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My Encounter with the Hells Angels in Raleigh

152K views 152 replies 61 participants last post by  Unkle Krusty 
#1 · (Edited)
Anyone vaguely familiar with Raleigh,NC has heard about foxy ladies. Everyone went to fox ladies, people came from far and wide to go to foxyladies. One Saturday afternoon me and a few of the patches decided to take the prospects on an outting. We decided to go to Foxy ladies. I am pretty sure it was Foxy ladies but its been 20-25 years ago. It was a topless bar for sure. And it was a great day for a ride. It was about 70 miles away. We had been there before, knew bartenders and dancers (shout out to Dusty). The ride there was uneventful,spirits were high. Arriving and seeing the usual amount of bikes parked on the outside , we parked ours and went inside. It took us a few minutes to acclimate to the darkness and when we did we noticed the gaggle of HA in the house and the biggest one was walking towards us. Alrighty, I thought here we go again. So the big huge guy walks up and introduces himself as either Tank or Juke box or something like that and asked to speak to the leader. Being the spokesperson for our group that would be me. I step forward and introduce myself, shake hands and introducd the rest of the group. He then goes on to say that as a consequence of "Operation Rough Rider" the local Chapter of HA (Durham at the time I think )have been told by the FBI they cannot wear their colors and if they can't we can't either. I then explained, fine we can take off our colors but we have club t shirts under those and we're not drinking beer naked. So the big guy says to follow him outside and heads to the back door. F and S. I knew I was in for some controversey and I was nervous but I went with him because I would rather catch a beating then loose face. Maybe I would get lucky and beat his ass. I was a pretty rugged guy and wrestled in high schol and college, been in more then a few scraps(but this guy was huge). I stepped out into the bright lights and shut the door behind me and got ready for what ever. I take a deep breath and the guy starts talking...To my relief the guy thanks me and our guys for not causing a situation and for being understanding of the issue. He then asks questions about where we are from and are we affiliated with anyone and stuff. He then says lets go back in and he'll buy everyone a drink and we can keep our colors on. In the process of that suare we were asked to come back on Thursday as the president and some of the prospects will be there and we can meet them. We said sure that'd be great. I knew we would not be going back in Thursday anyways. I have the utmost respect for the Hells Angels but I was well aware of their push to absorb smaller clubs like ours and we were all just happy with the way we were. Business was good. We had a neutral relationship with everyone so far and thats the way we were hoping to keep it. So no we never went back on Thursday anyways.

In the years to come some of the guys would violate the don't ride alone with your patch deal and pay dearly. The patch is not supermans cape and its only as relevant as your ability to defend it. And there is safety in numbers always.

These things can go very bad if not handled with respect and not crazy talk. One time The Ghost Riders MC Fayettville chapter was alerted that an out of state club from Virginia was in town. I forget the name of the out of state club. Regardless, the Ghost Riders Sgt of Arms I guy named Steve they call Bigfoot, army guy about 6foot plus(married and father of 2) and a couple Ghost Rider patches go to where the out of state MC club was and start confronting the situation. I wasn't there but I knew the Goldsboro Chapter of the Ghost Riders well and some of the members of the Fayetville chapter and what ever was said caused Steve "Bigfoot" Daughtry to be shot dead right there on the spot. I rode in his funeral. It was very sad. What a shame. Unecessary. I mean they are both motorcyle club members from ****s sake.
 
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#37 ·
Nope, and probably never will. They wouldn't consider that as a "patch" or even as "colors" in their world. About the same as wearing a Harley logo or a Suzuki logo or whatever. It's saying "I'm no threat to you guys and I don't want to infringe on your turf. I'm just riding through and I'll be no danger to you."
 
#44 ·
That closed.....awhile back. Heh. There's still Tom Cats Movie Mates on 70. (I think.) And that place on Angier Ave....Diamond Girls? Heck, I've never been there so I don't know. "Thee Dollhouse" in Raleigh closed and was replaced by The Gentlemans' Club. (Corporate kind of places, both of 'em) There's more places in Fayettenam, no doubt, but I haven't been to any of them in a few years either. <chuckle>
 
#46 ·
I've never run into any HA here locally, but I used to bartend/bounce in a local dive where a lot of local Outlaw MC members were regulars. Those guys were actually pretty cool and didn't cause trouble generally, although I'm sure they were capable of it.

