Saturday afternoon I took my wife to the movies in Prescott, Arizona. Ten miles away there was a shootout going on between alleged rival biker gangs. The tiny town of Chino Valley was wrapped in fear and violence as gunfire filled the normally quiet streets. One witness reported that she counted over 50 gunshots. At least 4 individuals were shot in the incident, but there were no reported fatalities. Twenty seven individuals were arrested. Charges include attempted murder.
Authorities report that the two motorcycle clubs, the Vagos and the Hells Angels, have had a running feud in northern Arizona, and that the Hells Angels have been known to occupy a house in Chino Valley. On Saturday August 21st, tensions may have reached a boiling point. A law enforcement spokesman reported that upon arrival at the scene, Chino Valley Police and county deputies “began detaining suspected motorcycle gang members.” As the investigation unfolds over the coming weeks, I’m sure we will know more of the details of the incident and the involvement of the gangs.
I have always said that I love all things motorcycle related. I must amend that. I detest the seedy element of the biking culture. Several weeks back, I wrote an article for All About Bikes about the process of earning the three piece patch in the biker gang world. A couple of readers blasted me for continuing the stereotype of the one-percenters. I would contend what happened Saturday in a tiny town in my neck of the woods is what is continuing the stereotype. A very small element of the motorcycle community (say…maybe one-percent) gives us all a black eye. Oh, and by the way, television coverage of the violence revealed a number of three piece patches involved in the shootings.
No, I don’t live in Chino Valley, but I live less than an hour away. I ride through the town regularly. I have taken my daughters to the town’s gymnasium for volleyball matches. I have eaten in the town's restaurants. I just wonder how welcome I will be next time I ride my motorcycle through Chino Valley or stop for gas. The residents of the normally quiet town are sure to be wary of anyone riding on two wheels. Can we blame them? After all, every Chino Valley resident was in danger during the shootout. How sad.
Just last week I wrote an article for AAB on the beauty of Arizona Highway 89. Chino Valley is a tiny dot on Highway 89. A beautiful ride just became a little less beautiful. Again, how sad.
