Oh yeah - Rich has been a long time SBSC member. But that's how most of our members are --- they are low key and just like to ride. Yeah, we've got patches (and I'm sure if you look closely, you'll see it on the back of Rich's riding jacket), but for the most part we don't even promote wearing them. Like I said, most folks are just about the ride and we use the term "member" very loosely; it's basically someone who comes out and rides often with us. They choose whether they want to be considered as one or go on our membership page (which you can see Rich and other folks at), here:
http://www.southbayscooterclub.com/southbaysc/members/members.html
BUT, I hear you about the connotations the words "club" and "Club member" bring, especially to newer people in the scene. Like I mentioned, even though we keep it loose with regards to our "membership", newer riders interested in the club are always asking how they can "become a member", and/or "how much dues are", etc., etc. I always tell them that if they ride with us on a consistent basis, and they want to be considered a member, they are, which is, I'm sure, probably what goes on with the "LA Scooter Group"...(?)
Well, having met many of your group at a few functions, I'm looking forward to having them all come out to Swerve N Curve, and it'll be nice to be able to introduce them to an ego-free rally experience. As always, everyone is welcome!
Cheers ~ Mario
ericalm wrote:
Just saw all the Amerivespa pics in the photo album there and was surprised to see myself in some of them. I didn't know Richard was a SBSC member.
I will definitely be at Swerve N Curve. Really looking forward to it. Hope to be bringing a nice-sized group down. It'll be the first rally for many of them!
The reason I don't call the LA Scooter Group a club (and I put a lot of thought into this) is that for some reason, that word seems to either intimidate some people (especially new riders) or somehow imply that there are criteria for membership or involvement. There's an assumption that it's just a bunch of die hard, wrench-slinging scooter guys who would scoff at someone riding up on a Honda Met or Zuma or whatever. I know that's not always the case, but folks often assume it is. Part of the reason for the group is to encourage people who might not come out for a "club" event to get involved in more casual rides and give them a chance to dip their toe in the water, so to speak.