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Jersey Tough: My Wild Ride from Outlaw Biker to Undercover Cop
The only patch-wearing outlaw biker to become a sworn police officer — and live to tell his tale
In 1977, Wayne “Big Chuck” Bradshaw was Jersey tough. He was a member of the outlaw Pagans bike gang, a One Percenter, and had earned his colours in a world of boozing, bloody bar fights, and high-stakes crime. But after getting too close to extreme violence, Bradshaw made the life-threatening decision to change his path.
The toughness Bradshaw used to survive biker life led him to a distinguished and heroic career as an undercover narcotics officer for the same New Jersey police department that had once arrested him. Bradshaw tells his story with the truth of the streets, from his time in the U.S. Army to his decision to join the Pagans, to the wild adventures of working narcotic stings. He rode with truly dangerous criminals and then returned to those same places as a cop. He tracks down fugitives in Jersey’s toughest neighbourhoods, risks his life rescuing dozens from a fire in a seniors’ residence, and volunteers in the aftermath of 9/11.
Jersey Tough is an unflinching memoir of personal struggle, of battling with darkness, and ultimately of redemption.
In 1977, Wayne “Big Chuck” Bradshaw was Jersey tough. He was a member of the outlaw Pagans bike gang, a One Percenter, and had earned his colours in a world of boozing, bloody bar fights, and high-stakes crime. But after getting too close to extreme violence, Bradshaw made the life-threatening decision to change his path.
The toughness Bradshaw used to survive biker life led him to a distinguished and heroic career as an undercover narcotics officer for the same New Jersey police department that had once arrested him. Bradshaw tells his story with the truth of the streets, from his time in the U.S. Army to his decision to join the Pagans, to the wild adventures of working narcotic stings. He rode with truly dangerous criminals and then returned to those same places as a cop. He tracks down fugitives in Jersey’s toughest neighbourhoods, risks his life rescuing dozens from a fire in a seniors’ residence, and volunteers in the aftermath of 9/11.
Jersey Tough is an unflinching memoir of personal struggle, of battling with darkness, and ultimately of redemption.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2016
About the author
Wayne "Big Chuck" Bradshaw
1 book13 followersWayne “Big Chuck” Bradshaw is an Army veteran, former member of the outlaw Pagans motorcycle gang, and 20-year veteran of the Middletown New Jersey Police Department. After he retired and moved to Florida, he began teaching self-defense classes to women. Bradshaw lives in Cape Coral, Florida, with his wife, Barbara.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 22, 2015
I received a copy of this ebook for review from the publisher through NetGalley.
My recent love of the TV series Sons of Anarcy drew me to request this book, with its subject matter of a patched outlaw biker turned policeman. I was curious to see how he pulled that off, and how he came to the decision to make the potentially lethal switch in careers.
Beyond that, I found this to be a fascinating memoir. Bradshaw's experiences with the Breed and the Pagans was as interesting as anticipated, but I was even more intrigued by his accounts of his life in the US Army and then later in his police work.
This is a man who has been through quite a bit in his lifetime. He's witnessed lots of violence and seen the darker side of humanity throughout much of his life. But this isn't a story that makes us feel sorry for his experiences and tough life. Rather, it shows a great way to look at life's challenges and meet them with integrity. At any point during these years Bradshaw could have gotten lost in what life threw at him, but he shows here how he could rise above.
This book was as enlightening as it was fascinating.
My recent love of the TV series Sons of Anarcy drew me to request this book, with its subject matter of a patched outlaw biker turned policeman. I was curious to see how he pulled that off, and how he came to the decision to make the potentially lethal switch in careers.
Beyond that, I found this to be a fascinating memoir. Bradshaw's experiences with the Breed and the Pagans was as interesting as anticipated, but I was even more intrigued by his accounts of his life in the US Army and then later in his police work.
This is a man who has been through quite a bit in his lifetime. He's witnessed lots of violence and seen the darker side of humanity throughout much of his life. But this isn't a story that makes us feel sorry for his experiences and tough life. Rather, it shows a great way to look at life's challenges and meet them with integrity. At any point during these years Bradshaw could have gotten lost in what life threw at him, but he shows here how he could rise above.
This book was as enlightening as it was fascinating.
January 21, 2016
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review .
