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The title “OUT IN BAD STANDINGS” is biker speak
for "banishment". It is used by some motorcycle clubs to describe the status of
a member when he leaves the club of his own or is expelled, and the
remaining members are not happy with the reason that the member left the
club. Some native American cultures chose this approach rather than prison or
capital punishment, it seems much more civilized than some modern cultures yet
it is not without a price. The author of this book now has this status.
This book gives the reader a small peak into
the the life and times of the motorcycle club member. We are not talking about
your local Harley Owners Group or rider clubs. This is the real deal, the one
percent club. Back in the beginning of motorcycles, riders would form groups for
touring and racing together. People in the industry quickly took control of
these groups as a means to further market products and keep enthusiasm high. The
American Motorcycle Association (AMA) rose to the top of these groups and soon
published newsletters, sold memberships and promoted events. As some of the
enthusiasts did not conform to the proper dress codes or etiquette of the times
combined with ruff talk, some fighting and boozing it up, soon a statement began
to circulate. Basically it was stated that there would always be a few bad
apples but that 99% of the riders were good decent folks.
While I personally disagree with the statement
none the less the folks that were in the minority took up the title 1% and
carried it like a flag. After years of evolution the 1% clubs today have become
quite formidable and organized. They are proud of there 1% heritage and they
don't sell memberships, you have to prove yourself. This testing for membership
creates a real sense of team spirit and some squabble between clubs is not at
all unusual. Of the 1% folks I've met most (over 50%) have also been good decent
folks, but certainly not ordinary. As this book unfolds you will see the
authors departure from ordinary and possibly a return.
Ed Winterhalder (street name ; Connecticut Ed ) took the time to write down some
of his favorite memories growing up and how it slowly prepared him for a life as
a 1% er within the Bandidos Motorcycle Club. This book does not make use of
"co-writers " to liven up or begin to fictionalize his memories. So you get that
first hand perspective.
From stealing Harley's and building choppers to partying with Outlaws, the
author journeyed the world to embrace and promote his alternative lifestyle.
Many of the accounts are simple tales but some are an insider look at the worlds
biggest news headlines. The expansion of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club into
Canada and the violence surrounding it fill many of the pages in this book. It
changed the laws and the landscape in Canada. This is must reading for club
supporters, members, and yes .............law enforcement. And for the average
rider this is a good opportunity to read about the likes of Outlaws, Hells
Angels, Pagans, and Bandidos in a book that was not written by a poser, snitch,
or otherwise undercover covert author.
Editors note: We will be reading other books
on bikers by bikers, when we find the good ones you will see them here.
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