Motorcyclemen of New Mexico

This patch is donated to the Leather Quilt by Michael J, Skroch, Head of House, Domum Corium Cordis (House of Leather Heart), through its project “History of New Mexico Leather & Alternative Communities, https://www.nm-real.org/leather-history-1. This patch was donated to this history effort by Dave Crawford, member of MMNM, who’s participation in MMNM is described below.

The Motorcyclemen of New Mexico (MMNM or MNM), often called "M&Ms," were formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation by New Mexico residents at the Rocky Mountaineers Motorcycle Club’s (RMMC), at the 10th annual camp out in Colorado call the “Golden Fleece Run” (GFR), which happened for 40 years.

MMNM was registered with the New Mexico Secretary of State on 15 July 1981 by R. Gregg Watkins. Directors were Dave Bedford, Gregg Watkins, Dave Crawford. Owen, and Terry Robert. These New Mexico residents decided to start their own run while at GFR. Dick Marleau from Hijos del Sol MC was involved in founding MMNM, a somewhat informal gay men-only motorcycle club. Other names included Bill Rhetta, partners Bill Meeks (DoD) and Bill Curr (El Paso Public Schools), Casey NewKirk, Pat Sanchez, Walt Lang (Pat's partner for a time), and Dennis Dunnum, Jojo Pineau (associate), Bob Rakoczy (associate), Dominik Zurlo. Wes (Lockwood) Graywolf, a photographer and artist used to vend at MMNM events and produced many of the posters and promotional items for MMNM. A female full member was part of the club, Kathy, a lesbian from Santa Fe. They had associates including Leslie Anderson and Steve Wearden.

Dave Crawford joined MMNM about six months after it started organizing. Raised in Farmington, NM, and having a profession of teaching, special education, he purchased a 755 BMW there and learning about MMNM from the person who sold him his bike. He is the longest running member of MMNM, having been there from near its inception, being one of its organizing directors in 1981, and holding various offices from 1986 through 1995 (see officer plates below). The club created "Member Emeritus" status for Dave when his bad back and other conditions made it difficult for him to ride.

The primary hangout location of MMNM was Social Club, which at the time was mostly a men's bar. They hung their colors in the back bar of Social Club. Dennis Dunnam joined MMNM in the early 90s, being Quartermaster in 1993, Secretary in 1994, VP in 1996, which transitioned to President in that year. He was publicist in 1997. In 1984 MMNM had 12 members. Some members of MMNM inspired artist Delmas Howe and were used in his "Stations" series of paintings. Membership was mandated to be 75 percent owning a motorcycle. Associates could live further away from Albuquerque. RMMC and MMNM cross-attended each others events and runs.

MMNM started operations after Hijos del Sol, but operated concurrently together for years. They had a Motorcyclemen of New Mexico Newsletter that highlighted their members lives, participation in runs, and listed officers, full members, and associates.

MMNM's hosted run was "Hot Air" which was held at the same time of the year as the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, running from 1984 through 1997.

Leslie Anderson was an associate of MMNM and the first women (at the time) member, voted in with almost unanimous approval (one dissent). This was associated with their run and eventual title win as American Leatherwoman. Associate memberships were provided to those that had no motorcycle or would be from out of state. MMNM started losing interest and cohesion about 1997. Some members moved to Sandia Leathermen as an organization that did not require motorcycles. Bars were becoming more inclusive of a broader set of people.

"Zia Brigade" was a uniform club activity within MMNM formed by member Richard Saizer and his partner Bill Reiust, who produced pins and patches for this focus group. Their motto "Crescit Eundo" is Latin for "It grows as it goes."

Sources: Leslie Anderson (interviews), Casey Newkirk (interviews 14Jun24, +conversations), LA&M, Scott White (President of RMMC for 6 years), Dennis Dunnam (interview 12Jun24), New Mexico Secretary of State business search, theleatherjournal.com/news/author/802-daverhodes, Drummer Magazine Issue #67, #110, #187, #198, Club Scene #13, Club News p8, Golden Fleece Run Book XXI (1993), Rocky Mountaineers Motorcycle Club (Silver Anniversary), Golden Fleece Run Book XXVI (1998), Rocky Mountaineers Motorcycle Club, David Crawford (interview 5Jan24).