Jersey Tough tells the story of Wayne "Big Chuck" Bradshaw , an Army veteran , former member and ex sergeant-at-arms in a notorious outlaw MC. After spending two wild years with the Pagans , Bradshaw decided to quit the club and made baby steps to rebuild his life and career. He is a 20-year veteran of the Middletown New Jersey Police Department and one of the very few people who were part of an outlaw MC, got out of it and lived to tell the story.
Jersey Tough tells the story of Wayne "Big Chuck" Bradshaw , an Army veteran , former member and ex sergeant-at-arms in a notorious outlaw MC. After spending two wild years with the Pagans , Bradshaw decided to quit the club and made baby steps to rebuild his life and career. He is a 20-year veteran of the Middletown New Jersey Police Department and one of the very few people who were part of an outlaw MC, got out of it and lived to tell the story.
January 21, 2016
The official release date of this memoir is set for 1 March 2006. It can currently be pre-ordered via Amazon.com.
When I chose to read "Big Chuck" Bradshaw's memoir, I knew that this book would most likely reflect on the dark underbelly of things in a criminal world. I was prepared for some violence and gore. I'd even watched the Sons of Anarchy series and thought I had some idea of what I would be reading about. What I wasn't prepared for was the intelligent, disciplined, well-read voice of a former Pagan biker.
This man has had some amazing experiences and is lucky to be able to tell his tales in Jersey Tough.
From his stint in the U.S. Army, to his trial period with an incredibly ruthless motorcycle club, to his time as a Sgt. at Arms with the Pagans motorcycle club, and finally his turnaround becoming a police officer in the same department that had tried to bring him down in his Pagan days, what a wild ride indeed!
He is candid, talking about his gritty interactions with brawlers, bikers, drug addicts and dealers. In the midst of it all, he continued to study Jiu Jitsu and continued to fortify his mind with great literature.
Eventually, the wild life of drugs and violence became almost too much to escape from. He managed to put those days behind him (read the book to find out how)and join the police academy. His past life as a biker and a soldier lead him to becoming an undercover officer, bringing down some of the worst of the worst criminals.
His many stories from both sides of the law are colorful and engaging, sometimes raw and brutal. If you'd like read about some wild adventures and about how a regular guy from the Jersey Shore can go from good-to bad-to great, read this novel.
This book gets 4 stars from me!
Note, I read an unedited electronic copy of this novel which I received from the publisher, ECW Press, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I chose to read "Big Chuck" Bradshaw's memoir, I knew that this book would most likely reflect on the dark underbelly of things in a criminal world. I was prepared for some violence and gore. I'd even watched the Sons of Anarchy series and thought I had some idea of what I would be reading about. What I wasn't prepared for was the intelligent, disciplined, well-read voice of a former Pagan biker.
This man has had some amazing experiences and is lucky to be able to tell his tales in Jersey Tough.
From his stint in the U.S. Army, to his trial period with an incredibly ruthless motorcycle club, to his time as a Sgt. at Arms with the Pagans motorcycle club, and finally his turnaround becoming a police officer in the same department that had tried to bring him down in his Pagan days, what a wild ride indeed!
He is candid, talking about his gritty interactions with brawlers, bikers, drug addicts and dealers. In the midst of it all, he continued to study Jiu Jitsu and continued to fortify his mind with great literature.
Eventually, the wild life of drugs and violence became almost too much to escape from. He managed to put those days behind him (read the book to find out how)and join the police academy. His past life as a biker and a soldier lead him to becoming an undercover officer, bringing down some of the worst of the worst criminals.
His many stories from both sides of the law are colorful and engaging, sometimes raw and brutal. If you'd like read about some wild adventures and about how a regular guy from the Jersey Shore can go from good-to bad-to great, read this novel.
This book gets 4 stars from me!
Note, I read an unedited electronic copy of this novel which I received from the publisher, ECW Press, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2021
Jersey Tough is the story of Wayne Bradshaw, a bona fide tough guy who earned his respect on both sides of the law. After leaving the army in the mid 1970s, Bradshaw came back home to New Jersey with no real prospects or direction. In a no holds barred account, he describes how he got involved in the high-risk world of Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs, before turning his life around and getting into the equally dangerous world of narcotics enforcement.
