My friends and brothers call me Fat Bob and I been in an Outlaw motorcycle club going on thirty years. We ain’t one of the big four but we are big enough. I am second generation biker and I have seen this world change for the better over the years. The producers of Sons of Anarchy have asked me to weigh in on their show. They wanted the perspective of someone in the life and have given me carte blanche (within reason) to offer critiques, opinions, gripes, praises. Whatever. I’ve never done this before, so we’ll see what happens. After watching the first three episodes, here are a few thoughts –
BIKES ARE FOR RIDING.
Anybody who says the characters in Sons of Anarchy wouldn’t ride bikes like the ones in this show obviously do not ride very far. The days of the bar to bar rigid frame are over. Yeah I got one in my garage that I pull out for a short ride when I want to feel nostalgic, but when I am going to ride to Sturgis in the summer with my brothers I damn sure want a bike EXACTLY like what I see on the show. Rubber mounted with a fairing. You ain’t riding six or seven hundred miles a day on a rigid frame stopping every 65 miles for gas, or to get the feeling back in your legs, it would take a month to get anywhere.
THE ONLY THING THAT’S LOADED IS MY GUN.
I see some of you kids writing about no drugs on the show. Get your heads out of Altamont. Those days are over. We have old guys and young ones in our club and I can tell you it sure seems like the people that will last are the ones that can change with the times. Getting loaded is the past. Holding a job is the future. This thing is about being a man, a brother, putting the club first. With all the feds watching every club out there, looking for a way to classify any of us as a gang, it sure makes sense to have a job or at least look like you have one. Only the old guys party. Sure seems like the young guys are looking for the future and realize that partying is the past.
Until next week,
DON’T HATE, PARTICIPATE.
Fat Bob
Spokes MC
UNITED STATES of AMERICA
Subscribe to Fat Bob's
Well, finally some decent looking bikes on the show!! All ridden by the Mayans!!
All in all, it’s still a good show!!
By Bogan on October 23rd, 2008 at 12:41 pmHey Fat Bob. I am 38 been riding since I was 17{behind friends}Mingled with some Outlaws, who are big in Chicago. Everyone would tell me beware of these guys. Never did meet a woman Outlaw. Suppose you have to be a guy. Do wives get a patch? My question is I have been riding my own for about 9 years, sport 1200. I am fairly small so as I would love a bigger bike mine fits me perfect and I have customized it all so it is truley mine.I now live in N. Carolina married a guy who rides and loves the ride , would NEVER trailer. I love that. He has some friends that ride but Im not to into these guys? although I am a girly girl compaired to many biker chics, I do love the lifestyle. my little boy also is crazy for bikes My husband not yuppie, his freinds to yuppie for me. But it is hard, believe it or not to find REAL bikers to ride with. Any suggestions. I had more fun riding with a gang. Love S.O.A. Jax… Yummy
By Sue Hamrick on October 24th, 2008 at 4:26 amits a cool show but the Tara Jax Kohn bs is geting alittle old. I watch it for the over the top antics fights and dark humour Loved Gemma hiting the Bimbo with a skateboard and the big arguement in the police station and Alley walker making the statement and thats why Im single was great The romance crap to me is mucking it up and turning me off please fx dont do this to
By Susie Q on October 24th, 2008 at 7:56 pmIts always Sunny in Philedelphia or Ill be sorely disapointed in your network and have to find a new show and network to emtertain me
Hey Fat Bob…when this show came on all I could think of was “dip****ty.” I have a hard time with the lead biker dude and his white socks and some of the antics of his bride. I mean, that’s Peg right? Anyway, she’s a little too obvious sometimes.
But I am hanging in there. There is some serious over dramatizing going on, and I am hoping these actors start maturing soon.
By InsaneJane on October 25th, 2008 at 8:47 pmI said “dip$hitty” for crying out loud on being censered here…egad folks.
By InsaneJane on October 25th, 2008 at 8:55 pmOK I am going to keep this short … ok the white tinnis shoes were an affront to my 13 yr olds strong sense of biker values …so I guess not all the young ones would agree its the trend…lmao But honestly I was too busy looking and waitin to look at the characters nice chest to notice.Yum and all that room for new art since the 30 yr old VP doesnt have much…. grin
Point is its a show… have fun. Who on earth really wants the general public to know all the ins and outs of MC life. The Ol’ Ladies that really ride know when to shut thier mouths …. and when not to ask questions …they also know it is as much for thier own protection as thier loved ones ….let the general population keep most of the fantasy … and Yeah By The way …HAMC is one of the big 4 for a reason …never heard it was because they were posers before. So I thing the safe way to get a look at The big ONE …. would be at a poker run …..smilin and shuttin her big mouth now….lol
DeAnna
By DeAnna on October 26th, 2008 at 3:11 amAnyone know what brand cigars and who supplies the studio with their smokes?
Second stupid question, what kind of fairings are those things and who the hell thought it would look cool with drag bars? But what the hell I seen worst on the roads where I fly.
By Racer93 on October 26th, 2008 at 2:51 pmSOA tries really hard but what is needed is someone on the staff writers who knows the life. It’s the little things that Brothers all over the planet watching have got to be noticing. For Example….The pictures of Members on the wall is unrealistic and never have I ever seen it done in ANY clubhouse I have been in. Anonymity would never allow members so easily identified. You do realize that the clubhouse does have visitors, right? Most have a wall of members Patch names and a year of retirement or RIP. usually listed in order of Past Prez but without mention of current standing and position.
By Krazede on October 27th, 2008 at 3:59 amOne other lil thing is the door. Most Clubhouse’s have but one door and EVERYONE knows once inside you never touch the door if you are not a member. They let you in and out and many have a sign that rads “DON”T TOUCH THE ****IN DOOR” a member will let you out. See, this way no visitor can let someone in. As I stated it’s the lil things that patch holders have to be noticing. I would love to help with this and OH, loose those fukin white sneakers, they just don’t belong. Ever hear the phase”Put the boots to him”? I laugh as I pretend to hear Jaxs say “I put the sneakers to him”.
L8R
Krazede
OFFO
Hi Fatbob,
I wrote some stuff that I want to send to Kurt Sutter? Can you help me get it to him? Do I send it to fxnetworks and just hope it finds it way or can you share a better address?
Thanks, Lil’Bro
By Barb on October 27th, 2008 at 11:42 amSome posters need to lighten up a bit! This is only a TV show played by actors playing roles. These guys hand over their “colors” to the wardrobe guy when the days shooting is done, have their bikes pushed into a warehouse and drive their Hybrid home to Beverly Hills. It’s a fun show to watch, I groan when it’s stupid and cheer when it’s cool, but it’s all FAKE! It’s a biker soap opera, so sit back and enjoy it for what it is while it lasts!
By Backwards Bob TFFT on October 30th, 2008 at 8:45 amI heard about SOA than caught my first episode on the Oct. 29th, I had to get online and watch the others I missed. It’s a great “fantasy biker show”. And c’mon…Peggy Bundy is legit. Fat Bob, stay up brother look’n forward to hearin more from you. Oh yea, cheeseburgers will give you a heart attack, cash pay’s the bills. There’s no reason these cheap holloywood producers should cut you out for you “professional insight.”
By Ernie-E on October 31st, 2008 at 3:38 amso i got a couple of questions for those of you who really are part of a MC . so they may sound stupid but i’m not out to act like i know sh*t i don’t:
1. is it possible for a woman to be an actual MC member, without being anyone’s old lady? probably not, but i thought i’d ask.
how does one approach a MC if they are interested in becoming a prospect?
for those that provide serious answers, thanks.
By stoneschick on November 1st, 2008 at 8:44 pmAwesome Show!
By Bad Andy on November 1st, 2008 at 8:56 pmSure there are a lot of obvious details that anyone that rides knows is B.S…. But hey it’s TV. It’s entertaining and it keeps us coming back for more. If it was realistic it would be a documentary. I ride hard and I ride because I enjoy it. Sure the MC life looks cool but again it’s TV. I’m not in an MC, I know people who ran with members of the 81 back in the 70s and 80s. But I’m into riding and hanging out with my friends. The show is awesome and yes some of the details should have been checked before putting them on the air, but then again it isn’t real. Keep it going, it’s the best thing on TV. Ride safe everyone.
I gotta have the acoustic version of “Fortunate Son” played at the end of episode at end of October. Who performed it and where can I get it?
