[Reinhold]

Hey all you Bay Area and California guys, I'm reading Hunter S. Thompson's book Hell's Angels: the Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, and I'm curious if they still exist in any real and genuine form?

I've seen some Hell's Angels MC web sites selling clothing and accessories, but I have a hard time believing the once-feared gang could arrived at such a point.

Anybody out there ever known a member of the HAMC?

[asmith]

They are still around, but I think that they have calmed down a lot. Untill a few weeks ago I lived in Springfield MO about 35 miles from Branson MO (a huge tourist area). At the time of our move, Branson was bracing itself for a huge group of Hells Angels members who were coming to the area for a gathering/vacation. They were not too concerned because they have calmed down over the years. I have not heard of any problems while they were there.

I have never known a member of the hells angels, but I have a close family friend who works for the FBI. He had to grow his hair out and rode with the Hells Angels as an undercover officer during some of the years when they were really causing problems. He has some really interesting stories to tell.

Andrew

[PerryinCA]

A postive yes on that one. The "Altamont Squad" is still alive and well. I think they go by the Henchmen now. There are a few backroads around livermore and tracy thats "thier" territory. We crotch rocketers either drive by them really fast waving a finger, or just stay away.

Most of the guys are really mellow, and cool. Some of the younger (30's) guys are still in that "I am a Hells Angel and will prove it to you" stage. They are the dangerous ones.

I'm far to young to know anything more than what I have read about the altamont incident, but from what I hear, some of the HA still brag about it. They are so removed from my circles though that its likely an urban legend...

-Perry

[Ninong]

I believe just about all of the original members are now members of AARP. Most are in their 60's. I know Sonny Barger is older than me by at least a year.

And yes, it looks like you're right, he actually is selling BBQ sauce and other condiments with his name on the label. Looks like his so-called autobiography has been translated into 7 or 8 languages and is about to go Hollywood. Check it out: http://www.sonnybarger.com/index3.html

Ninong

[Reinhold]

I just checked out the Sonny Barger web site.

On the one hand, it's hard to imagine someone retaining the energy and remaining an aggressive outlaw into their sixties, but on the other, it's hard to believe that the man whose name instilled fear into the hearts of thousands is now selling condiments!

Any other updates out there?

[Reinhold]

I think I'd rather have him after me for copyright violation than the dreaded Novak brothers for libel.

[Ninong]

Sonny may be cooking up BBQ sauce but the VP of the Mendocino Hells Angels is cooking up some meth: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...30/MN98151.DTL

So now he's being hit with two counts of murder, one count of manufacturing drugs and one count of arson... all because the meth lab blew up and started a fire, and then two pilots were killed when their water-tanker planes collided.

Ninong

[MEC]

I've been in a few 'biker' bars arround here, and find that there are very few bad guys arround. That is as long as you treat them the way that you expect to be treated. I've known members of The Outlaws' and the Road Saints, and even met a few that others claimed to be Angels. Most of them were cool laid back types. But I would much rather have them on my side in a fight. Seems that Biker bars are a bit safer to be in these days. Noone wants to start a fight there. How many fights do you see in the local dance club every night, thats why THEY have bouncers. Theres always going to be the few drug makers/users in every bunch. The Angels arent any different from any other large group there, They just get a bit more exposure. IMO......Mike

[reptilicus]

I heard a funny joke about He''s Angels once.
For a bit of context, do you have those Jehova's witnesses in the US? Over here there are a few, they are an extremist Christian group who go around to everyone's house and then preach to them about the bible, with the result that many people who are spending time with themselves get very mad. Anyway, the joke goes thus:

Q: What do you get when you cross a Jehova's Witness with a Hell's Angel?

A: Someone who knocks at your door and tells you to **** off!

Cheers,
Tom

[the_blue_tuna]

The Angels as well as many , many others are alive and well. I live in the 4 corners region of the US and this weekend they are holding the 9th annual 4 Corners Iron Horse motorcycle rally . They expect about 30k participants this year ,,,all in the sleepy town of Ignacio Colorado. It is very similiar to the black hills rally at Sturgis except that it is growing much faster. There are motorcycles(95% Harley Davidsons) everywhere . Most of the bikers I have met are friendly enough. As was previously stated there will always be bad apples but for the most part they seem like good enough people.JMO.