INTRODUCTION We noticed one month after opening the website, that about 30% of the visits were coming from countries where french is not spoken and it was a big surprise. I felt that those visitors must be quite disappointed by the discovery of an exusively french website. So we found 3 solutions : Ignore them (what a shame) - translate the whole website - dedicate a special page for them, in English. That 3rd solution, is what I'm trying to do now. I will first translate some parts of the website, that I think are essential to knowing about our Club. Then I'll give some info about a biker's lifestyle in France and put together some questionnaires to get your feedback. HISTORY OF THE CLUB In 2003, three bikers knowing each other for a long time (Beard, Nono and Beaver), decided to go to Czech Republic for the Super Rally. Along the kilometers (991 km one way) they felt that, even while not getting together that often, they were more than friends - they were Brothers. So the conclusion was evident, upon returning to France, a new Motorcycle Club would be created. 3 guys for a serious club is not enough, another 3 old friends would join are joining the team (Ness, Marco & Tof) and the story began. The Club will be an Harley Davidson Club, the name was chosen, Colours were designed and everything was presented for approval to the reknowed Clubs in the area. Then the legal part took place, Barbiche (Beard) became President, Nono Treasurer, Castor (Beaver) Secretary. With members coming from the Isère, Drôme, Ardèche and Savoie areas of France, it was decided that no territorial name will be worn with the Colours. The whole start up process took about one year. The wedding of Castor and Isabelle in 2004, is the first opportunity to ride with the back patches. At that time the Maltese Cross on the skull was white, but after being requested by the Rough Riders MC Family, it became black as theirs is. We are proud of that link between our groups. On the 2nd of October 2004, during the first "Grateful Riders Family Feast", a first prospect (the Belgian) will be accepted by the 6 founders. One month later, the internal rules are ready and voted on the 6th of November 2004. The 5th of February 2005, will see the arrival in the gang of "the Australian". May 2005, one year since the Club was created and we have started to acquire a reputation and hopefully a good one. About twenty events (rallies, concerts, meetings) have been the occasions for having fun. The group is getting stronger and brotherhood is tangible. On the 1st of May, for the spring Club meeting in the Drôme, a surprise had been organized for the Belgian. For "good services", he received his full patch earlier than foreseen. The week-end on 21st and 22nd of May, was a new experience ... for the first time, the Club was divided.But ... no panic, it was for a good cause. Some invitations, you can't refuse and that time, we had two. So Saturday morning, after an early drink, two groups were formed and left on separate ways. The feeling was strange and not so pleasant. Luckilly, thanks to the road, those bad feelings were quickly forgotten. You dont always do what you want, and after a last fiesta at the Summer Storm, the Belgian had to return to live in his country. Another two rallies (Ardèche Vets, Greasers) and the season 2005 came to an end with the second "Grateful Riders Family Feast". It was held at Tof's house, with the full Club, joined by the kids, spouses and some close friends. It was the opportunity for the Australian to become full patch and to welcome Fred, a new prospect. Moreover, we discovered Nono's cooking talent with a delicious home made chili. We now are 9 brothers to write down the pages of the Club's life ... will it become history ??? THE CLUB The Club is our response to the individualism, egoism and the indifference in today's society. We wanted to get back to the values that are important for us, such as brotherhood, solidarity and respect. Somewhere we are recreating a tribe - a family whose members are carefully chosen. By joining the Club, you commit yourself to help not only your Brothers whenever needed, but their close family as well (spouse, childrens). Knowing, that in case of problems, somebody will take care of your loved ones sets your mind at rest. Apart from that serious side, driving a Harley is our way to live daily adventure, with its joys and pains. The party aspect is important and we are often partying, we are riding to rallies or having our own events like the "Cathare Run". Whatever the road can be - under the suns or the in the rain, in the heat or the in the cold ... the reward that remains at the end of the day is Friendship and Fraternity. Riding with us is easy, you just have to want it. We require having a good spirit and accepting our rythym. Becoming a member of the Club is not as easy however. You have to own a Harley and hangaround for a while with us. When the members have gotten to know you well enough, you will be allowed to ask to be part of the Club. A godfather will then introduce the request to the 6 founders. An unanimous vote is needed to receive the front patch and become a prospect. The prospect will accept and follow the internal rules and after one year he will confirm his intention of becoming full member of the Club. A second vote will be held by all the members. Only by unanimity will the prospect be allowed to wear the back patch. This is a long and hard way, but the result of experience and the only way we will last. THE NAME & THE COLOURS The name is a tribute to the band "Grateful Dead", well-known to the american and european biker circles in the seventies. The skull is an equality symbol, only the skin is coloured, only the face is nice or ugly. The skull is the same for everyone !! More to come later ...they |
