronted.
It is basicly the same thing I had said, but, I got slammed pretty good for saying it. Interesting when you think about it.
Yes, I will admit if I take off the “biker hat” and just put on the regular citizen hat, the posts could have been construde as to be a supporter of one group or another.
However, as stated, I support ALL motorcyclists interests, not just one group. And, the advice offered was only to keep the peace so as not to have any kind of “biker incidents” in the state that get everyone stirred up and thinking anti biker thoughts. Period, that was the extent of it. There was no “threats” made, just things that I have seen happen first hand over the course of doing this many years with my own eyes. I neither condone nor approve of such action, just merely trying to say that it does in fact happen and, can be avoided. My whole and entire point was on how to avoid trouble and confrontation and I’m sorry some folks took it otherwise. As I said, all I was trying to say is exactly what Pappy said in post 20 paragraph 4, which is, live to fight the good fight another day, in a peaceful fashion.
Hope the weather gods smile upon your ride saturday, this is oregon after all, be prepared and please watch those falling dew covered leaves in the mornings, slick stuff. Be safe and have a good run.
Please note the run route is finalized and will be posted on NW Harley Blog –
Also, there is no and never was any intent to ride by any other association, organization, or club’s meeting place. In speaking with the OVMA president this morning he offers that would be disrespectful – and unnecessary.
We are pleased to have local Law Enforcement providing professional traffic control assistance on saturday, and as we have done to date we will cooperate fully with LE on any matter that might come up.
Again, if you have an attitude please leave it at home as bad actors won’t be tolerated. This run is to celebrate the OVMA and to assure all those others in the Oregon MC Community, old and new neighbors alike, that we remain good neighbors ourselves and dedicated to serving veterans and their families across the state.
Let Those Who Ride Decide
Nothing more fun than blasting through stop signs and stop lights with an escort! I always like riding tailgunner myself, Looking up ahead and seeing bikes stretched out as far as you can see, is a pretty cool sight. Maybe someone will even have a bike mounted digital video camera, always a nice touch.
Hey, I know you know the ropes ten times over on group riding Pappy, but, with everything else going on, sometimes the simiple stuff falls through the cracks. Any provisions on placement of riders? There will no doubt be some showing up that are less experienced at group riding than others. This kind of event can bring riders of all experience levels out to show support, but, those of us who have done it a long time forget that group riding is a diferent ball game completely for folks that are new at it.
We usually keep the less experienced in an area where those with tons of experience can keep an eye on them, and avoid them if needed, and offer them guidance at the stops to help them out if that is the case. Medics and mechanics to the rear in case of problems. Just stuff to consider when your working with what I hope turns out to be huge numbers for you. Several hundred motorcycles can stretch out quite a ways, hard to keep an eye on everyone. Also nice if the ride leader and tailgunner can actually communicate by voice since I’m sure they will be way out of sight of each other.
You folks have a great ride, ride safe and enjoy the day. I do hope there will be lots of cameras there as it is a day that should be documented in photos for a long time to come. I know, details details.
Done a good job putting it all together Pappy, you should be proud, I’m sure the OVMA is very glad to have you back again.
Windy Joe-And Others
Our State Road Captain is currently working on placement of riders, and assigning assistant Road Captains, and road guards to assist during the ride. I will also have flyers with the approiate hand signals to pass out to those who are unfamiliar with group riding.
That said – Curious…..You say that you have been an OVMA member since the very beginning. The very beginning of the OVMA are our founding fathers. The OVMA was incorporated November 5, 1990, long before many of us joined this great organization. I agree with Pappy and Windy Joe completely, and by all means please do contact our State President, as our founding fathers are being briefed on almost a dialy basis, and continue to reaffirm that our President and the organization as a whole are indeed on the right road for the betterment of the OVMA.
Thanks so much to Mac, Pappy, Windy Joe and everyone on this blog, each and everyone of you were instrumental in the planning of the up and coming ‘Free the Colors’ ride for freedom.
OVMA State Treasurer, West Valley Chapter President
2ON4 – Thank you for taking what was a grassroots effort and giving both Form and Function.
And doing so in such a positive, constructive, and peaceful manner.
Truly an honor to belong to the OVMA once again.
Fear, protocol, respect and intimidation…GJ’s…RB’s…NV’s continue using ‘fear’ and ‘intimidation’ where the OVMA is concerned, the chit coming down today had my hand on my gun, out of respect for the COC Meeting taking place in Salem today, I did not pull and fire…that was my last show of respect..and to those GJ’s following us out of Salem today…we carry because we are not afraid to use, bring it on. The OVMA is not going anywhere, that fact was written in blood many many years ago. PTSD UPUR
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