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The Origin Story of Wetzel Motorcycle Club (Wetzel MC)

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Wetzel Motorcycle Club’s story began on a summer afternoon in 1986, fueled by the camaraderie and resourcefulness that define bikers. A group of friends gathered at a motorcycle garage, preparing for a road trip the next day. One friend needed a bigger gas tank for his bike, so the group jumped into action. While he headed to work, the others swapped the tank, spray-painted it with flames, and humorously added "Property of Wetzel MC." When their friend arrived at the local watering hole that evening, he didn’t even recognize his own bike, sparking laughter and a name that would become legendary.

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What started as a playful moment among friends became the foundation for something much bigger. In January 1987, Wetzel MC held its first official meeting. The club was founded with a mission to embrace motorcycle culture while challenging the negative stereotypes often associated with bikers. Wetzel MC was about family, friendship, and giving back to the community—a group bound not just by motorcycles, but by shared values.

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Later that year, the club hosted its first party. Despite fewer than 500 attendees and significant out-of-pocket costs for the members, the spirit of the event planted the seeds for what would become Wetzelland. A local farmer soon offered his land, and word began to spread. By 1991, Wetzel MC had incorporated and purchased its permanent home, transforming it into the vibrant hub known today as Wetzelland.

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What sets Wetzel MC apart is our dedication to both our members and the broader community. Over the years, the club has donated to local EMS units, schools, and youth programs, and established scholarships for Vantage students. We’ve adopted highways, partnered with organizations like ABATE and the Salvation Army for toy drives, and brought flat-track motorcycle racing back to the Van Wert Fairgrounds.

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Every July, Wetzelland brings thousands of bikers together for a weekend of bike games, live music, and camaraderie. From iconic bands like Puddle of Mudd, Theory of a Deadman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ted Nuggent, and Buckcherry, to the roar of motorcycles and the laughter of old friends, Wetzelland embodies the spirit of adventure and unity that Wetzel MC was built on.

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Wetzel Motorcycle Club is more than a club; it’s a legacy of friendship, resilience, and the open road. From that first spray-painted tank to the thriving community it is today, Wetzel MC proves that bikers are not just riders but family, making a difference one mile at a time.

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