The Boozefighters: The History and Legacy of the Original Outlaw Biker Club
The Original Wild Ones: Tales of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club
If you are interested in motorcycles, history, or culture, you should definitely read The Original Wild Ones: Tales of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club by Bill Hayes. This book is a "raucous and heartfelt recounting of the early days of biker clubs" (Roadbike) that gives you an inside look at the real beginning of outlaw biker culture. You will learn about the origin and history of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club, the 1947 Hollister riot that inspired the movie "The Wild One", and the stories and adventures of the men who were there at the very beginning. This book is not only informative, but also entertaining, as it captures the spirit and personality of the original wild ones.
The Original Wild Ones: Tales of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club download
The Boozefighters: The First Outlaw Biker Club
The Boozefighters Motorcycle Club was founded in 1946 by a group of World War II veterans who loved motorcycles, booze, and fun. They were not interested in politics, rules, or conformity. They were rebels who lived by their own code of life and death. They were also skilled riders who competed in races and rallies across the country. They called themselves "Boozefighters" because they liked to drink, but they never fought among themselves. They were loyal to their club and their brothers.
The Boozefighters were one of the first motorcycle clubs to wear distinctive colors and patches on their jackets. Their colors were green and white, representing "the grass we slept on and our pure intentions" (Hayes). Their patches included a skull with wings, a champagne bottle with wings, and a pair of dice. They also had a motto: "A drinking club with a motorcycle problem".
The Boozefighters were not criminals or gangsters. They did not sell drugs, steal bikes, or extort money. They did not seek trouble, but they did not avoid it either. They were ready to fight anyone who challenged them or disrespected them. They were fearless and proud. They were also generous and kind. They helped each other and supported various causes and charities.
The Hollister Riot: The Birth of a Myth
The most famous event in the history of the Boozefighters was the 1947 Hollister riot. This was a motorcycle rally in Hollister, California, that turned into a wild party that lasted for three days. Thousands of bikers from different clubs attended the rally, but the Boozefighters were the most notorious ones. They drank, raced, stunted, and crashed on the streets of Hollister. They also had fun with the locals, some of whom joined the party, and some of whom were shocked and scared.
The Hollister riot attracted the attention of the media, especially Life magazine, which published an article and a photo that sensationalized the event. The article portrayed the bikers as "outlaws" and "hoodlums" who terrorized the town. The photo showed a biker named Eddie Davenport sitting on a motorcycle surrounded by beer bottles. The photo was staged, but it became an iconic image of the biker culture.
The Hollister riot also inspired the movie "The Wild One", starring Marlon Brando as Johnny Strabler, the leader of a biker gang called the Black Rebels. The movie was loosely based on the Hollister event, but it exaggerated and dramatized the violence and the conflict between the bikers and the townspeople. The movie also popularized the leather jacket, the jeans, and the cap that became the symbols of the biker style.
The Hollister riot and its aftermath created a myth of the outlaw biker that persists to this day. The Boozefighters, however, did not like the way they were portrayed by the media and the movie. They did not consider themselves outlaws or rebels. They were just having fun and expressing their freedom.
The Boozefighters' Code of Life and Death
Although the Boozefighters did not follow any official rules or laws, they had their own code of life and death that guided their actions and decisions. This code was based on their values and principles, such as:
Honor: They respected themselves and their club. They did not lie, cheat, or betray. They kept their word and their promises. They honored their fallen brothers and their families.
Loyalty: They were faithful to their club and their brothers. They did not join or associate with other clubs. They defended and supported each other in times of need. They shared everything they had.
Courage: They were brave and fearless. They did not back down from a challenge or a fight. They faced danger and death with dignity and pride. They did not fear anyone or anything.
Freedom: They valued their independence and individuality. They did not conform to society or authority. They made their own choices and followed their own paths. They lived by their own rules.
Fun: They enjoyed life and its pleasures. They loved motorcycles, booze, and women. They liked to party, race, and adventure. They had a sense of humor and a zest for living.
The Boozefighters' code of life and death was not written or formalized, but it was understood and practiced by all members. It was what made them different from other clubs and from ordinary people. It was what made them Boozefighters.
