People ride motorcycles for various reasons. Some ride for enjoyment and others may ride for economic reasons. There are various types of motorcycle groups and organizations. In the 60s era most of the people that rode Harleys were either police officers or motorcycle gangs. Today Harleys are popular among many circles and types of people. The oldest of all motorcycle clubs are the Hell's Angels. They are among one of many groups that are called 1%er. 99% of all riders are average people of society that ride and do not consider themselves part of the 1% world. The 1%er culture is very different form the culture that most people know. A 1%er will wear a three-piece patch on the back of their vest. This patch was earned by some initiation by the club.   The term that the club uses for this transition time is 'prospect'. The prospect was a servant to the members of the club and by doing certain tasks they would earn their patch. Their patch represents who they are. 1% clubs tend to be territorial and sometimes oppose other 1% or three piece patch clubs operating within their territory.

Another term for a 1%er is an 'outlaw' biker. This is spelled with a small “o” because it is a generic term for a 1%er. If it was spelled with a capital “O” it would be a name of one of the 1%er clubs. The term 'outlaw' biker refers not to illegal conduct, but rather to the fact that these clubs do not affiliate with the traditional 99% of motorcyclist.

Typically, most members in AGMM will not encounter 1%ers in their regular riding experience. The AGMM is not a club we do not offer a patch to wear on the back of your vest.  If you desire to become part of club style ministry you may check our list of affiliates for more information on how you can join an existing club or start your own. Again, the AGMM is not a club nor do we issue a three piece patch.  Therefore the AGMM which is an association should never present a point of contention with 1%ers. That being said,  there may be occasions that a AGMM  member might encounter a 1%er and should understand some basic protocol.

First and foremost, always show respect to the 1%er and their club.  This is done by observing a few simple concepts. Never touch a back patch of a 1%er and do not offer your handshake to them unless they offer it first. Do not interrupt their conversation, and never speak negatively about them, their bikes, or their club.  The club is very akin to a tight family.  Offend one, and you offend them all.  The affiliation emblem that you will be wearing will not be a threat to the outlaw biker. We are not a threat either. We are on everyone's side and we are there to minister to every need no matter what club asks.

Most people that ride in this arena will try to look tougher than the next person. We in AGMM do not share that look. We are the light that will shine in the darkness and we share the joy of the Lord and a smile on our faces. We do not try to show that we are tougher than the next club. We are there to minister the life of God.

Some clubs have road captains that will plan a route and try to maintain safety while riding. AGRFMM shall have road captains. Our Road Captains are part of the Road Servants of the AGRFMM . It will be the responsibility of the Road Captain or designated person to establish the route and instruction at the start of the ride. The person riding in the front on the left is the person that is the lead bike. All other bikes should follow that person's lead. The Road Captain or designated person will appoint a person or another Road Captain at the back of the pack to be aware of breakdowns or other potential problems. The person watching the back section of the pack will warn the lead bike of problems or update the on the condition of the pack. See additional information in the Road Captain section of the handbook.

Attitude is very important in the club setting or in the ministry. All those that are interested in becoming a member of AGRFMM shall complete all of the sections of the handbook and all other requirements before an affiliation emblem is issued. The steps for receiving an affiliation emblem are necessary to enhance the members of the ministry and to ensure that those called to the ministry will be equipped for success and growth, keeping the vision of  the AGRFMM.

  All members and prospects shall attend church once per week minimum. Ministry outside of church is not a substitute for church, and watching a Christian program on TV is not a substitute for attending the local church. This is vital to the Christian walk and vital to the membership to AGRFMM. Occasionally there are reasons that a person can not attend, but this should not be the normal situation and a lapse in church attendance is a sign of potential problems in a person's life.

The 1% Biker World

The phenomenon of the “biker club” began on the heels of World War II as battle hardened soldiers returned from war and attempted to merge back into society. For some this proved difficult. Motorcycles were cheap in the mid 1940's. Many were sold as military surplus. During this time individuals gathered into groups, riding, partying, and becoming surrogate brothers. Two such groups were the “Pissed Off Bastards” and the “Booze Fighters.”

The American Motorcycle Association held its convention in the town of Hollister, California in 1947. The “Pissed Off Bastards” rode in drunk, wild and destructive. The local sheriff later described the scene as “just one hell of a mess.” The AMA, facing a public relations nightmare, denounced the “Pissed Off Bastards” saying it was unfortunate that 1 percent of motorcyclist should ruin it for the 99 percent. From this was coined the term, “1 %.” Many outlaw motorcycle clubs have taken this branding as a term of pride wearing 1% badges on their vests.

Outlaw motorcycle clubs have grown over the past 60 years. “The Backgrounder,” a Canadian publication writes this:

“Biker gang members share a passion for leather jackets and motorcycles. But beneath the image of long-haired rebels with tattoos lies a criminal underworld.


Outlaw clubs such as the Hells Angels have a broader support base than just the membership. It is estimated that there are 10 supporters for each member.
One “Motorcycle Club Patchholder” writes this about how one becomes a member of an outlaw club and what it means.
“ In most cases, the patch holder was a "hang around" for the club for at least a year. Before that, he was a long standing acquaintance and his attitude and overall conduct was well known. He then prospected for the club from one to two years before he was awarded his patch.
Of all the things in this man's life, his loyalty and commitment to the well being of his club comes first, above family, friends, job, personnel possessions, and personal safety. There is NEVER, REPEAT NEVER, any doubt or time spent on even considering which comes first. The only thing that approaches his commitment to the club is his commitment to his brothers. But even here, the interest of the club always comes before that of the individual. He knows that his family can walk out on him without a second's notice; he can lose his job overnight, even for good; close friends come and go with time. But his club and his brothers will always be there for him. It is one of the few, if not the only thing, that can be counted on. He knows this because he himself is committed to always being there for them. “
There is one word that must be understood to have a glimpse into the 1%er world. Respect. Each 1%er club and each of its members demand respect. Disrespect either and you will have the entire club down upon you. There are definite rules to the biker world and how one shows respect. (These are covered in detail in Section 3.) Simply stated, don't touch. Don't touch them, their bikes, and definitely don't ever touch their club patch. When introduced to them, don't offer your hand, allow them to decide whether they want to shake your hand. This again is about respect. Of course, it is not wise to make disparaging comments about them, their club “brothers,” or their club.

It is unlikely that you will cross paths with a 1%er in your riding experience. But if you should, show respect and exercise common sense.