I've thought a lot about joining a Masonic riding club (Widow's Sons) who has a local chapter here in Louisville. They're not a 1%, MC, or outlaw biker club, but they do wear colors. They're more like the CMA along those lines.
 
#52 · (Edited)
The brothers in Louisville are great guys. Been to a couple of funerals there ... one was shot at a red light as part of some illegal immigrant gang initiation.

If you join any club, do it because you love the life style and not the members. The members may not always be around for one reason or another.

There are great guys in every organization as well as scumbags ... that includes your local bridge club.

If you have to think about it, then it is not for you and if you have no desire to be a member of any one of the big 3 that despises HA maggots, then forget it.

Personally, after a lifetime of sorting it all out .... I have come to the conclusion that pigeons flock together and eagles fly alone. Riding alone is freedom, tethering yourself to others is the exact opposite and rather ironic that it includes the same.
 
#49 ·
Badinfluence63, I agree with your earlier post up there, not all 1% members are bad dudes, every where you go and in just about every group you look at there will be bad apples. The bad apples will always stick out and thats what everyone wants to remember and see...
They are definately, still, as individuals, unpredictable and potentially lethal. But hey at least you can't fault them for false advertisement.
 
#51 ·
True but not to their extent. Compared to you they are ported, ramped and throated. Its their life and life style. You don't live your life having to BOLO for local,state,federal,county LE and other 1% MC'ers and their supporters who DON'T like you either. Not because they know you, just your affiliation. I don't see you being hostile to someone for those reasons. Maybe I'm wrong? Sure, every man has their punch off point, I suspect a 1%'s come a just a tad little quicker.
 
#55 ·
They probably will, depending on how well organized and how widespread they are. Unless they're just a local band of scared immigrants banding together as a temporary feel-good measure, and are not a part of a larger gang, they'll survive. Allthough that particular chapter might be crushed and it could be likely that several members will die a violent Death, something like that won't erradicate a whole Hispanic immigrant gang. It's all just another War between some of the Nations that make up this country, see?
 
#54 ·
"if you have no desire to be a member of any one of the big 3 that despises HA maggots, then forget it."

I've read this sentence a couple of times, and I hate to admit ignorance, but your meaning escapes me. And no, I'm not baiting you or trying to engage in some of that Internet "sparring" that some choose to enjoy. (I've read several of your posts, agreed with many of them, probably disagreed with some too, and will offer you the respect you have earned in my eyes by your words.) But I'm just not tracking. <chuckle>

Heck, it would be an easier conversation if we were not typing and reading, but rather sitting with our feet up on the rail and listening to the crickets chirp. (But if that were the case, I'd rather be asking you for tips on how to sharpen a graver then yapping about MC's)

"Personally, after a lifetime of sorting it all out .... I have come to the conclusion that pigeons flock together and eagles fly alone."

I've come to almost the same conclusion. But, in keeping with the avian anology, I'll add that swans mate for life, right? From the outside we may look in envy at the years those swans are loyal to each other, and marvel at how close they are and how they are always together and watching out for each other, but we don't really KNOW if the damm birds even like each other. Maybe they do, maybe they don't, but they're bound together by chains that only THEY can understand.

I think that someone new to the world of studying birds might exclaim in joy, happiness, and ignorance, that, "Pigeons, Eagles, Swans...it doesn't matter! They ALL fly and they are all brothers and sisters of the open skies!" Lordy, give me strength...
 
#59 · (Edited)
Yep, I agree, it kinda doesn't make sense. On the one hand, I have a complete disregard for the whole club thing while I still choose sides.

The things we do will always be a part of us no matter how much we out grow them and how far we move forward ... regardless of how good or evil those things are perceived to be.

I've found that you can't always talk someone out of something. The irresistible lure of the image and mystery behind a patch draws new blood onto a beaten path. That path inevitably leads to the real truth in the promises of "biking & brotherhood".

I get drawn into these discussions because maybe there is something I can add that will help someone else from making poor choices. If not, then go straight to the top and not with some wannabe support club.

