34. From World War II Veterans Groups to Outlaw Bikers
As happens after most wars, some returning WWII veterans had trouble readjusting to civilian life. Some suffered from what we now know as PTSD, some wanted to recapture the war’s adventure and adrenaline rush, and some were just plain bored. Some formed motorcycle clubs, riding together mostly in military surplus Harley-Davidsons. At first, it was just about camaraderie, but it did not take long before some of the veterans’ motorcycle clubs gained a reputation as outlaws.
It began with a 1947 American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) sanctioned rally in Hollister, California, that started off innocent enough. As seen below, it morphed into an out-of-control biker riot that ravaged the town, and gave rise to the iconic biker outlaw image.