By Michael Connor on November 2nd, 2008 at 7:22 amHay Fatbob, Some people think your real some dont who cares. I started riding on the back of my aunts sportster in 1970 when i was 3. then when my parrents split up i lived with a great foster home that hung with a club in MASS. cant rember the club but def not one of the big 4. that club took stiches out of my head when i was 5 years old in there club house.it was great. thay gave me a hammer pen becous i did not cry. I got my first ironhead for $800 when i was 20 road that scoot for 10 years every were. today i have a small collection of bikes 7 to be exact ( who cares) mostley shovel heads i love them all but like you said on long halls comfort is wear its at mostley i ride my 03 ultra classic like to STURGIS 08 pulling my trailer behind it with all my gear. that was a solo ride best trip ever boston to sturgis. i respict the club thing go to partys with a club in NH. great groop. personaly i cant be told what to do so i won’t join. but let me tell you what thay party like muther f#@$ers young and old alike! oh ya the show. mabe its me but how old is Jax he looks to young to be V.P. thanks for your time. RIDE HARD RIDE FREE.
By shovelhead on November 3rd, 2008 at 11:11 amHey Stonechick. They do have female MC’s try one see if its the right fit . Good luck
By ratzo on November 4th, 2008 at 9:18 amGet Real Woman…MC also stands for Men’s Club…
There are no women allowed to be members in a Real M.C.
Even as “Property of”…You are not a member.
Men are in charge of all Club Property including
“Property of” Patches.
Get Over It.
By Hammer on November 4th, 2008 at 4:03 pmEnough with the footwear thing. Some of my friends aren’t opposed to wearing flipflops to ride around town. Things vary state to state. We ride with sneakers sometimes - big deal.
Bikes: every type of HD imaginable. Some clubs like them pimped out - some ride mostly Dynas with very little chrome or bolt-ons.
The show is okay for the most part. I don’t like them making 1%rs look the way they do all the time. A guy can’t hold a job down and be a 1%r - that’s BS.
By outlawnavajo13 on November 4th, 2008 at 9:51 pmFatbob, It’s nice having you give your unbiased opnion of the show, I haven’t missed an episode, I live in the state of the milwaukee iron. Maybe the producers will see fit to give you a brief cameo….. or would that be out of the question for you? Also which one of these is more authentic? the SOA or Beyond the Law-with Charlie Sheen? keep up the good work. Ride Free
By Metaldogg on November 5th, 2008 at 11:15 amoutlawnavajo13….who’s says a 1% can’t hold down a job? I know lawyers, doctors, firemen, mechanics and ****loads more of us working fools who are patched,,,,,,,,
By FreewheelinFrank on November 5th, 2008 at 7:11 pmI have heard that there is a MC in Indianapolis named or titled, not sure of the right term to use, “Sons of Silence,” is that true and if so, does the show have any semblance the this MC?
By Karry Jo on November 5th, 2008 at 9:24 pmVery Very Excellent Show …………..Keep It Up
By Ms.Kerry on November 5th, 2008 at 11:30 pmI agree with outlawnavajo 13. I know some pretty fine men that have awesome jobs and they are the 1% type if you must use this. They portray the old man old lady thing a bit odd. Personal problems never are allowed with club business. That can make or brake a Club. The old ladys are either tight or out of sight. There is no in between. What goes on at the clubhouse or on the road is not even mentioned let alone brought on as a suggestion on a TV show. House mouses and or mommas are just that. Clean cook and run erronds and etc. Loyal to a fault or not even there. I have seen no mention to the fact that the ATF has then under surveillance in such a small town and no one knows about it? PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Alaska Babe on November 6th, 2008 at 3:27 amI have shown my boobs to more feds than to men, just by simply looking above or around or to repetative movement. Just a hint to the show if anyone is interested. I will be back for more just to see if you keep on your toes FatBob. You are my kinda guy!Also I have never seen a club member wear a cut in a vehicle. They may carry them but not wear them in a car.Just my opinion from a long ago awesome history.
Why says bikers aren’t smart? The ATF woman’s acting is so bad, that I wish prison biker dude got a few more head smashes on the steel table. I hope next week we will see her missing a few teeth which should prove promising to the cop she’s ‘doing’
By InsaneJane on November 6th, 2008 at 7:05 amHey Jane I like your style!
By Backwards Bob TFFT on November 6th, 2008 at 9:08 amHay Insane Jane that was the best part of last nights show. smash smash smash.
Hay FatBob why did I have to weight untill today to see last weeks show?
By shovelhead on November 6th, 2008 at 11:34 amCool never so real about time a realityshow how much some dont know how this is in real live for some of us but its what we do
By Wolverine on November 6th, 2008 at 12:26 pmwolverine
so cool best reality show yet some dont know this is how it is and yet its all around some dont know it best show in years keep it up great cast ,this is how we ride and live and die
By Wolverine on November 6th, 2008 at 12:28 pmwolverine
Great show, I am a little disappointed in the rides though, I thought I would see a few more oldiea and baggers.I loved it when the chic cop got her face smashed too! Also great when Jax shot the ATF dude. Great show, cant wait till next week. This reminds me of the good days when I was wearing the patch. I really miss the club thing however I had to relocate for my job and getting to old to prospect, I support our local 81.I would love to be apart but just cant see it right now.
