The Duc
Ducati 1098 – NOT a motorcycle that featured in Sons Of Anarchy, that much I know! As an absolute novice (and pillion) my knowledge of most motorcycles and most certainly about motorcycle clubs are confined to everything that I have learned in Sons Of Anarchy! Before SOA I thought ‘cuts’ pertained to meat, a ‘cager’ was someone confining animals, a hairpin was used for your hair, a ‘hog’ was a domesticated pig, ‘leathers’ were perceived to be different kind of hides, ‘bead’ was well, a bead! In all instances, I was sadly mistaken (see correct terminology below.)
I have to admit that growing up I thought of all motorbike riders riding in clubs or ‘gangs’ as people who were always on the wrong side of the law, out to hurt people, get drunk, smoke weed and pick fights with anything that moves. But I have learned this is rarely the case. There are proper clubs that are legitimate, have amazing internal structures, rules and regulations and almost all of the motorbike riders and MC members I met were friendly, accommodating and very approachable. You will of course always get your ‘bad seeds’. But just because a huge guy wears a T-shirt with a skull, has twenty tattoos and scary looking cuts, doesn’t mean he is a gun-wielding criminal on a motorbike!
There are many MC’s (motorcycle clubs) in South Africa that do amazing things for all kinds of charities. Just last weekend there were toy runs allover the country by all the MC’s in SA. I know there are MC’s who are notorious troublemakers and some are even feared, but for the most part the MC members keep to themselves, and do things within the MC rules and regulations. I do not know that many MC’s in Gauteng (where I stay) but I have only had positive interactions with a few of them. Case in point, we went to ‘Upperdeck’ at Harties today and saw many many MC bikers on the way, as well as at Upperdeck itself. In fact, a well-known MC called ‘The Crusaders’ had a large gathering there. I was so impressed with their general conduct, manners and courteousness towards other patrons and myself. Well done to them for keeping their club’s name high today! I also met some of the amazing members of Grai Motorcycle Club – South Africa – SUCH genuine nice people – funny, witty and very friendly! I really appreciated them sharing tips and giving this novice pillion some very good advice. Thank you everyone, and a special thanks to Jacques Koning for introducing us to the ‘gang’ (meant in the most positive way possible!)
‘Biking’ is not for sissies, and there’s something to be said about riding at 230 kmph down a stretch of road on a beautiful machine (like my hubby’s Duc!) on a wonderful summer’s day. There is just SOMETHING about riding on a motorbike that is quite indescribable really. We are not even remotely ‘bikers’ yet, but it is wonderful to start getting to know what motorcycle riding in South Africa is all about. As pillion I dream about owning my own bike soon, but for now I am quite content riding with the best partner ever. If you’re not sure if you trust your partner or not, try riding with them on a two-wheeled beast at a ridiculous speed, helplessly sitting behind them, holding on for dear life! Now THAT is implicit trust for you!
If you are as clueless as I was/am, especially about the slang and abbreviations used in the motorcycle world, read on to be enlightened about all things motorcycle. You’re welcome!
(A huge shout out to my husband who quite willing shares his passion with me on a motorbike that wasn’t really designed for the schlep of carrying a passenger! I love every second Love!)
THINK BIKE!! (No, seriously, THINK bike!!)
Nicci (aka The Duc Pillion)
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The Beast
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