Now, let me tell ya about the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club, or as folks call it, the BFMC. It’s an old club, started way back in 1946 by a man named William Clyde Forkner, Jr., though everybody just called him “Wino Willie.” Started up in a bar out in Los Angeles, California, by some war vets who were just lookin’ for some fun on two wheels after World War II. Now, that’s quite a story, ain’t it?
Now, Why Boozefighters?
So you might be wonderin’, why call it “Boozefighters”? Well, word has it they were more about good times than they were about fights, but back in the day, folks weren’t too kind to the idea of motorcyclists who liked a drink or two. Wino Willie and his buddies didn’t much care what folks thought. They went around calling themselves Boozefighters, making it clear as day that they were here for fun, not trouble.
Hollister Rally and the Big Ol’ Picture
Now, ya can’t talk Boozefighters without mentioning the big Hollister event in 1947. That rally was like a spark to the fire for biker culture in America. You see, bikers from all over gathered in Hollister, California, and let’s just say things got a bit wild. The Boozefighters got themselves in some pictures, stories started spreading, and people all over began seeing them as rough-and-tough bikers. Hollywood got a whiff of it, too, and soon after, we got movies like “The Wild One” that were inspired by these guys. But let’s not get it twisted; Boozefighters ain’t the outlaws folks make ‘em out to be. They just wanted a good time.
A Club with Rules? Imagine That!
Now, here’s the funny thing. Folks hear “Boozefighters” and think these guys must be outlaws, but they’re not part of that “1%” crowd. No, sir. They don’t condone none of that illegal business; they even got police folks who join up as members! Yup, the Boozefighters are what they call an “old-school” motorcycle club, more about the camaraderie and good times than getting mixed up with the law. They say they’re a “drinking club with a motorcycle problem,” which sounds like my cousin Pete and his buddies if ya ask me!
The Spread Across the Country
Since them early days, Boozefighters has spread far and wide. You got chapters all over now, not just in California but across different states and even other countries. And each chapter’s got that same spirit of freedom, friendship, and maybe a little bit of wildness. But it’s all in good fun, as they say. They’re out there for the ride, the adventure, and the friendships that come along with it. Each chapter may have a slightly different take on things, but they all carry that old Boozefighter spirit. Respect, loyalty, and some good ol’ fun on the open road.
Not Outlaws, Just Riders
Now, there’s some confusion that comes up with all these motorcycle clubs. A lot of folks get ’em all mixed up with outlaw gangs like the Hells Angels. But the Boozefighters aren’t like that. They don’t go looking for trouble, and they surely don’t want none either. They’re just everyday folks who love riding, having a good time, and keeping the Boozefighter name alive. They got a strong respect for one another, too, which is real important in their world.
Women in the Club
Now, if you’re wonderin’ about women in the club, well, it’s mostly been a men’s club. But that doesn’t mean the women don’t get involved. There are wives, girlfriends, and sisters who support the Boozefighters and often join in on the rallies, events, and all that good stuff. They’re part of the Boozefighter family, even if they ain’t wearing the patch.
The Boozefighter Patch and Pride
Let me tell ya, members wear that Boozefighter patch like a badge of honor. It’s a green and white patch with the number “13” in it, and if ya see that on a fella’s jacket, you know he’s part of the crew. That patch stands for a lot of things, mostly the pride of being part of a club with so much history. And don’t ya worry, they got rules about who can wear it and how. You can’t just grab one off a shelf or buy it online. Nope, you gotta earn it, show that loyalty, and prove you’re a Boozefighter through and through.
Modern Boozefighters and the Road Ahead
Today, Boozefighters are still riding strong. They keep that old tradition alive, gathering for rallies, meet-ups, and maybe a few drinks here and there. They’ve been around for more than 75 years now, and they’re still goin’ strong. And as long as there’s the open road, a good ride, and a little bit of mischief left in the world, the Boozefighters will be around. They’re a bit of history, a bit of culture, and a whole lotta fun, if ya ask me.
So, that’s the Boozefighters for ya. Ain’t no outlaws, ain’t no troublemakers – just folks who love their bikes, their friends, and maybe a little bit of whiskey to keep things interesting. And who can blame ‘em for that?
Tags：[Boozefighters Motorcycle Club, BFMC, Wino Willie, motorcycle culture, Hollister rally, biker club history, motorcycle clubs USA]
