Boozefighters Motorcycle Club

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THE ORIGINAL "WILDONES"

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1946

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Bill "PRESS" Hayes

This month’s profile spotlights the Boozefighters' National Media Representative, Bill “Press” Hayes. July 2005 marks the release of his labor of love – “The Original Wild Ones: The Boozefighters.” A book that will, without a doubt, dispel many myths, as well as cast a new light on the legendary events that happened on July 4th, 1947. According to Bill, “More often than not, the truth is far more interesting than the myth.”

Bill’s personal story, though, began many years back, with an uncle who was a hill climber that competed during the early days in Laconia, New Hampshire. Bill often visited his favorite uncle, who had settled in Signal Hill, California and who, coincidently, was a friend of “Original” Vern Autrey. In 1956, while at the tender age of six, Bill’s uncle gave him an ex-police bike. “It was a panhead,” Bill recalls, “Ever since then, I’ve been hooked.” Nine years later, Bill purchased his next bike, a Lambretta 150. “After that,” Bill said, “It was a long series of rat bikes, mostly panheads.”

During the 60’s, Bill discovered another passion - writing and journalism. He enrolled and eventually graduated with a degree in English from Cal State Long Beach. Like so many writers of the 60’s, Bill launched his career by contributing to various underground newspapers and magazines. After years of freelancing, Bill finally landed a plumb assignment - his own column in Easy Rider, which ran for several years during the 90’s.

Also, while in college Bill became involved with Martial Arts; an experience that would, again, change his life forever. “It’s the greatest form of mental & physical conditioning.” He explains, “It really brings up your entire being.” Bill was instructed by Robert Perry, (a direct student of American Kempo founder Ed Parker), who oversaw his black belt, and subsequent Instructor certification.

Most people would be content to stop at the peaks that Bill has climbed and enjoy the view, but not Bill. In the distance he could see another higher summit to ascend - a book.

For years, Bill had heard the myths, legends and rumors surrounding the Boozefighters. He had read many books and articles containing second or third-hand accounts, but decided to get to the heart of the story himself, and write his own book based on first hand information.

“There is no other club with the history of the Boozefighters, and in all this time, there has never been any documentation of the club’s original members - but there is now.” Outlining the book’s angle, Bill explains, “I thought it was more important that The Originals have their tales told, rather than re-hashing the Hollister story over and over again.”

Easier said than done. Living in Los Angeles, Bill quickly discovered that the original chapter was no longer around, and The Originals were scattered in the wind. How does one contact a group, when you have no idea where they are, what their true names are, or even if they’re still alive? An obstacle, without a doubt, but destiny had other ideas and presented Bill with a golden opportunity in the form of a Northern California computer jockey.

Mike Council, Webmaster for many BFMC and related websites, had just completed the BFMC national web site when Bill contacted him about the book he intended to write. From there, Mike introduced him to JQ Quattlebaum the BFMC Natl Historian, who in turn, put him in contact with The Originals. The rest, as they say, is history.

These days, Bill & his wife Paula live in Redondo Beach, (not too far from the former location of the All American), where he can be seen riding around on an ’87 FXR. “I’ve rebuilt it four times, with the last nearly killing me!” Bill exclaims. In 2002 he was on his way to an event with a group of riders, when he was involved in an accident that nearly ended his life. The catastrophe landed him in a body-cast for two months. Bill marked the event with ink and by making the rebuild theme for his bike an homage to his favorite band, the Grateful Dead.

Bill’s tastes are not limited to just to motorcycles though. Bill is quite often seen driving around his seaside community in a hearse.

“They just look cool,” he explains. Bill started collecting them 15 years ago. But what’s a hearse without a coffin? That’s right, not only does he collect them, but also he customizes them, and tops each one off with a genuine coffin. And before you ask, yes, each one does have a body….sort of. “I set it up so that a hand stuck out of the lid of the coffin, and it could be seen through the window.” He explains. This has led to some interesting situations. “I was visiting my aunt in Leisure World (bringing a hearse into a luxury retirement community. Talk about a black sense of humor! -r). The hearse was parked out in front. I was sitting on the couch in the living room, when some guy on a three-wheeled bike comes riding by. He sees the hearse and peers in, and jumps back several feet. Yeah, it was funny, but after that, the hand stayed in the coffin.

Don’t think Bill will be slowing down any time soon, either. These days, Bill is still writing, and playing bass with his blues band, ‘Give Me Back My Wig.’ The band is building a strong reputation in Southern California, playing BB King’s blues club, and opening for acts like Dave Mason.

What’s next for Bill? Only tomorrow knows. But one thing is for certain; Bill “Press” Hayes personifies the unique and individual spirit of what it means to be a Boozefighter.

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