Motorcycle patches at event rallies show club affiliation.
Motorcycle patches or colors are worn at major public event rallies such as at Sturgis, Daytona Beach or Laconia. These events are considered neutral grounds and allow rival clubs to socialize.
Patches
Motorcycle club patches are worn to show club affiliation. The patches are sewn onto the back of a denim or leather jacket with the sleeves cut off. They're called a three piece and feature the national or international club's name and logo, along with the local chapter's location. Badges denoting club hierarchy are worn on the front.
One Percenters
Public events such as Sturgis attract up to 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts. Patches worn on the back or badges on the front differentiate between social motorcycle clubs and outlaw clubs. The one percent patch is worn by the outlaws and refers to the supposed American Motorcycle Association's statement that 99 percent of motorcyclists are honest, law-abiding citizens.
Territory
According to Mike Walsh of the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office, the Bandidos outlaw club stakes territorial claims over South Dakota and requires other Sturgis outlaw attendees to openly display patches showing they are friends of the Bandidos or face possible intimidation.
Tags: club affiliation, event rallies, show club, show club affiliation, such Sturgis
