SCUL
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The Subversive Choppers Urban Legion (SCUL) is a Boston based modified bicycle gang that primarily rides modified bicycles they call choppers and tall bikes.
SCUL was founded by an individual who goes by the alias Skunk who collected a number of bicycles and 'chopped' or altered them. Information provided on the web site of SCUL indicates that they have been active since 1996.
In October of 2000 the Boston Phoenix published an article on SCUL. This article indicates that SCUL has been active since 1995, they split off from the Flying Donuts, they are based in Somerville and that they are abusive to the symbols of Christmas. The article also indicates that in 2000, there were 78 members of SCUL. As of December 2005 SCUL's web site indicates that 464 members (136 active in that year) and 233 bikes/choppers.
SCUL conducts missions every Saturday night from April Fool's until Halloween. A typical mission involves crushing cups, drinking beer, getting high-fives, bicycle derby and occasional swimming. Centuries (100-mile rides), Intergalactic and Interuniversal Missions (across state or country borders) have also been completed.
SCUL is organized in a paramilitary fashion with a hierarchical ranking structure, distinct naval/space terminology and a sci-fi atmosphere. Members/Pilots rise through the ranks by riding missions, building ships and through other actions becoming of a pilot.
The Cooldige Corner Theater showed a film called "SCUL's Operation, Super Positive" which was anti-Chrismas propaganda made by members of SCUL.
It is composed of three divisions. The Metro Alpha Division (MAD) is based in Boston or possibly a near by town, the Rural Combat Division (RCD) is based in Maine and the Southern Beta Division (SBD) is based in Providence, Rhode Island. The Rural Combat Division may be disbanded.
SCUL is loosely allied with the Rat Patrol and similar in many ways to other bike gangs such as CHUNK 666 and the Black Label Bike Club.
[edit] SCUL History
1995 Skunk's brother visits and they build their first chopper BonzBik the construction involves hammering, bondo and russian dancing! HEY!
1996 Skunk gathers a group of like minded individuals to form Flying Donuts a bicycle gang which only rides chopped bikes or production "muscle bikes" from the 70s.
1997 The name is changed to SCUL. Most of the year is spent building bikes and developing the working ideology "making bicycling look like fun." Remembering when it was all fun, as kids riding around the neiborhood on "banana seat" bikes, it was decided to make adult sized versions of these bikes.
1998 Now with over a dozen members it is decided that all members would adopt tough sounding "gang names" which should sound good in the sentence "don't mess with ______!" Skunk adopts his gang name for all aspects of his life. A paramilitary heirarchy based on a merit system is adopted to reward members for their participation and work to maintain the fleet. Medals are awarded to members for feats and acts that exceed the call of duty. A lexicon is created referring to members as "pilots" who are encouraged to think of their bikes as spaceships. The Brainiac progam begins recording points earned, mission summaries and generating webpages for the growing SCUL website. Lieutenant Junior Grade "Crack" is awarded the Iron Cog, for her outstanding contributions to SCUL. The Iron Cog is the greatest honor that can be betowed upon a pilot.
1999 SCUL rides every week from the beginning of april to the end of october. Admiral "No Way Ray" is awarded the Iron Cog. SCUL begins filming all of their missions with the intent of creating a feature length movie. Dogfight Derby is played regularly to train pilots to become expert at handling their ships. Nav-Tail proceedure is developed to help control the fleet during missions and assure that no pilots are lost. Skunk builds "radio bag" so the fleet can ride to music.
