Hells Angels Berdoo Map
This map documents a historic
cross-country motorcycle trip planned in 1964 by members of the Hells Angels "Berdoo" (San Bernardino) charter.
The Trip and Key Figures
The handwritten names in the top right—Country, Frank, Buzzard, and Jim-Sy—refer to the original "Berdoo" members who set out from Fontana, California, with the intention of riding to the World's Fair in New York City.
"Berdoo": This is the nickname for the San Bernardino chapter, founded in 1948 and considered the "Mother Chapter" of the Hells Angels.
Outcome: The group did not reach New York City; they traveled as far as Mount Airy, North Carolina (the home of Country's mother) before turning back. The return journey was prompted after "Buzzard" was arrested for allegedly stealing a motorcycle part.
Imagery and Symbolism
The Map: The base is a vintage Shell gasoline road map. The black lines hand-drawn across it trace their actual and intended route.
The Swastika: In the context of 1960s outlaw biker culture, symbols like the swastika were often used for shock value and to express rebellion against mainstream society rather than as a declaration of political ideology. Many early members were WWII veterans who used such imagery to provoke the public.
Historical Significance
This specific journey and the members involved (particularly Buzzard) were part of the era captured by photographer Bill Ray for LIFE magazine in 1965 and documented by Hunter S. Thompson in his book Hell's Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.
cross-country motorcycle trip planned in 1964 by members of the Hells Angels "Berdoo" (San Bernardino) charter.
The Trip and Key Figures
The handwritten names in the top right—Country, Frank, Buzzard, and Jim-Sy—refer to the original "Berdoo" members who set out from Fontana, California, with the intention of riding to the World's Fair in New York City.
"Berdoo": This is the nickname for the San Bernardino chapter, founded in 1948 and considered the "Mother Chapter" of the Hells Angels.
Outcome: The group did not reach New York City; they traveled as far as Mount Airy, North Carolina (the home of Country's mother) before turning back. The return journey was prompted after "Buzzard" was arrested for allegedly stealing a motorcycle part.
Imagery and Symbolism
The Map: The base is a vintage Shell gasoline road map. The black lines hand-drawn across it trace their actual and intended route.
The Swastika: In the context of 1960s outlaw biker culture, symbols like the swastika were often used for shock value and to express rebellion against mainstream society rather than as a declaration of political ideology. Many early members were WWII veterans who used such imagery to provoke the public.
Historical Significance
This specific journey and the members involved (particularly Buzzard) were part of the era captured by photographer Bill Ray for LIFE magazine in 1965 and documented by Hunter S. Thompson in his book Hell's Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.
Mounted
Before
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