BIKER NEWS: Brotherhood of the road: Iron Order Motorcycle Club organizes chapter in Dickinson

BIKER NEWS -- With a love of the open road and a fierce loyalty to their biker brothers, a group of men have organized a chapter of the Iron Order International Motorcycle Club for the Dickinson area.

“It was the brotherhood, the riding that drew me to the club,” member Shawn (Epic) Gudmundson said. “We become a family.”

Established July 4, 2004, Iron Order has chapters in all 50 states and 13 countries. The organization takes pride as being a law-abiding group of men from all walks of life. The members are given road names to preserve their anonymity, if they so desire, said chapter president Fred (Drop Dead) Sheets.

Dale (Buckshot) McClellan said his name originates from being an avid hunter.

“The club interested me because of the camaraderie,” he said. “I was in the military before and this is pretty similar. It’s just the freedom of not being in a car, the open road, hanging out with your brothers.”

Anthony (Atlas) Villalobos earned his name because of his ability to memorize a map.

“I can memorize a map, look at the route and I don’t have to look at the map again — it’s all in my head,” he said.

The gift has come in handy during their cross-country travels, including through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado, South Dakota, Montana, Tennessee, Arkansas.

Jim (Trunk) Etzel has been with the local club since it was organized.

“It’s like a new family for me,” he said.

Jason (OCD) Jahner was raised around Mott and Regent, and hails from a big family, which he said now includes his biker friends.

“We are not blood brothers, but brothers because we want to be,” he said.

As the chapter’s road captain, Jahner added, “I make sure the motorcycles meet safety requirements, and everybody is fit to be riding. I make sure we know where we’re going and that we follow state laws when we get there.”

Another important aspect of the club is the family gatherings that involve spouses and children.

Fred’s wife, Debi (Hairpin) Sheets describes the spouses as club supporters through the Iron Order Maidens.

“Maidens have a patch of their own,” Debi Sheets said. “We help with club events, charity events and raise money for the chapter. We enjoy our sisterhood together.”

Among the family activities are weekend rides and bonfires.

“The club becomes your family,” she said. “We had a tree come down in the yard this summer and by the last raindrop, they were there.”

Membership is open to men ages 18 and older, who are law-abiding and own a cruiser-style motorcycle larger than 650cc.

According to the bylaws, members need a strong desire to do something good in the community, while fostering a brotherhood of like-minded individuals. The IOMC is a traditional motorcycle club, which means men are the only full-patch holders.

To learn more about Iron Order, prospective members may visit the website,www.ironordermc.com. The website contains a link on how to contact chapter leaders. The application process includes ride-alongs and a background check.

“Iron Order is adding chapters across the United States almost every month,” Sheets said. “If it’s a good fit, anybody who likes to ride can join.”

Club organizes first Toys for Tots event

The Dickinson chapter of the Iron Order International Motorcycle Club is hosting its first charity fund raiser — a Toys for Tots pool tournament.

The tournament will be held at Army’s West in Dickinson on Sunday, Dec. 13. The doors open at 10 a.m. followed by registration at 11 a.m.

The entry fee is $20 plus a new unwrapped toy. The tournament is limited to 32 players. There will be door prizes, raffles and an auction of various donations from local vendors.

The members also have set out containers for the public to place toys for children in need. The locations include Army’s West, Simonson’s-north, House of Color, Best Friends/Westwind Consulting Center, Dickinson Chamber of Commerce and Dickinson Fire Hall, Wells Fargo and The Dickinson Press.

“It’s the kind of toys you’d buy for your own kids,” chapter president Fred Sheets said.

For more information, contact Slayton Thomas at 701-690-3613 or Army’s West at 701-483-6967.

The toys will be gifted to children in the Dickinson area.

This article was first published on Nov 21, 2015

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