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Mad Dog Motorcycle Club
Who let the dogs out?
You may have a big-bore cruiser and a big-ass bulldog tattoo, but if you ain't got 'it', you ain't comin' in
Words by Kristine Garcia; Photography by Vincent Coscoluella
"Curiosity killed the cat." IF YOU swing by the 'doghouse', this is what you will be told, especially if you want to be part of the Mad Dog Motorcycle Club. There are chapters in Thailand, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. If you are wondering, these dogs are as hard-core as the Filipino breed.
The Mad Dogs set the standard for motor-cycle clubs in Southeast Asia. They are also recognized by the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club that was established in California in 1948. Quite recently, a group of French bikers, bound by their religion, traveled all the way to our shores to offer alliance.
"For a biker who feels most alive with an 'easy rider' driving style, a Harley-Davidson is a must." These wise words are certain to come from a Dog. Fact is, for anybody to truly participate in the club's free-spirited rides on the open road, his cruiser should meet the minimum engine-capacity requirement of 400cc. If it's not a Harley, no problem. The Dogs know you're about to get one anyway.
Tom Leber founded this club one cool day in October 1994—in his own garage! In strengthening their commitment (over what we suppose must have been gallons of beer), the founding members agreed to a club logo that must be tattooed on every member's arm. This visceral insignia symbolizes, 'Freedom, Courage and Loyalty'.
Their dog-like behavior is strict. They have a code of conduct, disciplinary action and road rules. The spirit of their garage days lives on in every mile they ride. Theirs is an organization bound by respect and brotherhood, not by borders. Their international president is American, and every Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the Philippines is privately shipped in by its respective owner.
MDMC is turning 13 years old this year. They are inaugurating their new doghouse. It has a high ceiling and is furnished with hardwood. The place is both macho and warm. Memorabilia litter the walls with pride. A huge metal bell hangs on a rope by the corner.
In the doghouse, if you make it ring, accidentally or not, you buy a round of beer for everybody. This is inside Handle Bar, on Polaris street in Makati City. Meatloaf, the bar's manager, is also a Dog. Important matters are discussed here, but politics is avoided. Anyone can come by to have a drink.
The Mad Dogs have their quarterly out-of-town rides that average from 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers. And while it is not uncommon for them to ride 16 hours in a day, they have no plans of doing it the illegal way. They are apparently fighting for their right to stay on the freeways. They famously turned to the government when all other motorcyclists were having the same 'tough ride'.
It is stunning to see the Mad Dogs weave through the traffic in a distinct formation. And yes, they claim to have 'iron butts'. Essentially, this is what being a Mad Dog is all about. But be warned: Don't try to find out if their barks are worse than their bites.
Click on the thumbnails to view larger image
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Top Gear Philippines - November 2007
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