The book is brilliantly written and all of the details ring true, something that can't be said of all books in this genre. The tales from his time spent in the Pagans and as a narcotics officer are gripping and memorable, as were the details of his brief stint in the army. Bradshaw comes across as a highly likeable and intelligent guy, despite his violent past. As an avid true crime reader, it's not necessary for me to relate to the characters. Sometimes that's the whole point. However, Bradshaw seemed to have a strong conscience throughout his life, which makes his involvement in some of the most brutal, messed-up situations all the more fascinating.
Most of the negative reviews come from people who seem to have a stick up their ass about the fact that Bradshaw left the Pagans. Personally, I can't see how any reader of this book could fail to understand why Bradshaw wanted out. It wasn't just the pointless savagery that took its toll on him. Bradshaw was fearless and loyal, but to survive and prosper in the Sandy Hook Pagans, he needed to be 100% sure that he could rely on all his brothers. Without giving any of the book away, I think he realized towards the end that he didn't have this bond.
Jersey Tough is one of the best true crime books I've read, and those looking for a gritty thrill ride won't be disappointed. Those looking for the definitive, insider story of the Pagans won't find what they're looking for here. But Bradshaw never claims to have the final word on the Pagans; he's just telling his story. And it's a story worth telling.
The book is brilliantly written and all of the details ring true, something that can't be said of all books in this genre. The tales from his time spent in the Pagans and as a narcotics officer are gripping and memorable, as were the details of his brief stint in the army. Bradshaw comes across as a highly likeable and intelligent guy, despite his violent past. As an avid true crime reader, it's not necessary for me to relate to the characters. Sometimes that's the whole point. However, Bradshaw seemed to have a strong conscience throughout his life, which makes his involvement in some of the most brutal, messed-up situations all the more fascinating.
Most of the negative reviews come from people who seem to have a stick up their ass about the fact that Bradshaw left the Pagans. Personally, I can't see how any reader of this book could fail to understand why Bradshaw wanted out. It wasn't just the pointless savagery that took its toll on him. Bradshaw was fearless and loyal, but to survive and prosper in the Sandy Hook Pagans, he needed to be 100% sure that he could rely on all his brothers. Without giving any of the book away, I think he realized towards the end that he didn't have this bond.
Jersey Tough is one of the best true crime books I've read, and those looking for a gritty thrill ride won't be disappointed. Those looking for the definitive, insider story of the Pagans won't find what they're looking for here. But Bradshaw never claims to have the final word on the Pagans; he's just telling his story. And it's a story worth telling.
June 15, 2018
Wayne "Big Chuck" Bradshaw is a former member of Outlaw Motorcycle Gang called "Pagans MC".
Pagans MC is one of 'Big Four' (Hells Angels, Outlaws, Bandidos, Pagans) clubs which had been fighting each other over territory for decades. Pagans MC is more deadliest due to its secret system of recruitment. Unlike other clubs, members of Pagans MC don't wear bottom rockers on their cuts which usually indicates location of certain charter. This is why its very tough to determine location of certain members and strength of a certain charter.
Big Chuck is a born tough guy with huge built along with long training of martial arts since young age. He enlisted in army and saw horrors of racial wars of violence within American national troopers. Later honorably discharged. Losing the sense of meaning in life after army was the reason that he rode with outlaws. It wasn't in him what he needed for Pagans MC. He called the quits with holding rank of Sargent at Arms and lived to tell the tale. His case is unique in this sense that might He would be only former outlaw biker to later join police force and retired after serving 20 years for Middletown police force New Jersey with holding jobs such as undercover agent.
This book is very engaging and thought provoking and I am glad that I qued it when I was searching boks about Biker Gangs. I have covered three among Big Four so I would love to read about Bandidos MC now.
Pagans MC is one of 'Big Four' (Hells Angels, Outlaws, Bandidos, Pagans) clubs which had been fighting each other over territory for decades. Pagans MC is more deadliest due to its secret system of recruitment. Unlike other clubs, members of Pagans MC don't wear bottom rockers on their cuts which usually indicates location of certain charter. This is why its very tough to determine location of certain members and strength of a certain charter.
Big Chuck is a born tough guy with huge built along with long training of martial arts since young age. He enlisted in army and saw horrors of racial wars of violence within American national troopers. Later honorably discharged. Losing the sense of meaning in life after army was the reason that he rode with outlaws. It wasn't in him what he needed for Pagans MC. He called the quits with holding rank of Sargent at Arms and lived to tell the tale. His case is unique in this sense that might He would be only former outlaw biker to later join police force and retired after serving 20 years for Middletown police force New Jersey with holding jobs such as undercover agent.
