Patch-Tag Biker's Club

Motorcycling isn’t just a mode of transportation—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re a weekend cruiser, track-day racer, or cafe–racers’ loyalist, the road calls to you in a way cars never could. The rumble beneath you, the wind against your visor, the freedom of leaning into a curve—motorcycling is an addiction in the best possible way.

This guide celebrates that passion, helping seasoned riders elevate their game—and newcomers embrace the highway spirit. Let’s ride.

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1. The Core of Riding: Choosing the Right Gear

🥽 Helmet: Your Life Line

• Full-face DOT/SNELL or ECE-certified helmets offer the best protection for sport and long-distance riding.
• Modular helmets are great for touring or commuting—just make sure the latch system is solid.
• Consider helmets with built-in sun shields, Bluetooth systems, or removable liners for daily comfort.

🧥 Jacket & Pants: Armor Meets Style

• Textile jackets with CE-rated armor offer versatility: waterproof liners and airflow panels.
• Leather suits or jackets remain iconic—especially for sport, café, or cruiser fans.
• For pants, Kevlar-reinforced textile or leather pants and riding jeans with knee/hip protectors are essential.

🧤 Boots & Gloves: Protect Extremities

• Glove essentials: full gauntlet, finger protection, touchscreen capability.
• Boots should cover ankles, have oil-resistant soles, and toe sliders if you knee-drag in corners.

🎒 Accessories That Level Up

• Base layers and neck tubes prevent overheating or chills.
• Rain suits, emergency repair kits, torches, high-vis vests—all worth keeping in your tailbag.

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2. Keeping Your Bike Road-Ready: Maintenance Mastery

🔧 Daily & Pre-Ride Checks

1. Tire pressure and tread depth
2. Oil level, coolant fluid (if applicable)
3. Brake fluid, chain tension, lights, horn
4. Fasteners, levers, cables—freeplay and wear

🛠️ Scheduled Maintenance Intervals

• Oil/filter change every 3,000–5,000 miles (or as per your manual).
• Valve adjustments: typically every 6,000–8,000 miles, check tappet clearances.
• Chain and sprockets: clean & lube every 300–500 miles, replace before excessive wear.
• Brake pads: look for even pads with >2mm thickness.

🛞 Tires & Suspension

• Use modern mesh gauges; checking tread for embedded glass or uneven wear is critical.
• Sun exposure wears rubber—store off the asphalt, reduce UV contact.
• Suspension: adjust preload based on weight and load (pillion, luggage). Consider regular fork oil changes.

🧰 Tools & Workshop Know-how

• Carry DOT-approved tire plugs, a folding Allen/torx tool, spare fuses, multi-tool.
• Keep an owner’s service manual or digital PDF for torque settings and oil types.
• Networking: local rider co-ops often let you rent lifts, tools, and get veteran guidance.

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3. Conquering Curves: Cornering Like a Pro

📐 Cornering Techniques

• Focused vision: look where you want to go. Keep your heads-up.
• Grip the tank with your knees and counter-pressure for stability.
• Enter smooth, mid-turn throttle, squeeze gently on exit.

🧠 Body Positioning

• Hanging off for sport bikes in wipeouts; upright seated position is fine for street touring.
• Shift your upper body inside the turn; lean the bike less aggressively to maintain traction.

⚠️ Safety Drills

• Practice trail braking as you approach curves.
• Street rides in light traffic can simulate technical sections without speed.
• Be conservative in rainy or gravel-prone corners—almost all collisions happen when brakes meet corners.

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4. Exploring the Roads: Trip Planning Toolkit

🧭 Route Research

• Combine backroads, scenic highways, elevation changes—solo apps or GPS maps are invaluable.
• Check forums, Instagram geotags, and local moto-communities for hidden gems.

🗓️ Itinerary & Logistics

• Plan ODO targets but leave room for detours.
• Scheduling should allow for midday leisure stops and flexible overnights.

🧳 Packing Light, Smart

• Keep essentials: tire plugs, tool kit, rain cover, extra rainwear.
• Pack two small bike luggage sets—cargo rack bag + fork bag for balance.

✨ Post-Ride Rituals

• Spend 15 minutes after rides checking bolts, chain, tire temps.
• Stretch out: hips, lower back, neck; log weather, performance issues, and fuel stops.

