one of the largest biker organizations. The serious Hell’s Angel’s bikers’ ride of choice is typically a Harley-Davidson. Although the group defines itself as motorcycle enthusiasts who organize social events such as group road trips, fundraisers, parties and motorcycle rallies, membership into this club is kept highly confidential.
In the sixties they were also involved briefly in concert security. On December 6th, 1969, California Hells Angels members were hired by The Rolling Stones as bodyguards for a fee, which was said to include 0 worth of beer. During the Altamont free concert allegedly a biker’s motorcycle was knocked over spurring many dramatic and violent attacks in which the Hells Angles staved off the crowd with poll sticks. Many people were injured at the concert and four people lost their lives. The events were partially documented in the 1970’s film ‘Game Shelter’. The resulting lawsuits and prosecutions solidified the biker gang’s reputation as having ties to organized crime.
The toughest bikers who we find presented again and again in movies and popular culture can be separated into four groups known to the FBI as the big four or The Pagans, Hells Angels, Outlaws MC and the Banditos. The colors of a biker or vest emblems may contain the actual letters MC and a notification of 1% and even in some cases of territorial agreement a ‘support patch’ which helps to communicate whose turf they are being allowed to ride on. The absence of these patches is also a statement and for some riders a risk as bikers can be very territorial and intimidating.