About Us...
The Oedipus Motorcycle Club was featured in an article by Richard Andreoli. The article appeared in the May 4th, 2004 issue of In Los Angeles Magazine. The article was well done and our thanks go to Richard for taking the time to feature us in his article.
The following was rewritten as an updated version of that article.
"Each motorcycle club has an emphasis on what they do," explains Howard Ferguson, a firefighter who rides racing bikes. A former Regent of Oedipus, one of Howard's primary duties was mapping out monthly road trips. “One of the things that makes this club a little different is our emphasis on people with motorcycles getting together, doing rides, and going places, as opposed to simply posing next to your motorcycle."
"Or just wearing the clothes and going to a bar," adds Andre Ridgden, a longtime member and club historian.
Initially, it seems odd having two men with differing vehicles in the same organization, but Oedipus is unique in that they welcome all riders: Cruisers, racers, and everyone in between.
"A cruiser-style motorcycle is really designed for touring or riding on normal kinds of roads," explains Mike Prestie, New York transplant and the club's Thesaurus (for you non-literary folk that means treasurer). The most common cruisers are Harley Davidson or ‘Hogs' where riders sit back, relax in the seat, and often wear traditional leathers.
Sports or racing bikes, on the other hand, are compact, with lots of power and maneuverability; think GSXR motorcycles. Prestie explains that these riders can sometimes wear very high-tech suits, while others have racing leathers with colors that match the bike.
Finally there are sport-touring bikes, which is what Prestie rides, and describes as a bike "which is designed to be high performance like a racing bike, but it's also designed for touring."
Just as the styles of bikes vary in Oedipus, so do the riders, including Jim Burroughs, who, at over 70, is the oldest in the group and has been a member more than 15 years. Like his partner, Ferguson, whom he met on a ride, Burroughs is into racing bikes. "Howard and I both work with the California Super bike School as corner workers, and as such we get to ride the track. That really keeps my skills sharp. I think I'd fall into Alzheimer's all of a sudden if I didn't do it."
Unlike other groups such as the Gay Rodeo Association, there is no nationwide governing body for gay motorcycle clubs, but the various clubs are in contact and make connections. In California, Oedipus organizes two annual rides with a group in San Francisco as a means of meeting other bikers and allowing both clans to explore more highways and byways. "We've gone to San Luis Obispo quite a few times, and one Easter weekend we met in Yosemite," Ferguson said. "The group ended up with 30 bikes, all different styles of riders, everywhere from San Francisco, Sacramento, and the Fresno area as well as South Bay. It was a very fun group."
Interestingly enough, none of these gay bikers have experienced problems or fights with the straight bikers they've met while touring. Ferguson explains that while some Oedipus riders do display rainbow flags on their bikes or gear, they don't emblazon it on their vehicles like a queer Union Jack. Another reason, Prestie adds, "if you've ever seen Howard and Jim, they're such good riders that some of the younger straight sport bike riders will actually go chat with them. Their bikes are state-of-the-art and they ride so well that they actually have a lot in common with the straight people who are out there." Indeed, Ferguson mentions a recent trip where a guy joined their group on the road and eventually asked him about going on more of their trips. "I said, 'Well, first I have to tell you we're all gay.' And he said, 'Well, I don't plan on converting, but you have a good time and know a lot of good riders, so can I still join you?'" Ferguson laughs, adding, "Being gay makes us an interesting group, but that's not what it's about, It's just an unwritten camaraderie between motorcyclists that we share the same experience and enjoyment of riding."
The Oedipus monthly trips are open to anyone who wants to ride, but becoming a member of the group and being allowed to display their colors is more involved. "When [an individual] has been riding with us for a while, somebody will suggest to other members he join the club," explains Burroughs. If the group agrees the rider meshes with everyone and is a safe, responsible rider, he'll be invited to join. Members hold a sense of family toward one another, Ferguson explains. "We want to make sure we want the guy as part of our group before we simply invite the world in."
Historically, Oedipus based their organization on an Imperial Court system, and their yearly coronation ceremonies inducting the new Oedipus Rex, Regent, Thesaurus, Scribe, etc., were the "must attend" parties in the late 1960s and early '70s. Citing photos, club documents, and oral history, Ridgden explains that members who worked in the entertainment industry also introduced costumes, set pieces, and other elements of elegance that added to the pageantry of a night that saw upwards of 400 to 600 attendees.
"It opened up the social season for the year," says Burroughs, "Other motorcycle clubs, as well as other uniform and leather clubs, would come and pay homage to the new Rex. They would actually walk down the aisle, kneel, kiss the Rex's ring, and often present him with a gift."
Times change, and while the coronations and brotherhood are still very strong aspects of the group, what makes the current Oedipus members feel most alive is when they're on the road.
"I can have an extremely troubled day where nothing has gone right, get out on the motorcycle, and within 15 minutes the entire world changes,” says Prestie, "All of a sudden it's a wonderful day and everything around me looks just great. I'm at ease and I'm happy."
"It's also thrilling and you're in total control," adds Ferguson. "It's the closest thing to flying that you can do without leaving the ground."
The Oedipus Club rides the last Sunday of every month, and all are welcome.