Assimilation: Rock Machine Become Bandidos: Bikers United Against the Hells Angels by Edward Winterhalder, Wil De Clercq

From the Publisher

From years of bloody conflict to probationary Bandidos membership, this memoir recalls the life and times of an outlaw biker from Oklahoma and his quest to add to the Bandidos Nation. The Rock Machine, founded by Salvatore Cazzetta, had every intention of standing up against the Hells Angels. Heavily outnumbered, the Rock Machine appealed to the worldwide Bandidos Motorcycle Club, who rivaled the Hells Angels in terms of membership and strength. In January 2000, the Rock Machine ceased to exist and became a probationary Bandidos chapter. Winterhalder was assigned this transition and, at 46 years of age, was considered an elder statesman in the outlaw biker world. He was the founder and former president of the Oklahoma Bandidos and a confirmed biker for 25 years. Furthermore, he possessed a keen knowledge of jurisprudence and was an astute businessman who owned and operated a multi-million dollar construction management company. Starting with the arrest and unsuccessful deportation proceedings, and leading to more intrigue, assassinations, and double-crosses, Winterhalder found his life spiraling further and further out of control.

Booklist

Winterhalder makes an important contribution to the documentation of a quintessentially American subculture.

Tulsa World

The Assimilation focuses on Winterhalder's life and the difficulties of being a ranking officer in the national chapter, business owner, and single father.

Globe and Mail

Intriguing. . . Winterhalder certainly has the credentials to speak with authority about motorcycle clubs in general, and the Bandidos in particular. . . . In an extremely incisive and informed dissection, Winterhalder moves out of the shadows to give his take on the (Shedden, Ontario) slayings.

Quill and Quire

Engaging, witty, and conversational.

Extremely compelling. . . I read this in one sitting and would recommend this to anyone with an interest in motorcycles or even an interest in organizations that may be straddling the law.

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents