CAVE CREEK, ARIZ., APR.6—There really is nothing like the roar of hundreds of motorcycles rising up over the desert hills with riders united in the freedom of the ride, pushing through the warm desert air creating smiles for miles behind those bushy beards with hearts pumping and adrenaline racing. That’s what comes with a pack ride with the Hell’s Angels, their families, friends and supporters who have come from all over the country to celebrate the 57th Anniversary of Sonny Barger with his club, the Hell’s Angels.
It would seem as though the anniversary party really started earlier in the week with the opening of Arizona Bike Week in the Sonoran Desert community of Cave Creek, Arizona. Sonny and the Cave Creek crew were set up there with many other vendors. Cave Creek’s small community population of about 5,200 would be swelling with the thousands of bikers who would visit during Arizona Bike Week. Sonny and his wife Zorana were there most of the week selling DVD’s of his recent film Dead in 5 Heartbeats, T-shirts, books and other support gear. It was most notable that Sonny wasn’t riding his Victory Cross Country; he was test-riding a Thunder Black 2014 Indian Chieftain while his Victory was in for some service. Sonny was loving that new Indian and his new full-face Bell helmet.
The real celebration of Sonny’s 57th Anniversary culminated on the final day of Arizona Bike Week with a poker run that started at the all-familiar Steel Horse Saloon in Phoenix where all the riders registered, and visited with friends new and old. Promptly at 11:00 a.m., the pack took off through the Sonoran Desert to the next stop at the Roadrunner Saloon in New River. After a short break at the Roadrunner Saloon, Sonny and the Cave Creek crew led the pack for the final leg of the poker run to the Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse in Cave Creek. The pack rode into an already-jammed Cave Creek community and found places to park their rides and finish off the day with the big party at the Buffalo Chip. There was, of course, the great food and live music to entertain.
This year’s weather was again absolutely perfect, low- to mid-80’s, and you could not have asked for a better day to ride and party in the very popular Old Western town of Cave Creek. It was a great day for the community and the bikers.
Sonny has been an Angel 5yrs. longer than I’ve been alive. Truly an American legend. If anyone doubts this try being a 1%er for 10 yrs., let alone as a member known around the world for 50 plus. Cops,snitches,feds,rival clubs,rivals from inside your own club,etc,etc…. Congrats Sonny. You set the standard we should all try to live up to regardless of our club affiliation.
Great Article my friend…always regret not making the trip with you…Awesome Anniversary Party for the man who sets the standard for Loyalty & Respect which he gets worldwide! Thank you for the glimpse of this years biker Anniversary Party.