It is usually thought that bikers and those in biker gangs are simply ruffians or bad to the bone men who have little or no reason behind their loud tattoos, generally vulgar stickers, and several gaudy patches.
However, if you look closer and without prejudice, you will find a culture that runs deep with feeling, passion, and brotherhood.
As in any wide spread hobby you will look for the good the bad and the ugly.
There are riders like the Hell's Angels who have earned their fame yet becoming way more common are organized riders like the Patriot Guard Riders who 'roll' across country to go to funeral after funeral of our fallen soldiers to out shout those who would make the day worse for the families of these great men and women.
Other groups do fund improving rides for all types of issues.
A friend of this blogger got a medical insulin pump and the surgery needed completely paid for from one such biker group.
Each biker patch on the vest of a rider implies something essential.
In reading about what they mean I recognized that the top 'Rocker' gives your recent area and your bottom rocker provides your state of origin.
From there the patches added to a vest signify anything from an achievement eg.
a cross country ride or exceptional showing at bike week to an event or institution that has been strong in the life of the wearer i.
e: -POW issues -The riders heritage -and even Animal Cruelty issues A few patches speak of the persons rank within his group and will present longevity and leadership ability.
A 'gang' leader might wear the largest skull, biggest set of wings, or even his individual name to let other bikers know of his accomplishments.
The patches worn by the riders are not dissimilar to those utilized in boy scouts to give boys a sense of belonging and pride in achievement.
I realize it strange that they are seen so poorly for what we encouraged them toward in their youth although bikers' patches are on a much grander scale and admittedly the rebellious side of insignia.