- Los Ancianos
Los Ancianos - Spanish for "the ancient ones" - is an exclusive
Southern California off-roadmotorcycle club with a particular interest in off-road riding in theBaja California region ofMexico . [ [http://www.dirtrider.com/features/141_0412_tecate_hare_scrambles/index.html Dirt Rider Magazine Article] ]The club was started in 1960 by Bruce Barlow and Bill Steider. Their goal was to create an exclusive motorcycle club for mature, seasoned off-road motorcyclists. They decided that the minimum age for membership would be 30 years, and dues would be $1.00 per month. The minimum age is still 30 years (with some exceptions for children of members), and dues are still...$12.00 per year.
Membership in the club is based on somewhat fluid internal guidelines. To gain entry into the club, one must prove himself "worthy", and meet certain ethical guidelines. He must demonstrate his willingess to be an active participant in the club. This can entail helping to organize club rides, cutting trails, clean-up and other duties essential to keeping the club organized. He must be willing to work. To make a commitment. The prospect must then find a "sponsor" willing to bring his name up in a club meeting for discussion as a potential member. If accepted, and after attending at least 3 meetings, he must receive a majority vote from the club members in attendance to gain admission.
Los Ancianos [ [http://www.losancianos.com Los Ancianos Web site] ] is best known for their legendary off-road races, most notably the "Tecate 500" and "Tecate 250" Enduros, the "Tecate Trail Ride", and most recently the "Tecate Hare Scrambles." While not sanctioned by an official racing organization, their events are often regarded as some of the most challenging off-road races on the West Coast - attracting some of the top professional off-road motorcycle racers from around the world [ [http://www.off-road.com/dirtbike/events/2002tecate/ Off-Road.com Article] ] .
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