Frequently asked questions

or Everything you wanted to know about becoming a  

Moonshiner

but were afraid to ask.

Are there masses of club rules ? 

   In a word - No.  The last thing most bikers want is someone 'telling them what to do', so the club is run along those lines.  We only have one rule, and that is, we won't tolerate 'arseholes', for want of a better word.  Anyone who takes themselves too seriously, or who has 'attitude problems', or generally brings the club into disrepute will be asked to leave.  So far, we have never had to ask anyone to leave.  If you like bikes, like a laugh, and can stand  having the piss taken out of you, then you are more than welcome, but be aware, piss taking is the biggest club activity.

How much will membership cost me ?

      The grand sum of £ 5 per year.    Membership is usually from January to January, so join early and save a few quid.  The club is not run as a money making venture.  Any money the club does make, usually from holding the club rally, is spent on the members.  This year we have all  had free club tee shirts, in previous years the club has paid for the odd Xmas meal and the like.

How do I go about joining ?

    By far the easiest way is to pop up and see us one of the Thursday nights.  I mean, would you really want to join without meeting us first ?  Come to think of it, would you still want to join *after* meeting us ?   Moonshiners can also be found in some of the strangest places.  Try the Rising Sun on a Sunday night, or the Park Inn, Woodsetton,  on a Monday night - it's amazing where those 'Shiners turn up.
    When you are sure you wish to part with such a vast amount of cash, have a word with our treasurer, currently Pete Cain, and he will gladly relieve you of your money.  In exchange you will receive the much sought after Moonshiners M.C.C. sew on patch, and become the butt of much piss taking.

Do I have to have a 'big' bike ?

      Of course not.  Whether it's a moped to a monster - it's still a bike.  We have all manner of bikes in the club; tourers, customs, chops, sports bikes, trikes, combos, trail bikes, retros, classics - both old and new.  The only thing we seem short of is scooters - so come on you scooterists, we don't bite. { A couple of our members were scooterists in the dim and distant past...........You know who you are ! }  As odd as it seems, we even have members who don't have a bike.  The club has no problem with this.  It's a club for bikers, not a club for bikes.  { I know - but how do you define a "biker" ? }

What's all this 'prospect' business ?

    More of a term that applies to 'backpatch' clubs, rather than our lot.  You will not be expected to act as 'prospect' for X number of months.  We would rather have you 'joining in' on club nights, rallies, camping weekends and the like as a member rather than as a 'second class club member'.  In short , turn up and enjoy !

 Where do the Moonshiners meet ?

     We meet every Thursday night at the Old Crown, junction of Whitehall Road and Sheepwash Lane. Great Bridge. West Bromwich.


Have I *got* to turn up for club meetings ?

    Not at all.  Some members haven't been spotted at a meeting for months, they're still alive and kicking, but they just don't turn up.  Personally, I can't see the point of joining a club and then not turning up, but that's my opinion.  Due to the 'laid back' attitude of the Moonshiners no one will be 'told off' for non attendance.
    The first Thursday of the month is supposed to be 'sort the following month out' night, where plans for the next few weeks will be drawn up.  In true 'Shiners fashion, this never happens, our plans for the weekend tend to be drawn up on the Thursday before we set off.  The exception to this seems to be for 'favourite' rallies, when the things get sorted a few weeks in hand.

Can I attend club meetings without having to join the club ?

    Yes, in fact we'd rather you attend a few meetings  before making the huge financial decision to join the club.  There's no obligation to attend on a motorcycle, turn up by car, on foot, even use the tram.

Can non members order rally tickets through the club ?

    Yes.  There used to be a 50 pence 'surcharge' for non members, mainly to cover postage and the like, but this has been dropped.  Just turn up and add your name to the 'rally book'.  The 'rally book' is usually in the (in) capable hands of ( watch this space ), the rally secretary. 

Isn't the Moonshiners just a rally club ?

    Despite rumours, no, the 'Shiners are not rally exclusive.  The majority of members choose to attend rallies, but there is no obligation, and no one will force you to go to rallies if you don't want to.  Quite a few members go camping most weekends, whilst others attend race meetings, visit bike shows, or do a number of other things.
     The club is about the people in it - you do what *you* want to do, not what others would have you do.  It's pleasant to do things en masse 'as a club', but it's equally enjoyable when just a few people with common interests set off for the weekend.

How long has the club been running ?

    Almost twenty years, it was founded in 1981, so there will be a few 'anniversary' things planned for 2001.  We still have members that have been in the club since the start.

How many club members are there ?

    Currently { July 2000 } we have 27 members.

Must have a re-count in the near future ( 12 Feb 2008 )

 

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