The reality of any "club" is that it is the antithesis of what riding is all about. Life is too short to squander standing around at cookouts, in 100 degree weather, in a leather vest waiting for the boss to decide he's ready to go.

Sitting on the porch listening to crickets and talking about gravers is exactly what I find enjoyable these days. It's peaceful. No regrets, just a new and improved set of priorities. :biggrin:


Take care
 
#56 ·
i agree with badinfluence63. it's all about respect. i've had run in's with HA in providence at bars before and with respect everything turned out alright. we all drank and had a great time. as with anything in life, as soon you don't respect it it bites in the ass. or punches you in the face
 
#58 ·
the "patch" on my back is an embossed flag and the letters U.S.A, the only "colors or club" i've ever been in....camoflage for my colors and the US Army for my club & believe me my Brothers will always have my back and stand by my side.
And they will stand beside you and they will have your back in a very REAL way, and no one that has not experienced it can EVER hope to understand what that means. Those that have watched a few movies or read a few books or "know a vet" may think they get it, but as you and I know, they don't have a M-Fing clue.

But once you leave that "club?" Well, you move in different directions, and you take up different interests and pursue your lives in different manners. And despite all the promises to keep in touch and so forth you find that all that living takes up more time then you have to devote to your Brothers...now that you don't need each other so much. Some you will stay in contact with but most will drift away on their own courses. And every now and then you'll meet up with some of them and you'll talk, and laugh, and shed a tear together. It won't be quite the same as it was, but it will bring comfort to your heart.

But it's all good, I think, and the way things should go. Everything changes and nothing lasts forever, and that's a good thing. It's a REAL good thing. Good luck to you, and believe me, the best is yet to come. <grin>

-Eye (11A, 18A, CIB, <yawn> and some other useless stuff.)
 
#64 ·
My Dad used to say that "If you don't want to get hit by the train, stay off of the tracks."

There is a common complaint that a non-affiliated motorcyclist goes to places where clubs hang out but then complains that clubs hang out there.:confused:

Your attendance at that place and time is not required. A club is under no obligation to plan their activities around your schedule.

For example, my area dealer has lots of charity runs on specific dates. I get these schedules by e-mail. If I do not want to associate with anyone--RUBs, newbies, bike clubs, tourists or OOTers, I simply do something else.

If an area has events, and you stumble upon the event not of your choosing, just drive away.

I have gotten into more trouble with drunken townies than other bikers.
 
#65 ·
If an area has events, and you stumble upon the event not of your choosing, just drive away.
Absolutely good advice.

Here's the problem that **I** have:
Somebody plans an event. They advertise come one, come all. All riders and all brands welcome........but then when you get there, that is not the case.
One, or a few, "groups" comes early and en-mass and takes over the place, making it clear that everybody is NOT welcome.

That bullying gang mentality is total BS......but there is little you can do about it because of fear of retaliation, either against individuals or event organizers. If it happens often enough, the events eventually dry up and we all suffer.

Goose......golden egg......DEAD.
 
#68 ·
Haha interesting story, but very cool. I kind of think it's cool how loyalty runs with some groups...can get stupid, but I'm a Marine, so we're kind of the same way. We have no problem with other branches of the service, but we still give them a hard time. Seems the same way with bike clubs, too.

As long as there are not deaths like previoiusly mentioned and **** like that. Nothing is wrong with a little scrap here and there! It builds character :)
 
#69 ·
Nothing is wrong with a little scrap here and there! It builds character
There ya' go. The neighborhood I lived in as a boy was much safer when the mafia was in charge. A couple of drunken townies botherin' our womenz and then a swift justice. Now that it comes up, even Vegas was better.

But who exactly decides which type of "character" gets to be predominant?
 
#70 ·
So what motorcycle club would be open to a woman with a Triumph? All my "patch" and "prospect" information comes from watching, "Sons of Anarchy". I have never heard of any motorcycle club that offers women membership except in a separate women’s auxiliary if they even have that. Belonging to a club is not important to me as it is to find people with similar interest to ride with.
 
#73 ·
:thumbsup:Hey, I have checked for Triumph groups but the closest dealer seemes to be in Daytona and I haven't found many Triumph riders in my area. That was one of the charms of my Triumph....stands out from the Harleys and Hondas. I have to say the HD group in my town is very open to all kinds of bikes...stepchildren but still welcome
 
#81 ·
You have no idea on how many 'bikers' I have met who all claim to have been asked by the Angels to join. They further all claim to have declined the invitation, because it wasn't their thing.

