Back in the States in 1954, after a two-year stretch in Korea, Carl Eide rejoined his old friends to renew their love of motorcycle riding. The men often partied in original member, Andy’s, garage. Toying with the idea of starting a motorcycle club, charter member, Micky, discovered “The Mad One” character in a magazine. The first constitution was drafted and approved and the THEMADONE MC was born in May 1958.

     In its first year, the club met at a local bar. The bar owners purchased jackets for THEMADONE members. The first jackets came back from the embroiderer with an “s” added to the name, forming “THEMADONES”. The club liked it and decided to keep it.

      Over the years, the club met at a variety of bars from south Minneapolis to Golden Valley and briefly rented a house in north Minneapolis before purchasing the current club house in North Minneapolis in 1990.

     During the late 70’s, clubs transitioned from neat, tidy uniforms to wearing their club insignia (colors) on cutoff vests (cuts) and the club adopted the 3-piece back patch including the coveted full state (Minnesota) bottom rocker.

     After early, rapid expansion, the club established membership standards, and a prospecting period was established.

     While the club briefly had a chapter in Billings, Montana, current chapters are limited to Minnesota with the mother charter in Minneapolis. In its history, there have been over 600 members of the THEMADONES MC. Many men came and went. Some retired. Some died a THEMADONES. Founding member, Carl Eide, stuck around, holding every officer position in the club.

      THEMADONES ride fast and tight, side by side, and wheel to wheel. In 1961 the club began requiring American or British bikes with engine sizes of 750cc’s to join.

      The THEMADONES rarely had issues with the law, and the club at one time provided paid, parade, escort service. Often, the public would get very quiet when the club entered a bar, but by the time they left, they were welcomed back just about 100% of the time.

      The THEMADONES took on many motorcycle rights advocacy issues, including helmet laws, equal access for bikers in places of public accommodation and opposition to insurance company attempts to raise premiums on riders who chose to ride without helmets. In one case, the THEMADONES MC successfully sued a bar that excluded riders who wore colors.

     The THEMEDONES have enjoyed cordial relations with many other motorcycle clubs. THEMADONES parties are legendary and well attended by other clubs and the public. Brotherhood, riding and fun are the cornerstones of the THEMADONES MC.

      In 2023, the THEMADONES celebrated its 65th anniversary with a great party. Carl Eide, still an active member and the only founding member still alive, was there to celebrate. Sadly, in 2024, Carl passed away at 92. Carl’s dream is carried on by the men who currently ride with our patch.