Encounter with Hells Angels

[GreenDragon]

Awesome story!

[millar]

What a great story. It's so cool meeting interesting people.

[turpin]

it was my brother.. I'll ask him when he calls tonight... The guy know pretty well because they awtch me highland dance all my life... what charter was he from?

Welcome to X-Marks, thistlegirlnewyork! Be sure to post the pic if you get it.

[Nerts]

I remember a bunch of them who used to come by my dad's service station when I worked there as a teen. Seemed like nice, salt of the earth guys. They had a sort of "fortress" down the road a bit. I know once they chased away a robber who was trying to break in to the old lady's house next door. Then, a few years later I picked up the paper and saw their pictures on the front page. About the only thing they weren't charged with was jaywalking. You just never know....

I know what you mean. When I was younger I helped out a kids football team (sort of coached) and there was a chapter house just down the street. We never had all that much money for the team, and one day while the staff and I were eating across the street a couple of the guys came in to grab a bite. The lead coach knew one of them and they got talking. He mentioned the lack of funds and that the kids weren't getting what they needed to have a good team.

About a week later a truck rolls up to our office and says he's got a 'shipment' for us. He throws up the back door and it full of uniforms, furniture, a bigscreen TV, a VCR (a while ago, remember) and other stuff!

Prior to this I thought ALL bikers had a bad rep. I know that a lot of them are criminals, and some of the guys that helped us might have been (and probably were), but I would defend these guys with everything I had if it came down to it!

Since them I've seen a few faces I recognize in the newpapers. It's a sad day when we condem people simply because of the patches they wear.

Thanks!

E.

[The Supreme Canuck]

I'm sorry. I just can't agree. The Hells Angels in Canada are perhaps more violent than in the US. Murders. Bombings. Drug running. They've basically replaced the Mafia here. In one instance, they killed an 11-year-old boy in a bombing in Montreal.

I've been holding my tongue, but I have to say it: I have no love for the Hells Angels, and likely never will.

[morrison]

My wife and I returned from Ohio to Missouri... ...
On our way back we stopped for gas in eastern Illinois... ...man's voice from behind me, "It's a great Scottish day." As I started to turn, the man had caught up beside me. His left and right arms were covered in tatoos. He did not have a left hand, but a large silver hook.

... ...I hadn't noticed the people that had accumulated standing off in the distance. They had looks of almost disbelief on their faces - the Hells Angles are here, and there's a guy in a kilt out in the middle of them talking to them and shaking hands - well, it's the power of the kilt don't you know?

Darrell

This time I need to amend the saying, "power of the kilt." More aptly said, It's the soul of the man and wits to engage a friendly conversation.

Kilted Warrior

I'm sorry. I just can't agree. The Hells Angels in Canada are perhaps more violent than in the US. Murders. Bombings. Drug running. They've basically replaced the Mafia here. In one instance, they killed an 11-year-old boy in a bombing in Montreal.

I've been holding my tongue, but I have to say it: I have no love for the Hells Angels, and likely never will.

I believe I understand your perception of the Hell's Angel Canadian chapter involved. It's terribly unfortunate that such crimes are committed. True, many HA members have criminal records and some are fugitives from the law. However, those are a diminishing statistic. HA members are riding upscale motorcycles that aren't cheap to support and maintain. Nowadays it behooves a club member to have a steady accountable income to ride and remain a member in good standing. The old rules to become a member are more and more difficult to keep up. Some of the old membership requirements are virtually impossible to do. Those are not things for discussion here at XMTS. Maybe off topic or better yet, out in the PUB.
__________________

[acstoon]

Great story!
As an avid motorcyclist, I'd like to mirror some of the other comments here.
Most bikers enjoy escaping from the "norm", at least temporarily. That's probably why the interest in your kilt... he saw a "kindred" break-away spirit. My wife and I take a "disappear ride" every year: We take 2 weeks, hop on the bike, and just go. No destination, just a general compass heading. We usually stop for the unusual, or eye-catching.
Most bikers lead law-abiding lives. Something like only 1% are considered truly "outlaw". Like any fraternal group, they have their good moments, and their bad.
Over the years, I've met many from the prevalent gangs: H.A., Warlocks, Pagans, Blitzkrieg, Booze Fighters, etc. Would I want to hang out and ride with them... no... but to just converse with them & shake their hands... sure, they're people too, with jobs, family, and colorful stories.
In recent years, the gangs have tried to upgrade their image... how successful they've been is up to the individual's interpretation.

Sorry, I've digressed, here. Would love to see a pix of your chance meeting!