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5. Riding in the Elements: Weather-Wise Tips

☀️ Heat & Sun

• Use mesh jacket systems with vented liners.
• High-vis fluorescent clothing with reflective inserts improves visibility.
• CamelBak hydration inside the jacket keeps you topped up mid-ride.

❄️ Rain & Cold

• Layer up: Under-Armor, fleece, and waterproof gear keep you dry and warm.
• Tires: avoid aquaplaning by steering through existing tire tracks in front of you.
• Winter tires (with softer rubber) offer improved grip in low temperatures.

🍂 Fog & Night

• Low-pass headlights + helmet-mounted beams help visibility.
• Reduce speed—fog masks reaction time.
• Regular routine headlight cleaning is critical for night reflections and glare control.

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6. Riding Community & Culture: Where the Soul Lives

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Club Rides & Social Groups

• Harley, Ninja, Sport-Touring, or Adventure clubs often host inter-state runs.
• Group riding etiquette: staggered formation, signaling, lead & sweep riders.

📱 Online & In-Person Engagement

• Forums like ADVrider, RoadRacing World, YouTube vlogs, and social media groups are goldmines for local meetups and long-distance chase builds.
• Attend bike expos and demo days to compare riding gear and network with like-minded fans.

🌱 Conservation & Charity Rides

• Participate in veterans’ or cancer research charity rides. Motorcycle passion that does good.
• Attend benefit dinners—these often follow rolling-parade snack stops and tradition says “fill your cup first.”

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7. Insider Tips & Tricks from the Pros

🧩 Customization for Comfort

• Bar risers, tapered handlebars, seat pads, engine bar sliders can improve daily ergonomics.
• Use foam tube for throttle leg cramp.

🎵 Entertainment While You Ride

• Bluetooth headsets with GPS audio prompts help avoid distraction.
• Keep an offline playlist plus offline map in your jacket stash.

⚡ Motorcycling Tech (2025 Update)

• Helmet HUD systems, GPS, lean-angle traction control, connected devices to track rides, and group comms.

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8. Track Days vs. Street Riding

🏁 Track Day Know-How

• Begin with structured instruction.
• Upgrade to braided brake hoses and front brake pads for repeated abuse.
• Track stints keep coolant or rad warning nearby.

🚦 Street Riding Variators

• Practice trail-braking and corner entry speed.
• Use road-specific setups: street tires, stock brake fluid, chain check.

Both worlds teach safe handling and confidence, though race bias can foster speed vs street boilerplate.

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9. Vintage vs. Modern Motorcycles

🏍️ Why Go Vintage

• Nostalgia, feel for older tech, community of café-racer stylists.
• Suspension upgrades and modern brake calipers bring rideability up to 21st century.

⚙️ Why Go Modern

• Reliability, ABS, traction control, fuel efficiency, improved handling geometry.
• Electronic cruise zippers, and fully adjustable suspension ring road triumph.

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10. Physiology, Mental Focus & Rider Safety

🧘 Mind Over Machine

• Pre-ride mindfulness: slow breathing, mental flow-through of road conditions.
• Avoid fatigue and focus loss after two hours—the zone when mistakes spike.

🥤 Hydration & Nutrition

• Rehydrate often; salty snacks can replenish electrolytes on hot rides.
• High-protein snacks and carbs keep stamina through long journeys.

🧑‍⚕️ Injury Prevention (Pre & Post)

• Daily wrist stretches, scar tissue massage on hips, and addressing sore lower back.

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11. The Future of Riding: Electric & Beyond

🔌 EV Motorcycles

• Zero, Harley LiveWire, Energica, Cake—electric bikes are making modern touring real.
• Instant torque, quiet rides, solar-powered recharge stations, with range growing each season.

📜 Tech Integration

• Augmented reality helmets show line assistance, GPS, hazard warnings.
• Connected road sensors warn about slippery roads or upcoming construction.

