In the early 1990s, Maurice "Mom" Boucher and his fellow Montreal Hells Angels, reputedly the most ruthless and vicious bikers in the world, subdued all comers except the tough-as-nails members of the Rock Machine. Founded by Salvatore Cazzetta, an ex-friend of Boucher, the Rock Machine had every intention of standing up against the Hells Angels. Seven years of bloody conflict, which left over 160 people dead and countless injured, was the result. 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 -- the first to be established on Canadian soil.Biker Edward Winterhalder was assigned by the Bandidos to coordinate the transition. Although the stage had been set for an end to the biker war and a positive outcome for all, it was anything but. Starting with the arrest and unsuccessful deportation proceedings of Winterhalder by the Canadian authorities, more intrigue, assassinations, and double-crosses, Winterhalder found himself in a situation even he found impossible to control. In The Assimilation, Winterhalder -- in collaboration with author Wil De Clercq -- recalls his life and times as an outlaw biker; his personal involvement in the creation of the Quebec Bandidos; his friendship with the key players who made it happen; and his eventual disillusionment with, and exit from, the Bandidos Nation.
In the book The Assimilation, the authors provide a definitive glimpse into the outlaw biker phenomenon, the 1%er culture. At one time or another we've all seen them, displaying the regalia indicating the intense loyalty to their motorcycle clubs, the various 3 patch colors screaming their presence to the wary public. Every marking, every patch, every pinned item has its own special meaning. And if you don't know, don't ask. The Assimilation will tell how these outlaws from society take their clubs and their patches dead serious, and that means dead in the literal sense. The combined deaths of 160 bikers in the Canadian biker wars between the infamous Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and their sworn enemies the Rock Machine MC form the basis for this riveting true story. Like the Hells Angels, the notorious Bandidos MC are a powerful worldwide organization with chapters in many countries. With clandestine outlaw biker politics working at a fever pitch at that time, the Bandidos planned to assimilate the Rock Machine into the fold, as indicated by the title of this work. Enter Mr. Winterhalder. As a member of the Bandidos MC, he traveled to Canada to represent the Bandido's interest. Interspersed with a first hand rendition of these events is an interesting view of Mr. Winterhalder's life and a matter of fact telling of how he came to be in the position of representing one of the most powerful outlaw motorcycle clubs in the world. To anyone interested in the subject of outlaw motorcycle clubs, I highly recommend this work as an "inside look" written by a man who spent 25 years living the life of a 1%er, and at one time held the rank of national secretary to one of the most celebrated outlaw motorcycle clubs, the Bandidos MC.
I'll read it again!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
One of the best books I've read on biker material. Author gives you an in depth look of the goings on in the little known world of bikers. I enjoyed his first book as well. This one does not disappoint!!! Looking forward to more books by this particular author!!
As It Should Be
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
A book by a Biker with the integrity to not speak of justice then villainize and try to make a mockery of any system of justice. A book by an Outlaw Motorcyclist that does not say he embraces freedom, then proudly lists his felony convictions and time spent imprisoned. A book by a 1%er with the intellect to not glorify drug addiction. A book by a Human Being that understands the meaning of "Brotherhood" and not just what serves himself today. A book by a Man with the knowledge to understand the concept "Only Free Birds Fly". They say..."Out in Bad Standings". I say good for Ed Winterhalder... "It Is As It Should Be".
Excellent Book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
This book is Excellent, the author has a very good understanding of the biker lifestyle. I couldn't put it down. I'm looking foward to more from this author.
Great Book!!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
This book gives great insight to the biker world and was very interesting to read!! I greatly enjoyed reading this book and I cannot wait for the next one to come out!!!
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