Nayarit, Mexico - This is a story of my journey into the world of the Mal Ejemplos, (pronounced Molly Hemp-los) the Bad Examples, one of the fastest growing motorcycle clubs in central Mexico. Some would think that this is a reckless, possibly even dangerous thing for me to do.

Most people's perceptions of motorcycle "gangs" are formed by movies and shows like Sons of Anarchy, where violence, drugs and wars with rival clubs is the norm.

The recent bloodshed between two rival clubs in Waco, Texas only reinforces this perception. Many people would assume that a Mexican motorcycle club would be even more dangerous and lawless than their American counterparts, with fewer restraints and more incentive for criminal activity.

I sat down for an interview with Zamarack, the President and Founder of the Mal Ejemplos motorcycle club. The Mal Ejemplos are one of the fastest growing motorcycle clubs in Mexico. In less than three years, they have opened chapters in five states and at this time have over eighty members. Without a doubt, this success has much to do with his vision and direction. I found myself liking this guy right away. Like myself, he believes that everything has purpose and significance... sometimes we just have to look to see it, but it is there.

Zamarack is a big guy, intimidating if you didn't know him, but once you talk to him you realize that he not only has a good heart, but is very intelligent and well spoken. He speaks nearly perfect English and is a restaurant owner/operator, musician and chef, among other accomplishments.

Vic Pittman: So if you would, tell us about yourself.

Zamarck: I am 35 years old, born in Merida, Yucatan. I have lived in 3 different states of Mexico, now living in Nayarit. I am a musician, chef and maybe a little crazy. (laughs) I love to ride, to cook, to have a beer with my friends. I love playing and listening to almost any musical genre, a fan of the 80's era, love of tech and cheeseburgers. (laughs)

VP: So how did the Mal Ejemplos start, where did the idea come from?

Z: ME (Mal Ejemplos) started 3 years ago when I realized there was a big chance to teach new bikers the old rules, so that's how the idea was born. I called my old friends in Guadalajara and we opened our first chapter there. I came from a big MC (motorcycle club), so I knew how powerful a MC could be. I tried to avoid some wrong practices I saw there and tried to give Mal Ejemplo a less "difficult" style.

VP: How did you come up with the name?

Z: The name, which means "Bad Examples" is meant to be ironic. If you are looking for the stereotypical troublemaker biker, we are bad examples of that, because we are not that way. It is another way of saying that you cannot judge a book by its cover. About Mal Ejemplo I like to say that we are the guys moms don't like but daughters love and sons want to be. (laughs) We are a family, a very joined team, we have a good time, and we do everything in the best way possible, so if we are the bad guys who are the good ones?

VP: Are there female Mal Ejemplos and if so, do they have the same rights and privileges as the men?

Z: Yes and yes. All Mal Ejemplos are treated equally and with the same respect regardless of gender, race or religion. It would be foolish to be any different.

VP: So can anyone be a Mal Ejemplo?

Z: We are a family, and a very hard to get in one. Prospects must show honor, respect, they are compromised with the MC. We look for people who say what they do and do what they say.

VP: How many Mal Ejemplos are there?

Z: There are close to 90 MEs at this time.

VP: So, most people's impressions of what "motorcycle gangs" are like comes from the movies, and shows like the Sons of Anarchy where violence, drugs, guns, wars with other motorcycle clubs is the norm... do the ME's embody any of that?

Z: Sons of Anarchy is a TV show and it doesn't show real life. I know some motorcycle clubs have this line but in Mexico most MCs are not like that but rather a friendly and enjoyable way of life. Mal Ejemplo is not Sons of Anarchy – violence is NOT on our agenda at all. We respect the other motorcycle clubs, and we expect the same. We think freedom is THE most important thing, that every one has the freedom to live their lives as they please. We ask for respect for our general laws and their chapter rules and that's enough. Mal Ejemplo gives members the chance to be as they are... we have no really hard rules but respect others, and respect the road. People don't like to be under a bunch of rules, they want to get on the bike and ride, and that is Mal Ejemplo. Be happy, enjoy the ride, enjoy the friends.

VP: On the Mal Ejemplo logo, there is a verse in Latin, "Ab alio expectes alteri quod feceris." What does that mean?

Z: Treat others the way that you expect to be treated... give respect to others and be respected in turn. This is the heart of the Mal Ejemplo philosophy. Actually, every part of the Mal Ejemplo logo has significance. The skull represents the fact that we are exactly the same inside, a skull has no skin color, no age, no language, no status, no gender difference, we are all the same inside. And the skull is also a reminder that death is always riding on the back and no one lives forever. The shield means protection... we protect our family, we protect our goods, we protect our honor. Also we protect ourselves by having the right equipment on the road. The wings represent freedom... freedom to ride any place, but most important, freedom to be as you are with us, freedom to reach your goals and be supported by your family. The crown represents pride... being proud. Proud to be a biker, proud to be a Mal Ejemplo, proud to be free and proud to be yourself.

VP: There is a lot going on in Mexico right now on the political stage. Does ME get involved with, or put their weight behind, any political or religious movements?

Z: Definitely no. Politics and religion are out of the Motorcycle Club. We respect anyone's opinion and religion, but we are not activists, nor do we support any political side.

VP: So is Mal Ejemplo anti-society, pro-society... do you get involved with things outside of Mal Ejemplos? Do you contribute to society at large in any way?

Z: We try to help when we hear of people in need, sometimes we do things for kids in the community, in fact, we try to show we are a very important part of society.

VP: Your graphics - the logo, on your shirts, on your Facebook posts - the graphics are outstanding!

Z: Yes, we have our own graphic artist, Lizeth Aranda, who operates "Punto Creativo" in Tepic, Nayarit. For the most part she does the design and layout art for our patches, shirts, banners and posters. We are very fortunate to have her talents in the Mal Ejemplo family!

VP: What are your future goals and hopes for Mal Ejemplo?

Z: To keep growing, get more people involved and share the original spirit and idea of the Mal Ejemplos. Mal Ejemplo has just one goal: to help members be better version of themselves... to teach and remind members honor, respect, and honesty.

VP: Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

Z: I see my future with a big Mal Ejemplo family, sharing a plate of chicken wings and planning the next ride! I love the simple life... I am just a simple guy who loves sharing the good things of life with other simple, straightforward people.

VP: Thank you for your time!

Z: It has been my pleasure!

Author's footnote: I got my first motorcycle 37 years ago. It was a 1964 Triumph 650 with a low-budget chop job. I bought it from a Brother Speed MC member, "Smokey" Allen. In the years since, I have had many friends in motorcycle clubs and spent a lot of time around them, most notably, the Shifters, during the 80s. I never had the desire to join a club, however, as I liked the idea of not belonging to anything, having "Lone Wolf" status.

However, once I met Zamarack and listened to what he had to say about the Mal Ejemplos, and read their charter, and met some of the other Mal Ejemplos, I and my wife Glenda decided to prospect (apply) for membership in the Mal Ejemplos. During that time as we attended events, we met many other Mal Ejemplos from other parts of Mexico... in Tepic, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and more.

The friendliness and openness of everyone was amazing and genuine. The sense of family and camaraderie was refreshing and in a good way, humbling. On January 26, 2015, my wife Glenda and I along with another prospect, Charlie, were "patched in" to the Mal Ejemplo family in a ceremony on the beach. We are both very proud to be Mal Ejemplos and cherish the friendships that we have made and are making as a result. We will always be Bad Examples!