Crazy Bikerz mad about safety

Brian Bonitto, Special Assignment Editor

Christened Crazy Bikerz, members of this motorcycle club are far from such. They, however, share a crazy love for high-performance motorcycles.

"We started out doing stunts, so our name was derived from the 'crazy' stunts we would do," said club president and co-founder Marlon 'Crazy Cutter' Fletcher. "The membership later evolved to become a motorcycle club."

Fletcher and Uzander 'Macky' McFarlane started the club in 2001 and registered it two years later. However, McFarlane subsequently left the organisation.

"Today, we have 30 members - which include two women - spanning a wide range of professions," said Fletcher.

According to the president, the membership of the Old Hope Road-based club comprises pilots, doctors, policemen, coast guards, an IT specialist and a media practitioner.

"Despite our wide cross section of membership, safety is critical in our daily lives ... be it on the roads or while performing stunts," he said. "In fact, we impose sanctions on members who do not adhere to the rules."

Flouting rules - such as speeding, riding without proper clothing, shoes or helmet - can attract fines ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 per offence, or suspension from the club.

The stunt rider, who said he practises at least twice weekly, is actively pursuing the role of an advocate for road safety.

"I'm on the road daily and I see the indiscipline commonly displayed by motorists. So I've been having discussions with Mrs Paula Fletcher, executive director at the National Road Safety Council, with a view to personally becoming an ambassador for road safety," Fletcher said. "I've always wanted to be part of the change in this regard."

Safety is key

In preparation for stunts, all motorcycles owned and operated by members of the Crazy Bikerz are stripped of headlights and flares, while the brakes are upgraded. In addition, a crash cage and larger sprocket are added to complete the modifications.

"A larger sprocket reduces the bike's top-end speed, as stunts are done at a slower pace nowadays. A 'wheelie', for example, is done at five to six miles per hour, compared to 110 mph in times past," he said. "So, if a stunt driver falls while doing a wheelie nowadays, there is the likelihood he will have no major injury."

The riders sought to address was the perception that all motorcycle riders as undisciplined and unruly.

"We're not thugs. We're people from all walks of life who really enjoy riding," said Vice-President Claudette Powell, a founding member.

"And the men find women on motorbikes very sexy," she chuckled. "On the other hand, I really enjoy being on that machine. That's the joy of the whole thing."

Three-year member Laura McDonald is learning the stunts.

"I was warmly embraced by members of the club," she said. "And, I learned to ride in no time."

McDonald, who owns a Triumph Daytona 675cc, said joining the club was on her list of things to do.

"Five years ago, I did skydiving, so learning to ride a bike was next."

Crazy Bikerz has performed at national events, including the 2009 and 2010 Independence Day celebrations. The group has also been contracted by corporate entities such as Red Stripe and RBC Royal Bank Jamaica (formerly RBTT) to provide entertainment at major events.

"I want to see corporate Jamaica embracing us some more," said Fletcher. "And, we're slowly getting there."