How time flies

Hard to believe it has been a decade since the Hells Angels officially arrived in Ontario.

The real troubles at the moment – and in the forseeable future – are across the border in Winnipeg. It’s likely Canada’s second most dangerous city for biker violence, behind Montreal. In that city, the Hells Angels are reduced to their bench strength in their continued skirmishes with the new Rock Machine.

It’s important to remember that this group calls itself the Rock Machine, but they’re not really the same folks who were involved in the bloody wars in Quebec with the Hells Angels. The old Rock Machine is dead. They were kicked out of Quebec by the Hells Angels and the new Rock Machine doesn’t wear their red and gold colours. This is a tribute club, or if you wish, an imitation.

That’s not to say they’re not dangerous. Fire-bombings are almost expected now. Houses with children inside are being sprayed with bullets. Things are getting stupider and stupider, nastier and nastier.

On the other side, most of the old guard of the Hells Angels in Winnipeg have been taken off the streets by the police. The same with their support club, the Zig Zag club. (Tell me it isn’t so, that some of that group waxes their eyebrows).

Meanwhile, Aboriginal gangs are the third force to be considered here. While the bikers may control much of the streets, they control most of the prisons and jails.

It’ll be interesting if Quebec HA members get involved, to tilt the power struggle in favour of their red and white brand.

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