Support Your "Loco" Chicano Biker
Inside San Jose's Chicano Style Motorcycle Club
Story by David Madrid // Photo by Abraham Menor

Chicano Style (C/S) is a San Jose based Harley Davidson motorcycle club founded by club president Paul Martinez, along with some East Side homies back in 2004. The name “Chicano Style” is a reflection of the life and common upbringing of the club members who identify with the Biker, Lowrider, and Chicano Homeboy lifestyle.   But don't let the name throw you. It's more about San Jo culture than race. As worded in one of the club's taglines, “It's not about the color of your skin but what's in your heart.” There are even members of Portuguese, Italian and African-American descent that have been inducted into the club.

Their club colors are Black, Brown, and Khaki with a mean leather vest that lets you know who they are. On the front upper righthand side, there is a patch paying respects to the past “In Honor Of” Cesar Chavez, Pancho Villa, Emillio Zapata, and Che Guevara. The lower right side reads “Aztlan” for the land and roads that they roam, and a lower left side patch of the United Farm Workers “Huelga Bird” shows their solidarity with the movement.   And on the back they rock the Chicano Style M/C with proud Eagle.

C/S is what's known as a Two Piece Patch club, meaning that they are family oriented. It's not all about beer, bikes, and babes, but about the wives, kids and the support of the familia that makes them who they are. They also have no support ties with any other clubs, groups, or organizations nor do they claim any territory, meaning the club stands on its own two feet, not caught up in the street game or biker politics.

When they hit the streets, it's quite a sight to see. They ride on some of the smoothest Harleys around, staying true to the club name. Fat gangster white walls sitting on chrome spokes, candy paint and pin stripes is how they dress their high powered hogs. Staying true to their lowrider roots with air ride suspensions that could lift and drop their bikes at the flip of a switch. And booming sound systems like Benny “Blanco's” who bumps oldies so loud it clowns most cars on the boulevard.  

To the members, it's more than just a motorcycle club but a strong brotherhood with tight friendships dating all the way back to grade school. Time spent together and life on the road have strengthened their relationships, earning trust, a cornerstone of the club. As C/S member Pete Dog says, “When we're on the road, we have each others lives in our hands.” If there is no trust there is no club.

The club is diverse with members aging from their mid 20's to mid 50's. Some are single and some are married. There are those that like to drink up and party, and others that take pride in being clean and sober.   But all are joined by their comradery and mutual respect for one another.

The club has grown over the years starting with only three members and now hitting over twenty strong. Becoming a member doesn't happen overnight. It's a process that could take someone months or even years to earn the right to sport the patch.   You can't just walk into this family.   All members must prove themselves worthy and uphold the values of the club.

Mike ”Spooky” Palomo is a friend of the club and recently got a bike. He is interested in going about the process of being a “Prospect” someone that is taken under consideration for being a new member. He says what inspires him to join is the reputation and what he has seen firsthand. “ I like the way they get down, the way they carry themselves with pride.”   C/S is known for their class act and positive contributions to the neighborhood.

C/S has always had a strong presence on the streets of San Jo, but it wasn't until last summer's “Raza Against Autism” car and bike show that there was a turning point for the club. Their fundraising efforts earned them city-wide recognition, as well as changing the public's perception of the biker community.   But don't get it twisted. Their actions are not fueled by fame but by love. Giving back to the hood is just what they do. Cholo Pat says, “Many of us have been through a lot in our lives and are now in a place where we can give back.” Showing love by helping families with funeral costs and supporting neighborhood murals are all a part of being in the club.

So if you ever see a pack of Chicano Style members cruising through your hood, have no fear. Just throw up a peace sign, and be sure to support your “loco” Chicano bikers. The movement is growing, and on our streets of Aztlan is where it's happening.