DTMC’s motto sums it up, “Die To Ride, Ride To Die”. Their motivation is to jump on their  bikes, loaded down with nothing more than the clothes on their back, a bedroll, tools and some whiskey. The club is about building and rebuilding their bikes in the shop, pushing their bikes to their limits and then repairing them. Sometimes the repair is in the shop, but often it is on the side of the road, be it welding a footpeg on the freeway or truing a wheel in a Carl's Jr parking lot.  

Back in 2006, eight guys based in Sonora, CA got together with the simple goal of  having fun and riding the shit out of their bikes, mostly 60s & 70s style choppers. Since then the group has grown to 13 brothers, but still remains as tight knit as ever with members based around Northern California.  Recently the club has become more organized, with back patches, events,  and prospects. 

Ever wonder what it takes to start a motorcycle club these days? Your intrepid, homemade Chop Cult journalists fired off all the gay questions you would be too scared to ask, and here's what we found out...

Why start a motorcycle club nowadays?

The short answer: camaraderie, brotherhood and good times. We wanted to start something that carried on the style of the 60’s motorcycle club. This is a lifestyle that can’t and shouldn't be lost or forgotten about.  

How long has the DTMC been officially running colors? 

We’ve been running colors for almost a year now, but we’ve been a club for over 4 years now with the belt patches. 

Why only a one piece patch?

We do have an idea for a middle patch, but it will take some more time to finalize the design. Everyone has to be 100% on the design, and we're not quite there yet. We have to stick around a while longer to prove that we deserve a middle patch, or two-piece patch.

How does the mechanics of starting one work? Did you have to get approval from other established clubs in the area? 

We went through our local 1%er club for approval for our one piece patch.The biggest thing was to show the due respect for these clubs and to show them what we are all about: riding the shit out of old bikes! Whether people like the club scene now or not, these guys carry on a lifestyle that society and law enforcement have tried eradicate for more than 50 years. And club bikes from the 60’ and 70’s had some of the most righteous style ever, which no one can deny. 

Do you guys have official rules and regulations for members? Can anyone on any bike join?

Yes, we have a set of bylaws and a code of conduct. It’s never been about the bike, it’s always been about the rider and his mindset towards riding and life. Some people just don’t get it. The bike has never made the rider.

To become a member you have to go thru the process of hang-around and prospect before getting voted in. It’s about putting in the time; coming to meetings, getting to know the guys, showing respect, and riding the shit out of your bike.

Are there plans for growth or is it going to stay a tight group of riding buddies? 

Growth is fine, but it will always remain a tight-knit group of like minded brothers. 

How have reactions from other clubs been? 

Reactions have usually been positive, especially among the older club members who rode these same style of bikes in the 60’s and 70’s. But people have usually taken us seriously even though we are the new guys riding our old bikes. 

What kind of dude makes a good Deathtraps member? 

A defense lawyer!   

Tell me about the upcoming Copperopolis event. 

This is the 3rd party we’ve had here. This time we will have 6 bands and another bitchin raffle with tons of motorcycle stuff and skateboard gear. Like the past events, there is camping right there on the lawn next to the bar, so no one has to risk riding past Johnny Law! Last May we had a hangover run, but everyone partied too hard the night before and either left super early or never made it out of the bed roll. This year we will have another one, up through the mountains and then back into Sonora. 

I'd say you guys have the youngest dudes on the oldest bikes compared to most contemporary clubs, would you agree? 

Yeah. 

Any advice you'd give Chop Cult members about joining a club or even starting their own?

Respect, take your time, and know what the fuck you are getting into. The club is an awesome experience, but it is not for everyone. Its unbelievable how much pressure came on us as soon as we put colors on our backs. Highway Patrol told one of the brothers that his bike was stolen back in 1972. We split the cases right there in the impound lot in less than 2 hours. All this even after it passed two different stolen vehicle databases. It was returned two weeks later like nothing wrong had happened. The latest rumor is that we are now smuggling drugs, total bullshit. This is all because we love to ride old motorcycles, plain and simple. Don’t be like the cops and watch fucking TV and think thats how it is.   

Got any good stories to share? 

Come to the party and we’ll tell you! 

Where do you see the DTMC in another ten years? 

Probably broke down on the side of the road! 

You've got support gear for sale, right? 

Yes, we’ve got some shirts and patches for sale on our website and blog, along with info about upcoming runs and parties.

www.deathtrapsmc.com     www.deathtrapsmc.blogspot.com

Photos: Holly Anderson and courtesy of the DTMC. Big thanks to Holly for putting this together.