My mom and step dad were Sundowners....for almost 30 years. Being part of an outlaw biker gang, they were involved in some wild, crazy stuff. But they, and most of the others I knew, were basically everyday people with everyday jobs during the week. Papa Jim being a machinist for 35 years at the Kennecott open pit mine. I knew an attorney, a custom car machanic who also built awesome 'Trikes', someone who worked for the weather bureau, a few paralegals and teachers, and many others with college educations. But on the weekends, holidays and vacation time, they lived hard, road fast and were proud of their 'scooters', their leathers and their 'colors'. They were a family and if you were in any way part of that family, you never had to worry if life got a little hard. They were there to pull you out. I know this for a fact.....
Jim and Donna were respected members and knew members of their club from all over the country. Even associated with a few from other outlaw gangs. That was their life. They pretty much kept to themselves and lived how they wanted to. And they had their own kind of fun. They decided to change that lifestyle, sold the Harley, bought a travel trailer and became snow birds in 1994. They don't talk much about those times, only to say things were getting too crazy with the younger guys coming in and getting into things far worse than dealing hard core drugs. And the meth those guys were using was some bad stuff. (like cocaine wasn't?) I think they knew it was time...
"In 2000, the Sundowners motororcycle club in Utah was brought down by federal authorities. Forty people, including the group's leaders, were convicted on federal drug charges following an extensive undercover operation."..( quote from newspaper clipping)
If mom knew I'm sharing this, she'd kick my ass. Even now at 78, I think she could do it, although she's mellowed a lot. All she'll say now is she sure had some fun times. And my kids get a good laugh when they see Grama's family album.....all biker partys:)
So, why this post? Well, an old friend of mine on FB posted this video....
With this comment...
This reminds me of the good ol' biker days, how about you Vicki?
Now I'm not condoning all the really bad stuff outlaw biker gangs do. And I get boiling crazy mad at any drug use. Especially meth, some of my readers know why.
And ya, there are some real badasses. But like any other group of people, ya have the good and the bad. Or maybe the bad and the baddest:) But this video gets a point across and works for all walks of life. And I too applaud the couples who stepped out of the box.
So how about you? What would you do if you walked into a room full of bikers?
Maybe you were one in another life...mwahahahaa!
btw...I was never a member of the Sundowners...
Just known as Donna's kid...
Just sayin:)
Carry On....
**********
10 comments:
The first time I went into a tattoo shop there were all kinds coming in there. I admit, I was a little "scared" but then, they would sit down and we would talk tats and it seemed ok. I think it's cool that your parents were that way.
And now I must go. I have to meet someone in 40 minutes. Hmmm I wonder who that can be. :)
Hippie has a bike we used to ride but it's taken apart now. We never were in an outlaw gang though, ha. You must have lived a very interesting life, Vicki.
Too bad I haven't talked to you mom in a long time. I'd be telling on you.....She would kick your ass from here to there and back for telling this story....and mama Marie would be having a talk with you. Of course, if mama Marie would have been there maybe mama Donna wouldn't have been a Sundowner. I'm just sayin.....
I love you too.........
Hah! I did walk into a biker bar once with my friend Kelli. We didn't know it was a biker bar until we were already there. It was a "private club" Utah style and about six guys stood up when we came in a shouted "I'll sponser them!" We didn't have to buy a drink all night and had a GREAT time. I spent most of the night talking to a sweet old guy about my age about the Vietnam War and he walked us out to our truck when we left. It was a blast!!!
Have you seen Sons of Anarchy?
xxoo,
RMW
Hi Vicki,
Loved this, you are too funny girl! Always love your crazy comments on my blog. I really think that bikers use to be just good ole guys and gals. The drug thing has gotten so out of hand everywhere now days. So sad, darn those dang drugs!!! They get a hold of good people and turn them into someone they aren't. I don;t think I would've walked out. I think that would have just been too rude. Who knows though, easy to say. Bye cutie!
That video was too funny! The bravest I think were the black couple, they walked in with no fear at all. I walked into a black club one time with a group of friends and everybody turned to look at us and the music stopped! I turned right around and walked out. LOL to funny! But a biker bar no problem, I would easily walk in there. I love your colorful life what a surviver you are. Uh yeah I love the show "Sons of Anarchy" too. I think I like your posts the most, your sense of humor is awesome. Hugs, Pearl
I've got no issues with bikers...nahhhhh.
That video was pretty funny. I would have sat there if it was the last two seats, but I really prefer an end seat!!!!
PS. I'm telling your mama!
Read this post yesterday and was speechless for a while. Who knew?! It's a riot, though - and pretty neat! I don't know a single biker in a gang, although I know a couple of people my age who drive hogs. Middle class folks, as far as I know no drugs at all.
But my background is squeaky clean (out of need, I'll tell you about that in person), and I am just amazed what all I 'missed' in my life. Good for you, Vicki, thank you for telling!
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