They were rebels, cowboys, Highway Hogs. They're the first bad boy every little kid on wheels wants to be, as well as many grown men. The Hells Angels go by many names, but all are known for their rugged lawlessness.
Although many were criminals, even more were also friends, lovers, and fathers. Writer Hunter S. Thompson even accompanied a group on the open road in the writing of his book on the infamous gang, humanizing these sides of them to an audience.
Today, some groups continue to serve the public rather than threaten. A band of brothers with a reputation for living on the edge, we've gathered for you, the rarest photos left in existence of the elusive outlaws riding for the cause. And some of them may surprise you.
15 Ladies Of The Hells Angels
Ladies of the Hells Angels lean on their beau's bikes as they make a stop along their travels in California. The Hells Angels motorcycle club held a strong female presence that often gets overlooked in history. Although some riders may have also been lovers, many women joined the cause independently, like many of the men.
14 Bad Boy Band
In this photo by the legendary Hunter S. Thompson, we see a group of Hells Angels posing together almost playfully, looking more like a motorcycle club consisting of musicians than a club full of outlaws.
13 Trick Time
A risky Hells Angel rider playfully leans back on his bike down a California highway. Even decades ago, riders spent as much time playing on their bikes as they did working for the cause.
They raced, flung tricks, and ultimately ran the forgotten highways of the desert. But often they were no threat to cross paths with. Although perhaps intimidating, the riders kept to themselves, as long as you kept out of their way.
12 Races And Smooches
Two Angels kiss as another looks by casually in between street races. Photo snapped and marked up by writer Hunter S. Thompson. The Angels would often ride out a desert highway far enough to have the highway to themselves. They would race and drink alongside the road in the desert. They may look big and scary, but they spent most days having fun.
11 Angels Ride Together
Over 200 Hells Angels line up farther than the eye can see in a funeral procession for a fallen member through San Francisco in August 1967. The deafeningly loud procession was followed by a performance by the Grateful Dead, a band that became friendly to the club, as the club became fans of the band.
10 In Memoriam
A fallen Angel is memorialized beneath a mural with his photo and bike. The club has been known from its initiation to pay high respect to members, a tradition held high even in the afterlife. Members have always been known to be recklessly protective of one another, and their loved ones.
9 Hunter S. Thompson's Converse And Clutch
Writer Hunter S. Thompson on his bike. The writer rode with the Hells Angels in the writing of his book on the club in the '60s. Rumor has it he was moderately accepted by the riders, but also fondly ridiculed for his appearance. The traditional aesthetic was leathers and a Harley-Davidson, while Thompson rode a Penton off-roading motorcycle in shorts and Converse.
8 Loitering Lovers
A group of Angels gathers outside the well-known Blackboard Café in California, while two riders kiss. Riders were known for expressing deep signs of affection amongst each other. As demonstrated here, it was casually accepted and often did not register a second glance.
7 Highway Hogs Horsing Around
A Hells Angels rider makes a goofy wave at photographer Billy Ray in Bakersfield, CA. Again outside iconic Blackboard Café. Many riders populated the café along their route, which was often solidified to daily tradition, as groups established habits together.
Riders often still live and travel together, molding their lives to the travels of the group. In this way, strong bonds are formed, and outsiders are often mocked, as perhaps demonstrated here.
6 For The Kids
Hells Angels in Fresno, CA, buy every single bike in Walmart as one of many annual Bike Runs for Kids held by groups across the nation. The Hells Angels run some of the largest donation efforts to give children bikes consistently each year in the US.
True to their values, they believe every child should be able to ride. Bike Runs often overrun the local professional stadium, illustrating the magnitude of their charity. At these events, bikers also equip children with protective wear and teach them how to ride their new bikes.
5 A Hells Angels Picnic
Riders gather and laugh around a picnic table as they enjoy some downtime together. Riders often acted at home at their stops off the beaten path, as demonstrated by the table-sitters and barefoot ladies. Our cocky trick rider pictured earlier sits in the middle of the table and smirks while ladies laugh.
4 Paying Respects As A Pack
Riders, tears, and consoling embraces accumulate outside the church service for a fallen member. Riders sporting other clubs also paying their respects, as the Hells Angels have more friends than enemies in the motorcycle world.
3 Not Your Average Entourage
Hells Angels escort a woman down the sidewalk arm-in-arm in California. Just as they are high on respect, many riders are also high on chivalry. Riders also stick together, which has this woman receiving the most intimidating afternoon escort in the city.
2 Lawfully Wedded In Hells Angels
A Hells Angels wedding in 1971 California. Although the club may have celebrated in motley tradition, it was surely in good faith, as riders pay high honors to the lifetime achievements of members.
1 Biker Bodyguards
Hells Angels step in to break up a fight that interrupts Mick Jagger's performance in California. Although the club was known to wreak havoc, many members also used their intimidating presence to maintain the peace. Here, a fellow fan being overpowered is assisted by the group.