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12. The Fake West Coast Rally: Grand Canyon Night Rider 2025

Before we wrap, here’s a fun addition for fanatics craving community and adventure:

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🏁 Grand Canyon Night Rider Rally

Date: September 18–20, 2025
Location: Starting in Sedona, through Oak Creek Canyon, ending on the South Rim Grand Canyon
Highlights:

• 3-day guided ride with scenic canyon roads and elevated plateaus under the stars
• Adventure gear expo, local gourmet coffee tastings, ride photo stops
• Campfire networking and rider stories in the campground
• Helmet-head vintage bike show & slow-ride stunt demo
• Poker run finishes at the canyon overlook
• “Piñon Trail Awards” ceremony with best vintage, biggest tourer, and night-light custom categories
• Buy passes on Seatgeek.com. Or for a 10% discount buy from Ticket-Taxi.com use code BIG BEAR.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Perfect for seasoned riders who want scenic twisties and storytelling nights
• Mix of touring and café/bike-swap vibe
• Ideal for couples or buddies—dry camping meets local glamp experience

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Final Thoughts: Beyond Just the Ride

Motorcycling is the sum of many parts: your gear, your machine, your mindset, your tribe. It’s more than just speed or destination—it’s freedom, identity, passion, and belonging. Whether you’re crossing states, cornering at canyon highways, or customizing your ride for city street dominance, the journey is living.

Master your gear. Care for your bike. Respect the road. Connect with others. And always leave room for the next town’s pizza, next highway’s sunrise, and next year’s Grand Canyon Night Rider.

Ride safe. Ride often. Ride hard.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, you’ll need to understand the different types of motorcycles available. Whether you’re looking for a full dress or touring bike or a chopper, it’s important to consider your own riding style and budget before buying your next motorcycle. Motorcycles are powerful machines that can take you on some great adventures.

The standard motorcycle is the most common type of motorcycle. These motorcycles are often available at a reasonable price point and are designed for a wide variety of purposes. They may be equipped with a tank bag, a sling seat or other modifications that suit your needs. They also come in a variety of sizes and power levels. They aren’t necessarily the most practical motorcycle for long trips, but they can make for great day-to-day machines.

A chopper is a bike that features a “chopped” frame, raked front fork and forward foot controls. They were a popular bike of the late 1960s, a style that was brought to a mainstream audience by the hit movie Easy Rider. Some modern models even feature fuel injection and disc brakes. These bikes are often used for hedonistic pleasure rather than practicality.

A cruiser is a motorcycle designed for cruising. These motorcycles are often more comfortable than other models, which makes them a great option for new riders. They are often made with lighter materials and have higher seat heights than other motorcycles. These bikes are also often built with an unmistakable silhouette. They may have an aggressive stance or a laid-back stance, depending on the model. Cruisers can be fun to ride and are often a great choice for a weekend outing.

The sport bike is a motorcycle designed for speed. These motorcycles are usually lightweight and designed for agility. They are also optimized for cornering and acceleration. They have a higher seat height and a higher lean angle, which is a good thing for speed and acceleration.

The bobber is a motorcycle that has been modified by removing some of the bodywork from the factory model. These motorcycles usually have a shortened rear fender to give them a “bobbed” look. They also feature some styling cues and may ditch some government mandated parts, such as turn signals.

The Touring bike is a motorcycle designed for long-distance travel. They are often larger than other motorcycles, offering a more spacious ride. They offer easy ergonomics and ample storage space for gear. They also have a good sized tank, allowing them to carry a lot of gear. Touring motorcycles also tend to be larger in size and power, allowing them to cruise at highway speeds.

There are dozens of manufacturers producing motorcycles, so you may have a difficult time deciding which motorcycle is the best choice for you. The right motorcycle for you depends on your budget and riding style. But the cruiser, chopper, sport bike and touring bike are all excellent options for those interested in a fun and convenient way to get around town.

Whether you are just beginning to get your motorcycling legs or are a seasoned vet, there are some tips for motorcyclists on the road that will keep you out of trouble. Some of these are obvious, but it is important to remember that you are on the road with other people. The rules of the road apply to everyone, so be courteous to everyone.

For instance, you should wear an open face helmet, but make sure it has shatterproof eye protection. This will protect you from cigarette butts and other debris. You should also wear a helmet that has an appropriate amount of padding.

Also, it is important to learn the proper way to change lanes. The safest way to do this is to look over your shoulder and make the turn. If you are changing lanes to pass a car, you need to signal in advance.

You can also make the road safer for other drivers by securing loose objects, such as a wheel. This is particularly important on wet or icy roads. You should also put your phone away and look around.

While there are no official numbers, it is estimated that approximately 56% of all motorcycle accidents involve head-on collisions. In a head-on collision, there is a high probability that one or more people will be injured, or even killed. This statistic is staggering.