Nothing screams 'poser' more than a rough-tough-creampuff who claims bravado in dealing with a real-deal patch holder. I just report to the bro what the poser said and let Darwin settle the matter.
 
#83 · (Edited)
Bravado will put you in a spot if used incorrectly but I think to show fear is just as bad. I find respect with courage saves the day everytime. That and trying your best to hide ones nervouseness.

A good example was one day the HA had w/out notice rented a local bar/concert hall and just showed up in force in town for a Johnny Paycheck fund raiser concert. Cops appeared to be very confused by time I got there,having not been forwarned.

I had gotten a call from a buddy what was going on and headed out that way about 10PM that friday night sans colors( I was not interested in being identified as a patch wearer, or their trying to get us to join or disband cause thats what they do).

I got there and there were HA from all over the southland. I was young and in my 20's and I thought it was just the best to have a slew of HA in my back yard and partying and chill...... or so I thought. So I was walking around saying things like "whats up Durham!","whats happening Charlotte!", "whats happening Winston-Salem" and such foolishness as that. They didn't seem to mind.

Another acquaitence who arrived later, not a friend and whose name I won't mention, showed up with his wife in tow and both were about my age. He thought it was the preferred position to show the HA the kind of bravado that gets you in trouble. He had a tee shirt on that one or 2 HA didn't like. I don't remember what it was. I really don't think it was the shirt as much as it was wanting to push the acquaitence guys buttons because he walked in there like a tough guy. They told him to turn it inside out. He argued back. It ended badly for him. After his beat down the HA escorted him and his wife out. Of all the people that acquiatence could of hit to show he had balls...guess who he hit....his wife!! Sure she was saying things like I told you to keep your mouth shut , I told you blah blah, so he smackd her with his helmet. What a dirt bag I thought at the time.

The unavoidable contact with established 1%'s was the one difficult hurdle in the whole club deal for me. Hard as we tried to mind and go about our own business we would inevitably run into HA,AOA,Pagans, somebody, depending what part of the country you found yourself. That and never wear your colors out of town by yourself.

In my experience, in each meeting where we were wearing colors, the concern may have been who were we aligned with(and we were trying very hard not to be aligned with anybody). I really liked the HA at the time but was very well aware that as soon as one aligned themselves up with the HA you were automatically mortal enemies with the likes of AOA,Pagans,Warlocks and too many others).

Back in the '80's I think all the big 4-5 were trying to obsorb as many smaller MC's in a scramble for territorial dominance. For sure in that state there were HA and AOA constantly fighting for territorial position and by obsrbing smaller MC's.

The Pagans were sniffing around there too for a time and may still be, that was 20-25+ years ago?

One of our guys wore his colors by himself to Jacksonville one day where he was confronted by a handfull of Pagans at a local bar and he got his arse beat and his colors taken away.

Competition is tough in the nitty gritty MC world. Even LEO MC's are finding that out. Its for the young and dumb as far as I am concerned. Shame on the LEO MC like Iron Pigs for trying to act like 1%'s. Are you a LEO or a 1%,arsehole.

I see the HA's booths at Laconia when I go and stop and chat about insignificant stuff with some of the members there but it always seems like a strained conversation, nothing relaxed about it. Granted we are total strangers.

I bet the HA live their lives stressed every day, especially here as there is HA in Manchester and Laconia. The town in the middle, Raymond, is supposedly AOA. I don't ever remember those 2 getting along for to long.
 
#87 · (Edited)
Sometimes discresion is the better part of valor. Anything else is misplaced pride in my opinion. And there is always too much of that and which I think causes avoidable trouble and negative publicity. We were happy minding our own business, we were happy for it being that way and in my opinion were better off for it. Its was bad enough when we would participate in local toy runs the state police felt the need to video tape us up close and personal. But so didn't the local news channel one year and featured us on their coverage of the event on the news. We thought that was cool and we felt like celebrities. In hind sight it was probably foolish. We were all pretty young a the time,

Why would I like to take yours? Thats weird of you to say.
 
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