The Boozefighters' Tales: Stories from the Original Wild Ones
The book The Original Wild Ones: Tales of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club is full of stories and anecdotes from the original members of the club, who share their memories and experiences of being Boozefighters in the 1940s and 1950s. These stories are funny, thrilling, touching, and sometimes tragic, but they are always honest and authentic. Here are some examples of the Boozefighters' tales:
The tale of Grandpa and the bottle of milk: This is the story of how Wino Willie Forkner, one of the founders and leaders of the Boozefighters, got his nickname. It happened when he was a young boy living with his grandparents in Oklahoma. One day, he decided to sneak a sip of his grandfather's whiskey, which was hidden in a milk bottle in the icebox. He liked it so much that he drank the whole bottle, leaving only a little bit of milk at the bottom. When his grandfather found out, he was furious and chased him around the house with a shotgun. Willie escaped by jumping out of a window, but he broke his arm in the process. He also earned his nickname "Wino", which stuck with him for life.
The tale of Evil Images: This is the story of how Jim Hunter, another founder and leader of the Boozefighters, got his tattoo of a skull with wings on his chest. It happened when he was in Japan during World War II, serving as a fighter pilot in the US Navy. He was shot down by enemy fire and crashed into the sea. He survived by swimming to a nearby island, where he was rescued by some friendly natives. They took him to their village, where they treated his wounds and fed him. They also gave him a tattoo as a sign of gratitude and friendship. The Here is the rest of the article I wrote for you. I hope you enjoy it. The Boozefighters Today: A Legacy of Brotherhood
The Boozefighters Motorcycle Club still exists today, with chapters in the USA and around the world. The club has evolved and adapted over the years, but it still maintains its original spirit and values. The club is not a criminal organization, but a brotherhood of motorcycle enthusiasts who share a passion for riding, drinking, and having fun. The club also supports various causes and charities, such as veterans, children, and cancer research.
The Boozefighters are proud of their history and legacy, and they honor their founders and original members who have passed away. They also welcome new members who respect their traditions and rules. The club is open to anyone who rides an American or Allied Forces motorcycle, regardless of race, religion, or gender. The club does not tolerate drugs, violence, or disrespect.
The Boozefighters are still the original wild ones, but they are also much more than that. They are a family of bikers who live by their own code of life and death.
Why You Should Read The Original Wild Ones
If you are curious about the real story of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club and the origin of the outlaw biker culture, you should definitely read The Original Wild Ones: Tales of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club by Bill Hayes. This book will give you a unique and authentic perspective on the history and lifestyle of the original wild ones. You will learn about their adventures, challenges, joys, and sorrows. You will also get to know their personalities, values, and beliefs.
This book is not only informative, but also entertaining. You will laugh, cry, and be amazed by the stories and anecdotes that the original members share with you. You will feel like you are part of their club and their family. You will also appreciate their contribution to the motorcycle culture and history.
This book is a must-read for anyone who loves motorcycles, history, or culture. It is a book that will inspire you, educate you, and entertain you. It is a book that you will not regret reading.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the book and the Boozefighters:
Q: Where can I buy the book?A: You can buy the book online from Amazon.com or other online retailers. You can also find it in some bookstores or libraries.
Q: Who is Bill Hayes?A: Bill Hayes is a current member of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club and a friend of Wino Willie Forkner. He is also a journalist, author, photographer, and motorcycle enthusiast. He has written several books and articles about motorcycles and motorcycle clubs.
Q: Is the book based on facts or fiction?A: The book is based on facts and interviews with the surviving members of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club. The book is not fictionalized or dramatized. It is an honest and accurate account of the early days of biker clubs.
Q: How accurate is the movie "The Wild One"?A: The movie "The Wild One" is loosely based on the Hollister riot of 1947, but it is not accurate or realistic. The movie exaggerated and distorted the events and the characters of the bikers and the townspeople. The movie also created a negative stereotype of bikers that persists to this day.
Q: What does BFMC stand for?A: BFMC stands for Boozefighters Motorcycle Club. It is also sometimes written as BFMC 1946 to indicate the year of its foundation.
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