Beginnings: Let’s just say the club’s
beginnings are older than dirt, but if you need a number, it started in 1937
or 41, depending on who's tellin' the story. They once numbered over 100
including a woman's division and a stunt-and-drill team that rode white
Harleys in the Seattle Seafair parade.
History: It’s a long one of course. Years ago
the club would meet at the Two Bells Tavern in Bell Town. Rumor has it the
members were notorious for raising hell throughout downtown Seattle. But
hey, it's just a rumor.
Some years ago, it was reported in the Seattle Times
that it was the end for the Jolly Rogers, and it nearly was but somehow, the
surviving membership brought the club back from the brink. Today they are
over 70 strong and growing every month!
Photo: Flat Tracking in the old days.
Digs
Then and Now: The club used to own a slab of property in Kent, back when
Kent was nothing but dairy land and marshland. This property included a
clubhouse, track and hill climb. Today they meet the second Wednesday of
each month at Goldie's on Airport Way in Seattle at 7:00pm. There is also a
monthly birthday party held up in the north end a few weeks after the
monthly meeting. The Jolly Rogers are actively looking for a new clubhouse
in the Seattle area.
Membership Today: You can join the club
for $100. You will be vetted in front of the club, the Prez will ask for a
vote from the galley and with a loud gutteral ARRRGGGHHH!!! you're in! This
places you in a class above the rest, you are now a member of one of
Washington's oldest motorcycle clubs. No one cares what type of bike you
ride or how long you've been riding.
Rides: Happen pretty much every month
during the riding season and several charity runs are done in the
off-season. 2009 will be the year of rebirth for the club with new hill
climbs and flat track events!
Colors: Oh yes – Black, white and red. Nifty
club logo that has been around for years featuring, you guessed it, a wily
pirate type.
Club Culture: Some of the nicest people you’ll
ever meet. We ride. We ride long, we ride hard. Most of the members are
lifetime riders, some of them don't even own a cage. It's not a lifestyle
choice for a lot of them, it's a way of life... it IS their life.
Celebrity Members: Carmen Tom, founder of
Downtown Harley-Davidson. Benny "The Legend" and Bob "The Great" Seymour. A number of members are also active Cossacks
stunt riders.
Club Merchandise: Tee-shirts, patches, decals get
back whips etc...
Website & Forum: Well done at
http://www.jollyrogersmotorcycleclub.com/
AMA Chartered: Yes
