Could the motorcycle gang violence that rocked Waco, Texas happen here in Mexico?
My assessment, after 10 years of association in this country’s biker world, is that such an occurrence would be highly unlikely.
The main difference between bikers’ groups in the two countries is that motorcycle clubs in Mexico are just that – clubs.
Members share a common interest, hang out with like-minded individuals, and usually join because their buddies or someone else in the family did. Clubs elect officers, hold meetings, take group rides, and basically support each other in any way they can. 
Some clubs are strict and require a minimum amount of activity, while others may seldom meet. Regardless of their affiliation, bikers treat each other with respect because they feel a common bond.
I have never felt threatened or unsafe at the many events I have attended in Mexico. To the contrary, I have always been treated as a VIP and welcomed to any “tent” of any club. Outside of the border areas, where U.S. influence of outlaw clubs has infiltrated, Mexican clubs generally do not have boundaries, turf wars or their own particular saloons.
Quite often, you will see a group photo of enthusiastic bikers wearing the colors of ten to 15 different clubs. They drink, laugh and enjoy these rallies together as a monstrous fraternity like no other. There is no such thing as being broken down alone on the side of the road. The code is: never leave a brother behind!
The 20th Semana Internacional de la Moto, the largest bike rally in Mexico, hosted more than 100 bike clubs early last month in Mazatlan, Sinaloa. During five days of activity, I did not witness a single outbreak of violence, not even two dudes fighting over a girl – a universal conflict that causes fists to swing.
Over a month ago, a fund-raiser was held for a local club members who needed financial assistance to undergo surgery. Members and non-member bikers rallied and generated enough to meet the debt.
This past weekend, I joined a food ride to help needy kids in Guadalajara. We gathered at the Minerva traffic circle with food items in our saddlebags, then rode — some 400 strong — to the Expo Guadalajara, where we presented the groceries to representatives and kids of the organization. The bikers were made up of more than 30 clubs and numerous solo riders.
In Jalisco alone, there are more than 84 registered clubs and all of them attend the one big annual event in Guadalajara held under the direction of the organization Moto Clubs Unidos de Jalisco.
Each club holds its own annual celebratory event, yet invites other clubs to attend to generate operating income through admission fees and beverage, food, souvenir and T-shirts sales.
Most of the clubs work this way and police themselves effectively to keep their members “running down the road” – because that is what bikers want to do. Their priority is keeping their beloved ride running and looking good.
And even though many bikers may look as tough as nails, they come from all walks of life and live the same lives as anyone else. My biker friends buy houses, go to the doctor (a few are doctors), buy health insurance, run businesses, have families and attend church.
In my opinion, riding across Mexico on a motorcycle seems to be the safest mode of transportation.
We ride in numbers, watch each others’ backs, and support restaurants, hotels and gas stations. Both law enforcement officials and “bad guys” aren’t sure how to classify us, so usually they just leave us alone. We seem to be in the “gray middle” doing our own thing.
So, if you see or encounter a “real biker” on the road, he may go around you at a stop light, and his pipes might be louder than you think, and he’s probably overloaded on tattoos, but know this: he’s not packing a pistol or looking for a fight. He’s not in a “gang” or all doped up. He rides on the edge, a more dangerous form of transportation, especially on these not-so-perfect Mexican highways. Just give him a “thumbs up” and see what you get back!
I own and operate an organization called “The Riders Registry,” which is designed for bikers. By registering bikers and their medical data, we can get them faster and better attention by first responders when an accident occurs. We imprint a QR code onto a dog tag which is specific to just that biker. So, with a QR reader, which many phones now have or can upload, we can get ahold of the right people quickly and efficiently. I will be in Guadalajara this coming weekend at Motogaleria 2015 (see box). Come visit my booth or go to www.ridersregistry.com. From June 12-14 we will travel to Guayabitos, Nayarit for a beach biker rally.
Motogaleria
The third annual Motogaleria 2015 is Western Mexico’s biggest presentation of motorcycles, accessories and related products. Held at Expo Guadalajara Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, it includes an exhibition area, moto challenge, an extreme zone, moto raffle, forum and pretty woman contest. You can find top national and international bikes, clothes, services and supplies. Motorcycle tuning, road and off road, transport, enduro, cross, trial, super moto, work bikes and double purpose bikes will all be on display. Many clubs will also have a presence at the event.
Some of the companies at the event include: Harley Davidson, Surti Moto, Keeway moto, Kustom Moto Krome, Dinamo, ROK straps, Moto Style, Benelli, Can Am, Bajaj, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Yamaha, Monroy Motos, Motocycle Drivers Store, Fundas Feeper, Le Due Route, MTR and SANLG Mexico.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days of the event.
To find out more about upcoming motorcycle club events throughout Mexico go to motoclubunidosjalisco.mex.tl.