Wondering what it takes to join the ranks of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club?
The allure of the open road, the camaraderie, and the notorious reputation of the Bandidos might have caught your attention. But joining this elite club is no easy feat. From its inception in the mid-60s to its expansion across the globe, the Bandidos have maintained a mystique that many are curious about but few truly understand.
In this article, we’ll peel back the layers of this secretive society, starting with the club’s gritty origins in Texas, moving through the intricate process of becoming a member, and addressing the most pressing questions about the club’s operations and ethos.
Well, we’ll be going over:
- What historical events shaped the Bandidos Motorcycle Club?
- How does one navigate the club’s rigorous initiation process?
- What roles and responsibilities come with full membership?
Let’s dive in.
History and Founding
Origins and Founder
The Bandidos Motorcycle Club was founded in 1966 by Vietnam War veteran Donald Eugene Chambers in San Leon, Texas.
The club was originally called the “Bandido Social Club” and had nine members. Chambers was known as “Mother” and was the club’s president until his death in 1999.
Expansion and Chapters
The Bandidos MC has since expanded to become an international organization with chapters in Australia, Europe, and the United States. The club is known for its distinctive colors, which are black and gold, and its motto, “We are the people our parents warned us about.”
The Bandidos MC has a strict hierarchy and a set of rules that members must follow. Prospective members must first be invited to a club event and then complete a probationary period before being considered for membership.
During this time, they are known as “hang-arounds” and are not allowed to wear the club’s colors.
Key Historical Events
Over the years, the Bandidos MC has been involved in several high-profile incidents. In 1984, a shootout between the Bandidos and the Comancheros MC in Sydney, Australia, resulted in the deaths of seven people, including a bystander.
In 2006, a Bandidos member was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a rival gang member in El Paso, Texas.
Despite its controversial reputation, the Bandidos MC remains a popular and influential motorcycle club. Its members are known for their loyalty to the club and their commitment to the biker lifestyle.
Membership and Initiation
If you are interested in joining the Bandidos Motorcycle Club, you must be a male over the age of 21 and own a motorcycle of at least 750cc. The club is exclusive and membership is by invitation only.
Prospect Period
Before becoming a full member, you must first go through a prospect period. During this time, you will wear a prospect patch and must prove your loyalty and dedication to the club.
This period can last anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on the chapter and your individual progress.
Earning the Patch
Once you have completed the prospect period, you will be eligible to earn your full patch. This is not an automatic process and you must be approved by the club’s leadership.
The process of earning your patch involves proving your worthiness and commitment to the club.
Roles and Ranks
Once you have earned your patch, you will be considered a full member of the club. There are various roles and ranks within the club, including President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Road Captain.
These positions are elected by the members and carry various responsibilities.
It is important to note that the Bandidos Motorcycle Club is a 1% club, which means they are considered an outlaw motorcycle club.
They have a strict code of conduct and expect their members to follow it at all times. If you are interested in joining, it is important to understand the commitment and dedication required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the membership requirements for the Bandidos Motorcycle Club?
The Bandidos Motorcycle Club is known for being a secretive and exclusive organization. The club is not open to the public and prospective members must be sponsored by a current member.
The process of becoming a member is not easy and requires a significant amount of time and effort. Prospective members must also have a motorcycle and be willing to participate in club activities.
Is there a racial policy for joining the Bandidos Motorcycle Club?
The Bandidos Motorcycle Club does not have any official racial policy for joining. The club is open to individuals of all races and ethnicities. However, it is important to note that the club has been known to have a predominantly white membership.
What types of activities are Bandidos Motorcycle Club members typically involved in?
The Bandidos Motorcycle Club is known for its involvement in criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violence.
However, the club also participates in charitable activities and community events. The club has been known to organize toy drives and other charitable events.
How does one become a president within the Bandidos Motorcycle Club?
Becoming a president within the Bandidos Motorcycle Club is not an easy feat. Presidents are elected by the members of their respective chapters and must have a significant amount of experience within the club.
They must also have a strong reputation within the club and be respected by their fellow members.
Can you list the known chapters of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club?
The Bandidos Motorcycle Club has chapters throughout the United States and in several other countries.
Some of the known chapters include the Houston, Texas chapter, the San Antonio, Texas chapter, the Denver, Colorado chapter, the Sydney, Australia chapter, and the Helsinki, Finland chapter.
What are the known affiliated support clubs of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club?
The Bandidos Motorcycle Club has several affiliated support clubs, including the Red and Gold Crew, the Nomads, the Fat Mexican, and the Los Pistoleros.
These support clubs are known for helping the Bandidos Motorcycle Club with various activities, including security and transportation.