While you are driving, you should also be aware of other drivers’ blind spots. This is important because it may be easier for you to see them than for them to see you.

As you all know I’m a huge Harley Davidson fan, after my divorce I even sold my house for cash to buy one. I just wanted to write a lil bit about the history of Harleys. Founded in December 1880, Harley Davidson is the world’s most famous motorcycle manufacturer. Having survived two world wars and the financial crisis of the 1980s, Harley-Davidson continues to produce iconic V-twin engines and all-American motorcycles. Its headquarters are still located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Harley-Davidson started out in a small shed in Milwaukee. The company later built its first factory in 1906 on Chestnut Street. The first 50 motorcycles were manufactured that year.

In the following year, the company built a second floor and expanded the factory. By 1907, Harley-Davidson was producing nearly one bike a week. The company began selling motorcycles to police departments in 1907.

Harley-Davidson was incorporated on September 17th, 1906. It was later known as Harley-Davidson Motor Co.

During World War I, Harley-Davidson motorcycles were used by U.S. infantry. The company also sent nearly 100,000 machines overseas. The company earned the Army-Navy “E” award for excellence in production.

Harley-Davidson continued to grow in the years that followed. By 1914, the company had more than 150 dealers. They were also sending motorcycles to Japan. By 1909, the company had begun producing motorcycles with two-cylinder engines.

In 1911, the company introduced its first V-twin engine. This model was produced for three years and boasted dual belt-drive. The engine dispensed 7 horsepower. Its valve ports are in an inlet-over-exhaust design. It is still in use until 1929.

In 2007, Harley-Davidson introduced a 96 cubic inch Twin Cam 96 engine. The company also introduced a five-speed transmission.

Fundraiser For Big Bear’s Daugther

What: Joanne College Book Fundraiser
When: Caloosa Park, Boynton Beach, 3PM

Hey all! This is your secretary, Redman, as you all may know, Big Bear passed away not too long ago. The Patch-Tag will be meeting at Boynton Beach tomorrow at Boynton Beach, 10 am sharp (9 am for prospects) to spread his ashes. Big Bear has three songs as members in our club and two daughters. His oldest daughter just turned 18, and we send our condolences to her for having to lose her father at a critical time in her life. We want Big Bear’s family to know that the club has his back, we’ll be throwing an event on Saturday to raise funds for his daughter to go to college. Joanne was going to skip her first year at Florida State to work so she can save up enough money for school books. Trust me, I’ve got two kids in college now, those books are NOT cheap, and I know Big Bear would be rolling in his grave if he knew she was going to skip her first year of college. So we need to get together to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Prospects and hang-around that plan on attending need to be aware that other motorcycle clubs have been invited (Del Ray MC, Boynton Babies, and Ravens Skull MCs) so make sure to carry yourself with a since of respect. All prospects need to show up at 1 pm to help set up tents and food and help direct bike parking.

Ride In Peace Joey D! AKA Big Bear!

Who: Big Bear
Where: Boynton Beach. Pavillion A
When: 10 AM

Tomorrow we are meeting at Boynton Beach and riding out to Ft Lauderdale in memory of Big Bear. We’ll meet at pavilion A, at 10 AM sharp. All prospects need to arrive at 9 AM to help set up. Big Bear’s family will be spreading his ashes at his favorite fishing spot. We encourage all of you to come. Big Bear was an integral part of this club. He dedicated over 15 years to the Patch-Tag. His two oldest sons are members as well, and Little Bear, his youngest, is now a prospect. We’ll have dinner at CJ’s after the ride.

For those that don’t know, the last rev is a motorcycle club tradition that happens when a brother or sister passes away. Big Bear’s wife and daughter will be riding his bike in his memory, while his oldest Tim will be the Road Captain, and Little Bear will be the Tail Gunner and the last to rev his bike in memory of his father. The day after we’ll be throwing a fundraiser so his daughter Joanne can go to college, we’ll have other motorcycle clubs in the area joining us to remember to wear your patch with pride and carry yourself with respect.

Landon R.
Vice President

Hey all, it’s Little D! I’m finally getting my patch! I’ve been a prospect for about a year now, but before that, I was just a hang-around. I’ve been asked to write some tips on being a prospect.

