org, 2007). Their 10 founding principles read as follows: Bringing together "Old School Biker Values" and "New World Attitudes

Diversity (bikes and membership)

Promoting Biker Brotherhood/Sisterhood

Camaraderie

Promoting a Love of Riding

Promoting Safety

Having Fun

Engaging in Community Service Activities

Supporting the Larger Biker Community

Improving Our Overall Motorcycling Skills

Likewise, the Mission Statement of the Road Raiderz motorcycle club founded in 2005 and based out of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. also emphasizes community relations; it reads, in part, as follows:

The mission of the club is to bring in those different experiences and ideals and create a club of riders that demonstrates a positive attitude to the motorcycling community.... our members demonstrate a passion for riding and contributing their time and efforts to community service, unity amongst all riders and assisting those less fortunate. Beyond this we love the freedom and excitement that comes from being on two wheels. Dedicated to each other, family and community."

Conclusion:

Coincidentally, yesterday (October 19, 2007), marked the official opening of the South Florida President's Council of Motorcycle Clubs & Organizations Pediatric

Trauma Center at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Florida (SFSS, 2007).

The facility...

According to the road captain for the Wings of Gold Motorcycle Club, who spoke about his personal motivation and the efforts of their national president, big part of joining this club was getting involved in the good work that Bob did in the community... We've got a commitment... To continue that work."
Likewise, a member of States Motorcycle Club, remarked that community involvement on the part of motorcycle clubs "... lessens the negative stereotype often associated with pony-tailed bikers." (SFSS, 2007). His statement captures the prevailing attitude of many club bikers in the U.S.

For us to see tangible results... gives us an idea that the work we are doing is a community contribution. Those guys can go over there and see this building and know people are getting good use out of it... it's important for us to be seen as something other than a nuisance."

References

James, S. (2007) South Florida Sun-Sentinel; Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital honors bikers for fund-raising. October 19, 2007. Accessed October 20, 2007, at http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbdimaggio1019nboct19,0,1385761.story

Road Raiderz Motorcycle Club Homepage, (2007), Accessed October 20, 2007, at http://roadraiderz-mc.com/NewPagev2.htm

Wolf Pack Motorcycle Club Homepage, (2007), Accessed October 20, 2007, at:

wolfpackmc.org