subject: Biker Patches Convey Ample Information Concisely And Quickly [print this page] Biker Patches Convey Ample Information Concisely And Quickly
Motorcycles and their riders engender stereotypes and expectations. Custom biker patches either reinforce or repudiate those stereotypes, depending on their message. Either way, the biker patches are as much a part of the biker lifestyle as leather and the open road.
Although biker patches may appear random to the untrained eye, they generally do conform to an unwritten code. The one-piece patch indicates a rider's group such as Harley Owners Group or other brand-specific group. A two-piece patch can indicate a riders' group or a club in transition to becoming a full three-piece patch club. The three-piece biker patches are reserved for so-called "outlaw" motorcycle clubs.
The latter are likely to be the most treasured biker patches, because they are not simply given away. No, the three-piece biker patches are hard-won, with members progressing from hang-around to prospect to full-patch member. The process can take years, and for many clubs, a single "no" vote is enough to disqualify a rider from membership.
Three-piece biker patches feature a large center piece with a club-specific logo design. This is flanked by two rockers, one above and one below the center piece. The top rocker indicates the name of the club and the bottom one details the club's home state or city. As potential members move through the membership process, they are awarded one piece of the patches at a time, with the center piece being last. Only when they have received all three pieces of the biker patches are they considered full members of the club.
Many bikers wear additional biker patches as well. These tell their own story. Small diamond-shaped biker patches with "1%" in the center indicate riders who identify themselves as true outlaws. This is contrasted by the "99%" biker patches which many bikers choose to wear to identify themselves as law-abiding citizens.
Another popular example of biker patches is the diamond patch with the number 13 inside. This patch can have multiple meanings. Some claim it represents the letter M, the 13th letter of the alphabet, and stands for marijuana or methamphetamine. Others say it represents 12 jurors and a judge, with the meaning that the wearer is his own judge and jury.
Christian biker patches are also popular. Many Christian riders choose to witness to their brothers and sisters of the open road through the use biker patches with Christian messages printed on them.
Many riders also wear memorial biker patches to celebrate the lives of friends and fellow riders who have died. These patches, often as simple as a name, birth and death dates, enable riders to honor fallen comrades when they ride.
Just like leather riding gear, biker patches have long been a part of motorcycle riding. Today's computer controlled embroidery equipment makes it possible to produce top quality custom biker patches quickly and economically.
Biker patches are a part of the biker lifestyle, and show no signs of going away. As a shorthand to convey important messages about biker life, they have no equal. A good supplier can create custom embroidered biker patches that will last a lifetime.