This book is very engaging and thought provoking and I am glad that I qued it when I was searching boks about Biker Gangs. I have covered three among Big Four so I would love to read about Bandidos MC now.
February 20, 2021
Full of adventure, introspective analysis and fascinating glimpses into the world of a man who went from outlaw biker to undercover cop. "Wild ride" is an understatement. This book was harrowing and I had a hard time putting it down. As a psychology lover, I enjoyed his self-analysis as to how and why he wound up joining an outlaw biker gang after being in the military, and how his mindset changed enough to leave and better his life. An addictive memoir.
January 9, 2018
What a great read.. wild stories as a biker and undercover cop. Like a story line right out of Sons of Anarchy. All of it takes place on the Jersey Shore which makes it just that much cooler of a true story 👍🏻👍🏻🏍🚔
December 21, 2024
Grew up at the same time as the author
It's really a good book for me. I could understand the times of our era. Mutch tougher growing up and growing old during this period.
I relate to all of this.
Ray
It's really a good book for me. I could understand the times of our era. Mutch tougher growing up and growing old during this period.
I relate to all of this.
Ray
February 19, 2016
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ I received an Advanced Review copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had seen a review of this book in a popular magazine and immediately added it to my TBR (To Be Read) List. When I saw it on Netgalley as being available to read and review, I signed up right away. Luckily I was approved to review this book.
Wayne Bradshaw has led a fascinating life and JERSEY TOUGH gives us a peek into that life.
Wayne is the only Outlaw Biker to ever leave a biker gang and become a police officer. Yes, you heard right. He was a member of the Outlaw Biker Gang - The Pagans in New Jersey after the war in Vietnam.
In fact, Wayne joined the army at the tail end of the Vietnam War and his army experience was not what he had expected. It was his time in the army that started him on the violent path that ended with him becoming the Sergeant-At-Arms of his local chapter of the Pagans Motorcycle Club.
Since the airing of the television series "Sons of Anarchy" there has been a surge of interest in the lives of outlaw bikers. Wayne Bradshaw actually lived that life and once you read his story you will come to realize that the television show is definitely a glamorized version of the lives of Outlaw Bikers.
The fact that Wayne "Big Chuck" Bradshaw escaped his affiliation with the Pagans without a criminal record is almost a miracle. But he did it.
He then went on to become a decorated police officer who worked undercover on the same streets he had once ruled along with his fellow pagans.
This book is an engrossing look into a lifestyle that few people have ever experienced.
From the first chapter to the last, readers will not want to put this book down.
The release date for this book is March 1, 2016 and I suggest that you head to your closest bookstore or online book shop and pre-order it so that you won't miss out.
I also wanted to briefly mention that I LOVE the cover of this book. It immediately grabs your attention and makes you want to look closer to see what the book is all about. Kudos go to the cover designer.
In closing, this brilliantly written memoir is as intense as a ride on the back of a Harley.
It's gritty, it's emotional, it's terrifying ... and it's all true.
Rating 5 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ I received an Advanced Review copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had seen a review of this book in a popular magazine and immediately added it to my TBR (To Be Read) List. When I saw it on Netgalley as being available to read and review, I signed up right away. Luckily I was approved to review this book.
Wayne Bradshaw has led a fascinating life and JERSEY TOUGH gives us a peek into that life.
Wayne is the only Outlaw Biker to ever leave a biker gang and become a police officer. Yes, you heard right. He was a member of the Outlaw Biker Gang - The Pagans in New Jersey after the war in Vietnam.
In fact, Wayne joined the army at the tail end of the Vietnam War and his army experience was not what he had expected. It was his time in the army that started him on the violent path that ended with him becoming the Sergeant-At-Arms of his local chapter of the Pagans Motorcycle Club.
Since the airing of the television series "Sons of Anarchy" there has been a surge of interest in the lives of outlaw bikers. Wayne Bradshaw actually lived that life and once you read his story you will come to realize that the television show is definitely a glamorized version of the lives of Outlaw Bikers.
The fact that Wayne "Big Chuck" Bradshaw escaped his affiliation with the Pagans without a criminal record is almost a miracle. But he did it.
He then went on to become a decorated police officer who worked undercover on the same streets he had once ruled along with his fellow pagans.
This book is an engrossing look into a lifestyle that few people have ever experienced.
From the first chapter to the last, readers will not want to put this book down.
