CLUB HISTORY
Every club or group has a history. Our journey to arrive at our current level of progress was not a short or boring one by any stretch of the imagination...
Several of us used to be involved in a Riding Club.
A small group of the "hardcore riders" started doing IBA long distance endurance rides and later formed a group called the Wild Pelicans Society, which was basically a group of Iron Butt riders within the chapter. We first discovered our desire for a deeper brotherhood and more commitment to a club, while doing the Iron Butt Association rides and spending long hours together. A bond formed between us; we had a need.
There are many good clubs out there, but none fit our persona nor met the needs of the Charter Members of the Wild Pelicans.
We needed a club that rode hard, long, and enjoyed getting on a bike and riding 500 - 1,000 miles a day just for the fun of it. We also wanted to have fun together, riding with people we choose to ride with; "brothers and sisters."
We wanted a brotherhood and a sense of belonging, not just a riding or a social club. We looked at our needs and what we wanted out of a club.
Our quest led us to form an "association" of riders, then later a club, if you must call it by that name. We looked for a patch design, not taking other organizational logos and just adding to them, or even using "public domain" artwork. We thought of the almost pterodactyl looking "Wild Pelican" and its long wings, neck, and ability to glide along, carefree but always ready to make a sacrifice to its own. The Charter Members at this time lived along the Gulf Coast and this bird is very abundant in the area. We considered the pelican's range all over the region. This was our bird; this was to be our back patch.
WP affectionately calls our back patch Pelican "Pete."
Our origins are in Louisiana, with its state bird - the pelican - showing all our personality, our commitment, and our love for freedom. There are many other reasons for the use of the Pelican that are very special to the club and reserved for the members. A Pelican will literally pluck itself to feed its young. Our dedication to each other emulates that trait. WP members are devoted to the club and to each other.
We wear NO bottom rockers as we are a non-territorial club and our members are spread out over a large area. We have chapters, or "flocks," but have no need to claim anything. We are simply a club that is made up of endurance riders who live the lifestyle and embrace our need for freedom and open roads.
We are unique.
Patch Holder members complete an Iron Butt, 1,000 mile in 24 hour ride, completely documented and approved by the IBA as well as our own Motorcycle Endurance Riding Certification (MERC) process.
We also require a bike of 650 cc's or greater, 21 years of age or older, a prospecting period which can extend for up to one year, and a 100% vote to get into the club.
Active and certified long distance members MUST complete a MERC certified ride once per year to "hold" the club's patch; one that we feel is extremely important both as a part of our lives and a symbol of what we are about.
On 4 March 2002 Wild Pelicans became a club. We are very proud of our club and what we have accomplished in such a short time.
We pledge to be a part of the club community as a respectable club, always acting with pride in our club and showing true respect for others.