Founder Of The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club is one of the most notorious outlaw motorcycle gangs in the world. The club has been linked to a number of criminal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and violent crimes. The founder of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club was a man named Ralph "Sonny" Barger. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and legacy of the man who started one of the most infamous motorcycle clubs in history.
Early Life
Ralph Hubert "Sonny" Barger was born on October 8, 1938, in Modesto, California. He grew up in a working-class family and was raised by his mother and stepfather. Barger dropped out of high school and joined the US Army in 1955. He served in Korea and was discharged in 1957.
The Birth Of The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club
Barger became interested in motorcycles after he returned from the Army. He and a group of friends started riding together and eventually formed the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in Fontana, California, in 1948. The club's name was inspired by the US Air Force's 303rd Bombardment Group, which was nicknamed "Hell's Angels."
The Hells Angels quickly gained a reputation for their tough and rebellious image. They wore leather jackets with the club's emblem, which features a skull with wings, and rode Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The club's membership grew rapidly, and by the 1960s, it had chapters in several states.
Controversies And Criminal Activities
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club has been involved in numerous controversies and criminal activities over the years. The club has been linked to drug trafficking, extortion, prostitution, and violent crimes such as murder and assault. In 1965, Barger was arrested for conspiracy to commit murder after a member of a rival motorcycle club was killed. He was eventually acquitted of the charges.
In 1988, Barger was again arrested, this time on charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit murder. He was accused of ordering the killing of a member of a rival gang. However, the charges were dropped due to lack of evidence.
Barger's Legacy
Barger retired from the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in 2002. He has written several books about the club and his life, including "Hell's Angel: The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club." Barger remains a controversial figure, admired by some as a rebel and outlaw, and reviled by others as a criminal and a menace to society.
Barger's legacy is one of rebellion, toughness, and criminality. He is often cited as a symbol of the outlaw biker subculture, which has become an enduring part of American popular culture. Despite the controversies and criminal activities associated with the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, there is no denying the impact that Barger and his club have had on American society.
Conclusion
The founder of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, Ralph "Sonny" Barger, is a controversial figure whose legacy continues to be felt today. Barger's life and the club he founded have become an enduring part of American popular culture, inspiring books, movies, and TV shows. While the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club has been linked to criminal activities, it is also known for its brotherhood and loyalty. Barger's story is a reminder that sometimes the most interesting characters in history are also the most controversial.
