I did some research a while back and since then, I've tried to write this article several times. It just hasn't come out right----yet. Basically, I asked a bunch of guys a few questions in hopes of learning why guys join clubs, what this lifestyle means to them, what makes them respect other clubs, and why they run solo if they do. I got some insight into the whole club scene and the lifestyle we all love so much.
The first thing I learned is that almost everyone that responded to my research wants to be in a certain club because they want respect for their hard work. A couple of the solo guys said they would be that way until their ride was good enough for NC, ST, RA, or Subculture. Several guys, however, founded their own clubs to prove that you don't have to be "world famous" to have a club full of kick ass rides. A lot of people join clubs not because of the rides, but because of the people. Some people spend quite a while building to get into the club of their choice. One great example of this is Ty Zito. Everyone recognizes Ty's Mazda on sight. Ty's take on why he joined NC...."I joined NC about 4 years ago because when I first started reading MT mag about 10 years ago, NC had the lowest rides and nicest rides in the mag, so NC was my dream since I was 15 years old. I kept building trucks until I got in the club. Over the years, I got to know a lot of the members before I got in so that made me want it even more......" And everyone thought Ty was born into the NC brotherhood building killer rides. Keep'em coming Ty. (Congrats on baby Zito---newest Member of the brotherhood on the way.....)
I've discovered that, while most of us started customizing as a hobby, it has truly grown into a lifestyle. For some people, it's as simple as cleaning your ride, going to shows, and having fun. For some, it's all about family. As Garrick says, "...family...knowing that every time I go away from home, I can make new friends and feel welcome..." (It's really just 'cause you're so cute, Garrick!) For lots of us, it's about friends, workmanship, and creative expression outlet, helping others, and being different. I think Jayson Reaves put it best when describing the intensity of the lifestyle..."It's an extension of my life. I have put almost half of my life into this and it's one of the few things that makes me happy and allows me to be creative. It's kept me out of jail, drugs, and gangs. I could never walk away from it..."
Attitude and quality of rides is what makes people respect your club. The key is...you gotta have both! Jeff from EC pleads his case nicely when he says, "Having killer rides doesn't mean a thing if the owners aren't worth a damn!" Most people feel that the quality of the rides gets overlooked if the people are a**holes!
As for all the solo cruisers, most want to be in a club and have a club in mind. They just haven't gotten there yet. I have to agree with Chris from Chop-N-Drop Customz..."A ride is just as phat in or out of a club."
The one thing I did find rather interesting was how passionately all of you guys talked about your vehicles, your club, and your friends. I thought my husband was the only one whose eyes glaze over when he talks about our club. I had no idea as many of you felt so deeply about our lifestyle as I do. I'm glad. It's nice to know that my husband is not the only cool guy out there. I'm excited for all of the cool girls out there. Now they know that you are capable of caring. Maybe now they will understand why you want to go to shows and watch bikini contests and work on your truck until 5:30 AM. Maybe, just maybe, your next girlfriend will hang around as long as your truck does. 'Til next month.....be nice to the kid next door... he may be the next Lenny Gruver.....
Peace
Brandi
Comments to MinitruckerChic@aol.com
P.S. Thanks to all the clubless people for info. Also thanks to the following clubs for their input...Subculture, Explicit Concepts, Outlandish Trends, Below Sea Level, Negative Camber, Aggressive Images, Twisted Koncepts, Relaxed Atmosphere, Vizual Impact, Exclusive Styles, Diversified Ridez, Severed Ties, and Intense Gravity.