A glimpse into a South African ‘1%er’ Motorcycle Club.

“Some ‘outlaw’ motorcycle clubs can be distinguished by a “1%” patch worn on the colours. This is said to refer to a comment by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens, implying the last one percent were outlaws.”The ethos of the club is brotherhood, discipline and a helping hand. They are a tight knit community and can be insular. The president of the club claims that there are over 1500 members within the club and their numbers are growing. They ride and conduct themselves with military rules and precision. Riding formation and discipline is enforced by the Road captain via Marshals on a run. The images document various events and gatherings, giving a glimpse into the lives of the hard riding men who value brotherhood and loyalty and who live by their own set of rules in a new and uncertain time in post apartheid South Africa.

Motorbike clubs are notoriously impenetrable to outsiders. Especially the outlaw ones, known as the one-percenters. Those who earn the patch and wear the cut have their reasons for joining. There’s a sense of belonging and brotherhood. The thrill of the open road. The danger and the seduction of the machines. Rituals and rebellion.

For many it’s a community. A family. A world of high contrasts.