BIKER NEWS: Rotary hears about outlaw biker gangs

BN- There are lots of kinds of motorcycle clubs. The Patriot Guards are seen leading the processions of funerals of veterans. Locally the Gryphons have an annual toy drive at Christmas time for kids. The Blue Knights is a club of police officers and the interest of Bikers Against Child Abuse is obvious. Each of these clubs is made up of people who enjoy their bikes but also work for the betterment of the community.

Ricky Sipes, assistant Ellis County & District Attorney, explained to the Rotary Club about another type of club called outlaw biker gang or OBG. Although members of these clubs maintain their innocence they seem to be where bad things happen. The recent shootings at the Twin Peaks Restaurant in Waco involved motorcycle clubs defined by law enforcement as outlaw biker gangs. Those involved were members of the Bandidos or the Cossacks. Nine were killed and 170 arrested when a Texas Confederation of Clubs meeting went bad.

Mr. Sipes who is a biker himself and attends events such as the huge Sturgis, S.D. rally was only talking about the “1 percent” who are the outlaws. These gang members wear a 1 percent patch and say they are the one of 100 who have given up on society and the politicians’ laws. They do not want to look like us or be like us and that is why they dress the way they do.
The vests these men wear have several important parts. At the top in letters forming an arch or rocker will usually be found the club name.

Examples are the Hells Angels, Bandidos and Cossacks. In the center is a large picture which is the club’s logo or colors. At the bottom is another arch or rocker with the club’s territory such as “TEXAS” or perhaps “NEW ZEALAND”. Yes, outlaw gangs are worldwide. They will also wear an “MC” patch for motorcycle club and the 1% patch.

Territories are strictly enforced just as those of any other gang are. Some say a dispute between the Bandidos and Cossacks over the right to use the Texas territory name was the reason for the violence in Waco.

Requirements to be an outlaw biker are strict. You must be a white male with a large, American-made bike. You have to be sponsored by a current member and be known for “taking care of business” which means you will not shrink from violence if the club thinks it is needed. You also can not have ever had anything to do with law enforcement. They do serious background checks to make sure you are not a policeman infiltrating the gang.

Although drugs, prostitution and other crimes have been associated with outlaw biker gangs most people will not be threatened by them because they are not involved in the same activities as club members and do not go to their private clubs. Gang members do not usually look for trouble with the public but they are not shy about using violence if threatened.

Source: http://www.waxahachietx.com/article/20151003/NEWS/151009886