karen said:
is this a test?? what "does" it mean Noel?
Well Karen....only because you asked...LOL...
The term, "One Percenter", was a result of one of the most notorious motorcycle rallies that occurred in Hollister, California on July 4th to July 6th 1947, now dubbed "the Hollister Riot".
Whether or not an actual riot occurred is debatable, however, that motorcycle rally sponsored buy the AMA was attended by over
4000 people. As a result, several national newspaper articles were written on the events that occured during those 4 days. Life magazine ran an article with a "staged" photograph of an intoxicated individual on a motorcycle parked in a bar. (Surprisingly, that indivudual looked a lot like a younger TinTin).
When the press asked the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) to comment on that particuar photograph, their official response was that
"99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens, and the last one percent were outlaws". Thus was born the term,
"one percenter" was born.
During the 1940s and 1950's it was a common practice at AMA sponsored rallies and gathering, for AMA officials to give away prizes and awards for "nicest club uniform", prettiest motorcycle, etc...etc...
Some clubs, however, rejected the clean-cut image and adopted the "one percenter" moniker, even going so far as to create a diamond (rhombus) shaped patch labeled "1%" to wear on their vests as a
badge of honor.
Now adays, the 1% patch is used to instill fear and respect from the general public and other motorcyclists, as well as to identify the administrators and moderators of the Toronto DoTheTon club. However, other clubs similar to the notorious Toronto "DoTheTon Club", wore (and still wear) upside down AMA patches.
Another practice was to cut their one piece club patches into three or more pieces as a form of protest, which evolved into the current form of three piece colors worn by many MCs today.
A club can also be an outlaw club and not be 1%(or Diamond club) or vice versa, although very rare.
One percent clubs point out that the term simply means that they are simply committed to "
biking and brotherhood", like members of the Toronto DoTheTon Club .
So there you have it... Karen, since you asked, LOL...Im not just another pretty face!!.. ;D