Joining the Patriots
To be a full member you must have served or be currently serving in the Military and will be required to provide evidence of this.
First and foremost, the Patriots is a motorcycle club. We ride within the limits of the law, and without being a hindrance to other road users. All our members must be competent, licensed motorcycle riders. Make of bike is not important but road worthiness and adequate power is.
To get the most out of your membership and for others’ safety and enjoyment, it’s essential that you are capable of riding safely in a group on Club rides. You and your motorcycle must be capable of open road cruising in all weathers to destinations across the country. NB: It is extremely important that you understand the level of riding competency required to become a full member of the Club.
Fluorescent (Hi-viz) jackets/vests are not worn by our members whilst group riding. A sleeveless vest, normally of black leather, is worn over riding apparel whilst riding, and over your shirt when socialising as a Club.
Once your application has been received the Secretary or Sgt at Arms will arrange to have you added to the Patriots’ Facebook page and email contact list. We use these channels to communicate club news, share photos, schedule rides and events (on Facebook) and post general Facebook banter. Note that Facebook is not an avenue for venting or causing disharmony and we expect common courtesy from those who use it.
You are now an ‘Applicant’ to the Club. Club rides are generally held on the third Sunday of the month. Applicants are expected to attend three in a row where possible. At the completion of your first ride, you will introduce yourself to the other members. Once introduced, you become a ‘Nom member’ and the Quartermaster will order your name badge for your vest. Your name badge will be presented on a subsequent ride.
We encourage Noms to step up and get fully involved in Club activities right from the outset. If you are unable to attend a meeting, you must communicate this prior to each ride. We have serving personnel on our register, and we understand that life doesn’t always go to plan, but you must put in an apology if you can’t attend meetings. If we hear nothing for three months, we will assume you no longer wish to become a Patriot and you will be removed from the membership list.
We like Noms to progress through to full member as soon as they can. Along with regular attendance you must complete the following before being voted in as a badged Patriot member: attend at least one overnight ride; complete your Nom ride (where you plan a route to lead the club on a day ride. The plan is submitted to one of the Road Captains who will help you with your plan); be voted in by members at a Club Meeting.
The Sgt at Arms is responsible for Club discipline and decorum and will address any questions you may have. Overall – we are here to ride bikes and socialise with like-minded military mates and have fun. Note that we actively encourage member’s partners to come along, as partners and family are an important component of the Club environment.
Current Sgt at Arms
Macca
Mob: 021 935726 Email: chris.mccarthy@nzme.co.nz
Patriots DFMC Application Form
Info on requesting your own criminal convictions history here (paper version – you are also able to do this online)