Hell on Wheels: An Illustrated History of Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs

by Bill Hayes

A gripping history of outlaw motorcycle club culture from its beginnings to the present day. In a world where most of us roll over when confronted by the power of authority, the antihero figure of the outlaw biker stands beyond the crowd, a beacon of social freedom. By choosing to live outside of society’s conventions, the one-percenter has the inner strength to act on his own convictions. Though most of us are too timid to venture into these outer margins of society, the one-percenter not only enters those margins—he stomps on them. In Hell on Wheels, avid motorcyclist Bill Hayes dives deep into the world of the outlaw motorcyclist, exploring legendary clubs like the Hells Angels, the Bandidos, the Outlaws, the Vagos, the Pagans, the Mongols, and many others, allowing the reader to peer into motorcycle club culture. Featuring both modern and historical photos, as well as a rare collection of club memorabilia found in no other publication, Hell on Wheels traces the roots and development of motorcycle club its origins in the years following World War II; the turbulent 1960s and the disco era; the transition of clubs from loose groups of hooligans to highly organized machines; and, more recently, the copious clashes with law enforcement amid the post-9/11 world of the Patriot Act. The one-percenter has become one of the most popular figures in outlaw culture, and Hell on Wheels is his story.

Genres: History

581 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this through Good Reads First Reads. This should not be your go-to introductory book to biker culture - more like an intermediate knowledge base level. The more you know about motorcycle clubs the more engaging this book is. It doesn't really hold your hand through the information either. I wanted more photos but the photos provided we great. The book itself is clunky and a non-standard shape but what else did you expect from something so loud and proud. Ultimately, it frankly talks about the side of the coin people don't often get to hear about.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a VERY COOL BOOK! I learned an enormous amount of information and history that I would've otherwise never known. I LOVE the layout, style and easy to read format. Incredible variety of pictures included, too! I won this book through Goodreads First Reads Giveaways and it's one I will flip through often, an entertaining coffee table staple for sure.

[Jennifer Woodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads and was extremely pleased with it. I highly recommend this and would have happily paid full price. It's very entertaining with several photographs that help tell the whole story. Well worth repeated readings.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK. It's more of a look back at the history of motorcyclists clubs. I thought it was more of a "remember the good old days" approach. It seemed to focus too much on the murders and arrests than on the way of life.