It’s not easy. Before I became a prospect, I was just a hang-around. I had to jump into situations and volunteered for rides, and even though I was down for the cause, that didn’t mean the club had to be down for me. Over time they saw that I was serious, and Sunny D let me become a prospect. If you thought it was hard being a hang-around with no benefits, trust me, it’s even harder when you become a prospect. That’s because all eyes are on you now. Meaning everything the club needs you have to deliver, and you better do it right. There were times when I just wanted to give up, but I stuck it out because I realized that because I was now a little brother in the family, they stuck their neck out for me even harder. No matter how much of a hard time they gave me, the club always gave a harder time to anyone who bothered me.

One of the best things about joining the Patch-Tag is that I learned a lot about myself and I’m proud of the man I’ve become. I feel a certain level of responsibility, and I’m proud that my brothers trust me. I feel like I’ve become a better man because of the level of respect I have to carry myself when I’m wearing the patch.

What is required to become a patch holder? As a prospect all you have to do is keep your mouth shut and never talk to any outsider about club business. Show up to church on time, typically earlier to help set up, and just remember to keep your ego at the door. If you can’t respect older members, or if you can’t understand that you’re at the bottom of the chain, you’ll be smoked out immediately. Make yourself available for all events, and do what your told. It seems so simple, but I can’t tell you how many prospects I’ve seen drop off because they couldn’t show respect, show up on time, or drop their egos at the door. Most importantly, do NOT embarrassed the club. The Patch-Tag is huge on carrying yourself with respect, if you’re out in public and wearing club colors, you better not cause any trouble that could bring a spotlight on us.

It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t always fun, but I’m proud to say I’ve become a better man with the Patch-Tag of South Florida. I love that my brothers keep me out of trouble and my girls love the way I carry myself now. I’ve seriously grow 10 years older within the club.

Little D
Prospect

Hi yall, this is Sunny Dennis, aka Sunny D! If riding motorcycles is your life and you’re looking for a great club to join, you should check us out. We meet every Thursday at 6 P.M at Duffys in Del Ray Beach. Just look for the guys with the purple sheen.

We only accept members who have a deep level of self-discipline when wearing our patch. You need to understand the patch lifestyle is a full-time job. When you wear the patch, you need to conduct yourself with a level of professionalism that doesn’t embarrass the club. What you get in return is mutual support and love from the group. We are a tight-knit family. If anyone bothers you, they bother all of us.

What’s the difference between other clubs and us? We may look scary on the outside, but we walk with respect for everyone. We don’t show up in numbers to intimidate or cause chaos and confusion. We go out of our way to support our members no matter what. We throw fundraisers and events for things we are passionate about, and we go out of our way to celebrate our members. When you ride with us, people show respect and we give it right back. We are 2,993 members strong with friends and family that all need to be taken care of and looked after. When you place your trust in us, you can be sure everyone will go out of their way to look after you. We have no problems with any of the other clubs around the way, and if you ask, they’ll tell you that we are probably the most respectable motorcycle club around.

How do you become a member? Most of our dedicated members hung out as a prospect for at least a year. We only select prospects based on personality and dedication to the cause. We’re not promising it’ll be an easy ride to becoming a Patch-Tag member, but it’ll defiantly be worth it. We are a tight knit family that takes care of our own.

Sunny D
Treasurer

Hi everyone and welcome to the Patch Tag Biker’s Club. As you may know, we are a really fun loving PEACEFUL biker outfit headquartered in Sunny South Florida!

We wanted to make sure we had a space online for the PTBC, in case anyone is searching it after hearing about us.

We go on rides to meets and conventions across state lines several times a year. We are a biker club with over 80 members, 90% of which are over the age of 55. (Not too late for testosterone and estrogen!) We like to mainly stay to ourselves and cruise peacefully up and down route 1.

If you ever see our people in public, you will notice the purple sheen to their jackets. This is in honor of a member we like to refer to as SLO-MO who was actually named Thomas Finley, and he was a good rider who was killed in an accident when he wasn’t wearing his helmet. He always wore purple shirts.

After losing SLO-MO, we all decided to chip in together to start buying helmets for young children in troubled neighborhoods. We call it the SLO-MO Bike Safety Foundation and have raised over $3,400 to date.

Have any more questions, come find us at our club in Tampa, thanks for visiting our online page!