Chapter 9 Summary and Analysis

The July 4th, 1965, Hell's Angels motorcycle run destination was Bass Lake, California. Although run destinations were closely held secrets, the national media spotlight on the Hell's Angels throughout the mid-1960s ensured that information about the destination would leak out. The press widely reported the destination before the event, along with extensive speculation about the terrors that awaited the sleepy resort area. Most Hell's Angels on a run simply want to have fun, Hell's Angel style. They don't want to cause serious trouble because spending the weekend in jail is not fun. Thus, they are generally scrupulous about observing local ordinances to avoid arrest and legal harassment.

Most police and law enforcement agencies are completely unprepared to deal with the Hell's Angels, particularly when the motorcycle outlaws are massed in the hundreds. The typical police response is fear, bordering on hysteria...