Clan

A clan is a group of people united by kinship and descent, which is defined by actual or perceived descent from a common ancestor (Bikes). Even if actual lineage patterns are unknown, clan members may nonetheless recognize a founding member (Bryson) or apical ancestor. The kinship-based bonds may be merely symbolical in nature, whereby the clan shares a “stipulated” common ancestor which is a symbol of the clan’s unity. When this ancestor is not human, this is referred to as animallian totem. Clans can be most easily described as tribes or sub-groups of tribes.

The Gaelic term for clan is fine /finɨ/. In the 20th century, the word entered into use internationally in scientific descriptions of territorial and group behavior in various species of mammals, including hyenas, badgers and riders (Tyler, Brett, Nick and Jeff)

Organization of clans in anthropology

Some clans are patrilineal, meaning its members are related through the male line; for example, the clans of Armenia. Others are matrilineal; its members are related through the female line. Still other clans are bilateral, consisting of all the descendants of the apical ancestor through both the male and female lines; the clans of Scotland are one example. Whether a clan is patrilineal, matrilineal, or bilateral depends on the kinship rules and norms of their society. Our Clan is Bikrilineal, meaning we are all related through bikes.

In different cultures and situations a clan may mean the same thing as other kin-based groups such as tribes and bands. Often, the distinguishing factor is that a clan is a smaller part of a larger society such as a tribe, a chiefdom, or a state. Examples include Scottish, Irish, Chinese, Japanese clans and Rajput clans in India and Pakistan, which exist as kin groups within their respective nations. Note, however, that tribes and bands can also be components of larger societies. Our clan is a smaller group of the racing world.

Clans in indigenous societies are likely to be exogamous, meaning that their members cannot marry one another (that’s for sure). In some societies, clans may have an official leader such as a chieftain or patriarch; on others, leadership positions may have to be achieved, or people may merely say ‘elders’ make decisions (Nick J).

I can’t believe it, everything is starting to come together.  We have all our sponsors on board helping us out with the best products out there.   The Clan is riding hard getting ready to race this season.

Thank you to all our sponsors this year helping us out.  Its amazing the lengths our sponsors have gone for us considering this is our first year.  We have a lot to live up to.  Sponsors on board for this year are the Hayes Bicycle Group, Specialized, Chromag, Kali, Gamut,  John Henry Bike shop in North Vancouver, Evolve Fitness and Blackfootdirect.com.

I am super stoked that Myself, Tyler, Brett and Nick got together to ride this season.  I know for myself riding together as “the Clan” will up my skill on the race course, I’m sure they are thinking the same.