The release date for this book is March 1, 2016 and I suggest that you head to your closest bookstore or online book shop and pre-order it so that you won't miss out.
I also wanted to briefly mention that I LOVE the cover of this book. It immediately grabs your attention and makes you want to look closer to see what the book is all about. Kudos go to the cover designer.
In closing, this brilliantly written memoir is as intense as a ride on the back of a Harley.
It's gritty, it's emotional, it's terrifying ... and it's all true.
Rating 5 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 21, 2016
Big Chuck’s rendition of motorcycle thug turned police officer is one I did not expect to enjoy so much. Although the beginning moves slowly and the army stories seem to drag and repeat themselves, the narrative is strong and flows smoothly. Bradshaw's love of literature is evident in his skilled writing and big personality. He is easily able to weave his history together successfully, pulling us into the nitty-gritty world of one-percenters and the Pagans. By the time our author reaches the Middletown Police Department, I had already forgotten that this was a non-fiction memoir. I also began asking myself, “what else could he possibly get himself into?” You’d be surprised; the “story” is just that good.
I appreciate how in touch we are with Bradshaw’s integrity and thought processes, as well as the rawness of his accounts (even if they aren’t suitable for all ages). “Jersey Tough” does a great job of exposing the unforeseen realities of the military, racial bigotries, life on the Jersey Shore, and the hardships of undercover detective work. If you want to become entangled in a world of shifting morality and high-stakes, this book is for you! 4.5 stars from me!
October 25, 2016
This is an interesting story of a young man joining a biker gang the “Pagans” earning his colors and then being able to walk away and start a new life putting away the people that he was following when he was younger. There were parts of this book I felt a lot of young people can relate to. Being lost and trying to find their way they are looking for acceptance and he found his through this biker gang. He was fortunate as he says he the book for two things. One not being convicted of a felony, and two going to the president of the Pagans and talking to him start up saying he wanted to leave, and being able to. His life experiences I believed made him a better officer when he did decide to apply for the police force and make it. His past life helped him when it came time to make busts and gave him the street knowledge that some of his colleagues did not have, and this made his story different than most. This is a fascinating book and a good read. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
June 8, 2016
I received an ARC from ECW to read and review.
First of all I'm one of those people who loved the Sons of Anarchy show. I know not everything is accurate but hey it's entertainment. My dad rides and is in his own biker group, nothing like what has been described in this book!
I loved reading this book. It let me see into Chuck's life, not just one aspect of it either. I could see what he was telling me. From his time at home to his military bout and so on.
I like that it wasn't all just about going from outlaw biker to undercover cop.
We were given a glimpse into his time before biker and cop.
It shows us the struggles he had to overcome and that he didn't just give up or give in to certain aspects in life.
I find the way he was able to go from outlaw biker to undercover cop was pretty dignified. He had such insight into the other side and he used it to do better.
All in all I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So glad I was able to read and review it.
First of all I'm one of those people who loved the Sons of Anarchy show. I know not everything is accurate but hey it's entertainment. My dad rides and is in his own biker group, nothing like what has been described in this book!
I loved reading this book. It let me see into Chuck's life, not just one aspect of it either. I could see what he was telling me. From his time at home to his military bout and so on.
I like that it wasn't all just about going from outlaw biker to undercover cop.
We were given a glimpse into his time before biker and cop.
It shows us the struggles he had to overcome and that he didn't just give up or give in to certain aspects in life.
I find the way he was able to go from outlaw biker to undercover cop was pretty dignified. He had such insight into the other side and he used it to do better.
All in all I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So glad I was able to read and review it.
July 15, 2016
There are moments in this book where one is rendered incredulous. Numbed by the violence and the aggression shown for one's fellow man. You will wonder how a man could be in the U.S. Army, in a biker gang, and in law enforcement and then realize that these are all places where the structural hierarchy dominates the role one plays. In each place, Bradshaw runs into challenges with overplaying his hand or stepping out of his expected role. In each culture, there is also an undeniable sense of disconnect because he witnesses things that just rattle one's belief in humanity. This is not for everyone but if you are curious about this individual's many lives, this is perfect reading for you.
July 29, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. An engrossing, page turning, interesting story. It's gritty and well written. It's very easy to read this quickly, it's that absorbing.
March 7, 2016
4.5 stars
November 18, 2022
Slow burner. Decent read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews