Yellow Jackets Motorcycle Club facts for kids
The Yellow Jackets Motorcycle Club, also known as YJMC, is an American motorcycle club. It was officially started in 1947 and registered with the American Motorcyclist Association in the same year. In 1947, they were part of a well-known event in California called the "Hollister Riot". This event later became famous in the movie The Wild One. The Yellow Jackets are one of the oldest motorcycle clubs still active in the United States.
History of the Yellow Jackets
The Yellow Jackets Motorcycle Club is based in California and is known as an "Original Motorcycle Club." While the exact founding date is not known, the club officially started in 1947. They also registered with the American Motorcyclist Association in that same year. This makes the Yellow Jackets Motorcycle Club one of the oldest clubs still around in the United States today.
The club members used to meet at a small place called The Crash Inn in Southern California. The owner of The Crash Inn was an honorary member of the club. Many different motorcycle clubs would gather there to have a good time together.
The California-based Yellow Jackets were present at the July 4th, 1947, Gypsy Tour in Hollister, California. This event later became known as the Hollister Riot. It was shown in the movie The Wild One. This event is often seen as an important moment in the history of American motorcycle clubs.
The Yellow Jackets MC is an American club, which means it has members across the country. They have different groups, called chapters, in many cities. The club was formed because members loved motorcycling and racing motorcycles. The Yellow Jackets, along with other "Original" clubs, helped shape what modern American motorcycle clubs are like today. From its beginnings in California, the club started to grow and spread eastward, gaining new members.
How to Join the Club
To become a potential member, called a "prospect," candidates need to meet certain requirements. They must have an American or allied motorcycle that is 750cc or larger. They also need a valid driver's license and motorcycle insurance. Finally, they need a full member of the club to sponsor them.
After someone shows interest, they might be invited to ride and spend time with the club. At this stage, they are called a "hang-around." This means they can attend club events and get to know the members. If a hang-around seems like a good fit and finds a sponsor, they might be invited to become a "prospect."
Prospective members wear a special patch that says "PROSPECT" on the top. They also wear a small patch that shows they are a prospect. Once a member finishes this prospecting period, they are allowed to wear all of the club's main patches. As members continue in the club, they can earn other patches. These patches show their achievements within the organization.
Club Colors and Patches
Yellow Jackets members can be identified by their special patches, which are also called "colors." Each set of these patches includes all the letters that spell out "Yellow Jackets MC." These letters are arranged in a circle pattern around a main patch in the center. The patches that members wear are very important to them. They are earned through the prospecting period, which is like a trial period for new members.
