Our Story

Learn how our passion and purpose came together.

The Spark

More than 19 years ago, Anthony “Ant” Smith was inspired by the Porte City Wheelers, a respected motorcycle club. This experience ignited his passion for riding and showed him a world of freedom, which ultimately led him to create his own club.

A Vision Cast in Platinum

Inspired by the sense of family he found with fellow riders, Smith turned his dream into a reality with the help of his friend, Corey Boney. They founded Pure Platinum in August 2002 in Rosehill, NC. Smith chose the name to reflect the organization’s principles: value, purity, and strength. The club's tagline, "In God We Trust," represents the shared faith and beliefs of its members.

Building an Inclusive Brotherhood

Recognizing the rising number of women riders, Smith made Pure Platinum a co-ed and multicultural club. He believed a mutual love for riding was the ultimate binder. As Smith put it, "We are not a black, white, male or female club, but we're a bike club. We are Pure Platinum and In God We Trust." The club’s foundation is built on eight key principles:

Belief in God
Keeping the traditions of the MC lifestyle
Riding
Supporting the Community
Charity
Family
Be your brother’s keeper
Integrity

Our Roots

Humble Beginnings

In September 2002, Pure Platinum MC held its first meeting, with founding members Anthony "Hot Boy" Smith as president and Corey "Can’t Get Right" Boney as vice president. The club began with just 11 members. After nearly a year of proving their dedication and embodying the club's principles, the original members were granted full patches. Within four months, membership grew to 40 members, a testament to their commitment.

Making a Mark

In 2003, Pure Platinum hosted its first charity event, successfully supporting the Sara Refuge (Battered Women's Shelter) in Duplin County, NC. The event drew over 250 people, marking a significant milestone for the club. It was here that Smith met "Hooker," who joined the organization and became a key mentor. Hooker remains a major influence and a lifetime member of Pure Platinum® MC.

A Test of Leadership

Late in 2003, the club faced a major setback when membership dropped from 40 to just 15 active members. This challenge prompted Smith to rigorously research and study the fundamentals of motorcycle clubs. He recognized the importance of structuring the organization like a business and emphasized not only the importance of members riding but also the critical need for safe riding. This period of self-reflection and learning honed his skills as an effective president and leader.

The Blueprint for Success

Anthony became a founding member of the North Carolina Biker’s Association (NCBA), an affiliation that further enhanced his knowledge of club fundamentals. The NCBA gave him a structured framework to apply his skills, helping him transform Pure Platinum® MC into one of the fastest-growing motorcycle clubs in the nation. Smith's new understanding of leadership, combined with his business acumen, led to the establishment of Pure Platinum's first female club in Salisbury, NC. By 2004, chapters in Wilmington and Charlotte, NC were added. In 2006, the Salisbury chapter held its first Gospel Fest, a community charity event.

Motorcyclist riding on urban and rural roads.

The Road We've Traveled

Motorcyclist riding through autumn park scenery.

Honoring Our Fallen

In 2008, tragedy struck the growing organization with the death of Norman "Stormin' Norman" Lowery, the Wilmington, NC chapter president. In his honor, Pure Platinum® members began wearing memorial patches as a symbol for those who are "gone but not forgotten." This heartfelt tradition reflects the deep family bond shared among all members, as Smith puts it, "We truly are a family."

Person riding motorcycle during safety training course.

Expansion Across the Map

After mourning their loss, Smith refocused his ambition on a national expansion. This led to the establishment of the first chapter in Fredericksburg, VA in 2009, followed by Fayetteville, NC. The same year, Pure Platinum's first sister club, The Get Them Girls, an all-female MC, was founded in Jacksonville, NC; they officially became a part of the club in 2011.

Person in helmet beside black motorcycle outdoors.

A New Kind of Member

The year 2011 marked another milestone with new chapters in Greenville, SC, and Havelock and Newbern, NC. As Pure Platinum's popularity grew, many women who wanted to support the club but not ride expressed interest. In response, Smith launched Pure Platinum's first social club in Raleigh, NC. These members have a distinct mission:

Support the Pure Platinum Family
Organize and facilitate community and charity events
Assist with recruitment and public relations

Two motorcyclists smiling with helmets in hand.

The Global Horizon

The Pure Platinum family continued its rapid expansion in 2012 with new chapters in Virginia Beach and Petersburg, VA, and Hinesville, GA. By 2013, the club added chapters in Atlanta, GA, Detroit, MI, North Cal, CA, Brooklyn, NY, and Salisbury, NC. A single dream, born 13 years prior, had materialized into over 38 chapters nationwide. Smith’s vision isn't complete; he plans to take Pure Platinum® global in the near future.