When the words “motorcycle club” come to mind, you probably think of biker gangs in some of the movies you have seen. Typically, such films are based out of the wild west, where the biker gangs have bad men with tattoos in leather and jean clothes and rob trains and stores.

While some modern versions of this can be considered to be motorcycle clubs, they are a subgroup of a whole. A motorcycle club primarily refers to any group of people whose interests and activities involve motorcycles. These activities don’t have to be crime-related. Typically, there are selected motorcycle types adopted by the groups.

In the US, many motorcycle clubs, also known as MCs, belong to the American Motorcyclist Association. The MCs that do not belong are commonly called one-percenters and regarded as outlaws. BUT, there are some that are neither here nor there, such as the Iron Order motorcycle club. Let’s take a closer look.

15 It Comprises Cops And Military Members Who Have Become Outlaws

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Via The Dickinson Press

This MC is connected with law enforcement and claims to have cops and military persons as members. However, the club has been complicit in violent and criminal activities carried out by members, and those members have walked free in many cases. This attitude of members and a growing number of cases have given them a reputation as outlaws in many places.

14 A Founding Member Broke Off To Start His MC: Iron Legacy Motorcycle Club

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The story has it that one of the founding members, Ray “Izod” Lubesky, left to start his club, Iron Legacy motorcycle club. Quite naturally, because of this, there has been some misunderstanding between the two clubs, but they still have a lot in common. The club also has law enforcement officers as members, and even their websites look alike. However, Iron Legacy belongs to the American Motorcyclist Association.

13 The Women Have Their group: Iron Order Maidens

Three White Women
Via Iron Order MC

On the IOMC official website, one criterion stated for joining the club is being male. Such may lead one to the conclusion that there are no women in the club. On the contrary, there are women. Their women are part of the Iron Order family by an associate club called Iron Order Maidens.

Related: Everything You Need To Know About USA's Female Motorcycle Clubs

12 They Were Established In July Of 2004

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Via Belt Drive Betty

This MC was ironically established on the 4th of July 2004, a day where America celebrates independence. Many patriotic Americans find this infuriating. However, it is a thing of pride for the members. The club was founded in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

11 The Club Was Started By A Former Secret Service Agent

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This fact looks like something out of a thriller novel, right? Well, one founding member, John C. Whitfield, has been quoted to say that the club was started by a retired secret service agent. That may explain why this club, since its inception, has been seen to have strong ties with law enforcement.

10 There Were Eight Founding Members

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Via Belt Drive Betty

At the heart of this Motorcycle club’s history are eight founding members. Their code names being; Bad Dog, Big Rick, Chief, Copper, Doc, Ice, Izod (former president of the club), and Professor. The club has since grown into 50 states in America, and thirteen countries of the world. It has also expanded to include women.

9 They Are Considered An Outlaw Motorcycle Gang By The Department Of Justice

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The Department of Justice and California state and local law enforcement agencies recognize clubs such as IOMC as Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs). Other clubs on this list include; the Bandidos, Hells Angels, Black Piston, Mongols, Outlaws, Vagos, Sons of Silence, Grunts MC, Vietnam Vets, Devils Disciples, Legacy Vets, peckerwood, Diablos, and a host of others.

Related: 15 Celebrities Who Were In A Motorcycle Club

8 The Club Has Been linked With Some Violent Activities

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Via The Daily Beast

This MC has been the subject of discussion regarding some violence and crime in public places. The particular incident that has made headlines is the killing of Zachariah Tipton (a Black Pistons MC member). In June of 2014. The state Attorney of Florida refused to charge the Killer (Kristopher Stone), an IOMC prospect, on the grounds that the witness reports stated self-defense.

7 They Are Not One-percenters

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Via Belt Drive Betty

The FAQ section of the club’s website clearly states that they are not a one-percenter club. This is further seen in the fact that they do not have a 1% patch on their vest. The term one-percenter came to be after a release by the American Motorcyclist Association, stating that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding and part of the association, implying that the outlaws are the 1%.

A Man On A Bike
Via Iron Order MC

Yes! The club has in time past been the subject of a reality TV show, “Strange Days With Bob Saget.” In the Pilot of the show, the host, Bob Saget, rides with Shotgun in a sidecar from Kentucky to Florida, getting a firsthand view of the Iron Order Motorcycle Club’s world.

5 They Participate In Charity Events

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The club is famous for participating in many charity events and fundraisers. The members strongly believe in giving back to their communities. That’s why they have fully engaged in such activities in recent times. In March, members of the IOMC were able to raise $1,400 during a breakfast fundraiser for a new playground at the Richardton Highschool, North Dakota.

Related: Everything You Need To Know About America’s Law Enforcement Motorcycle Clubs

4 They Have An Official Website

Two White men And A Woman
Via Iron Order MC

Like every other stable organization, the Iron Order also have their website. The website truly captures the feel of their culture. It features certain information such as their history, upcoming charity events, pictures, purchase of club gear, belief system, FAQs, details on chapters, their contact information, and a member-only section.

3 They Have Chapters In Many Major Cities Of The World

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With IOMC having grown into about 13 countries of the world, the club has come to have many chapters all over the world, many of them in major cities too. In the US alone, there are seventeen chapters in Florida, eleven chapters in its birthplace of Indiana, ten chapters in Georgia, nine chapters in Alabama, eight in California, and five in Arizona and Colorado.

2 The Motorcycle Club Has Ironclad Requirements For Membership

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Via Belt Drive Betty

On the website, the club lists some criteria that are a must for members who intend to join the club. They must be at least 18 years old, they must be law-abiding, and they must have a cruiser style motorcycle more than 650cc. Prospective members also have to go through a hang around period and a prospect period.

1 Their First Clubhouse Was Opened In 2005

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Via Iron Order MC

The club opened its first clubhouse in 2005 in Louisville, Kentucky. Clubhouses are a place where club members freely hangout. They are also a place that club members can meet to discuss official club business. Usually, each chapter has its own. By the end of 2006, this MC had established five more chapters, thereby increasing the need for more clubhouses, a testament to the kind of growth they experience.

Next: Check Out These Interesting Facts About The Bandidos Motorcycle Club