Bikers Pledge to Bridge Divide

Members of the American Steel Motorcycle Club gather during a recent drive in Korea. The group is co-hosting a night of rock music Saturday night called “Seoul Vs The British Invasion” as it bids to bridge the cultural and language gap with Korean bikers. / Courtesy of American Steel Motorcycle Club

By Bryan Kay
Staff Reporter

The local chapter of American Steel Motorcycle Club has pledged to bridge the cultural and language divide in a bid to reach out to their Korean brethren.

The group, which already boasts an international membership, wants to encourage more Korean bikers to join them either by becoming members or through meet-ups with other clubs.

Club President Curtis Knapp said they've managed to link up with locals in the past ― they even have a couple of members ― but communication problems often get in the way of closer relationships.

And they hope their latest social event, which features a raffle and a roasted pig, can be one small step on the way to achieving that goal.

In conjunction with Olde Stompers Rock Spot in Itaewon, the club is staging a night of rock music, dubbed ``Seoul Vs The British Invasion,'' Saturday.

``We may not see so many Korean bikers on a night like this, but you never know,'' said Knapp. ``It's the drives and the meet-ups with the bikes where we really want to see the Koreans.

``But this night gives us the chance to show we're here. We find the language barrier and cultural differences sometimes stop us from getting more involved with Koreans and their clubs.

``But we have a common passion and we'd like to do stuff together much more. Hopefully, some will come along and see that we want to get involved with them more.''

Four local bands, put together by musician Craig Branch, will be performing at the event, each assuming the mantle of one of a quartet of British music greats. The Bicycle Thieves will be playing the music of the Rolling Stones; Rubber Seoul, the Beatles; Are You Experienced, Jimi Hendrix; and Over the Hill and Far Away, Led Zeppelin.

American Steel ― whose Korea chapter grew out of the club's first representation in the Far East in Okinawa, Japan, in 1983 ― hopes to put on other events that will raise even greater attention in the future.

``We'd love to do something at City Hall if we could get the permission. There's a stage for music and there's space for the bikes,'' said Knapp.

``We've had cook-outs in the past. We'd love to do more and even bigger ones.''

The performance starts at 7 p.m. The pig roast costs 10,000 won per person, with one drink and two raffle tickets included. The music is free.

For further information on the event, visit myspace.com/seoulversusthe.

community@koreatimes.co.kr

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