By vtxkid on November 6th, 2008 at 2:02 pmKarryJo - are you for real? Honey if you really don’t know, we’re not going to tell you. It’s not something you even ask about.
By Biker chic on November 7th, 2008 at 2:24 pmId like to know what Jax s is rideing. I know its a Superglide but does anyone know what year it is and whats been done to it? The type of fairing what front end work etc? I like the way the handle bars are. You have full control he sits high in it and the higher the better for throwing your weight around when you need and seeing whats a head sitting down low isnt a good idea for me anyway . Ape hangers and choppers are great to look at just not for me you get caught up in some street car tracks or have to stop fast in the rain you will pay the price for rideing one one those. I know what I am talking about haveing all most ript of my left leg of trying to fit in betten a bus and a car in the middel of a small hidden hill. I can see why the cast members ride those bikes they have more of a chance going home with your legs and arms still attach. I am going to build one and have it painted the same and also getten same ****en white sneakers lol. Love the show it isnt perfect but who cares its great!
By 1%RJ on November 7th, 2008 at 4:39 pmRJ that “Jax” bike is a 100th anniversery edition i believe came out in 2k3.I’m actualy superglide shopping for longer hauls now while prices are dropping and its first alterations will be any forward controls will be removed for standard controls mounted under me and drag bars similar to what is seen in the show because its simply much better control .From what i can tell i cant see any major mods other than the generic looking flyscreen and the drag bars on what looks too be approx 10″ made on risers.I’ve got a very similar set on my daily rider from Santee with 6″ made on risers and love the things.
As for a lot of the other posts every club differs including the 1% and the big 4 guys in general as well as each individual chapter of those clubs the style of dress and the bikes themselves differ from reigon to reigon and also the age of the rider For me i have a couple pairs of riding boots and a couple pairs of Vans as well and i use either or depending on several things 1 distance of ride and what ill be riding in and 2 what im going to be doing at the end of the ride.I noticed a post above about the local dominant club prez running the support clubs.i cant speak for where you are but I know here thats not the case and we have a dominant big 4 club here and their extent of involvement with their support clubs is asking em to come to a clubhouse party or to go on a club sponsord ride and nothing more.They do not have any involvement in the day to day runnings of the support clubs and are not privy to the internal business of the support clubs period nor is the support club prez selected by them but voted on by the members of the support club itself. As for all the nit-picking its pointless with all the variations from club to club chapter to chapter and for those bashing “Fat Bob” about “Spokes” I’d say hes pretty damn smart.You see RICO is a very real law and too this point has been used to convict a hell of a lot more totaly innocent people than it has guilty. I love the show for what it is along with its imperfections.We watch tv to be entertained and this show definatly does that.If you are looking for a histoy lesson a great way to learn is hit your local bike shop (I’m not talking about a damn rub boutique either)pick yourself up a basket case or close and take it home and start wrenching.By the time you get it like you want it you will have a multilayerd education in the people the lifestyle and the machines that helped start it all
By kdrummer01 on November 7th, 2008 at 9:54 pmhi there, fatbob, fatdavy from belfast northern ireland here.
we r just coming to the end of season 1 of soa, it finishes 2night actually, and i must admit 2 finding it an absolutely fantastic piece of television. this is especially so because the mainstream of programmes made on this side of the pond are of the ‘reality’ based tv which is piss poor in my view. therefore, i cannot praise this refreshing tv prog enough!!!!
anyhow, i was wondering if u could answer a query that i have. could u tell me what style/name of the sunglasses that jax wears in the show. the old rebel in me wants a pair for my upcoming birthday!
any help with this would make an old fat lad very happy!
heres hoping,
By fatdvy on August 4th, 2009 at 11:56 ambelfastdavy
Agreed on the hard tails and of course on SOA, but as a west coast old school scooter tramp woman I must respectfully request that you quit capitalizing the “O” when you say “outlaw” - I’m sure you can figure that one out! Very glad to see that Ireland is getting the show - my old man is from Ireland and now a fine Harley riding hunk of a California biker - since I gave him his own Harley for a wedding present! Can’t wait for the show to start up again - brings back old memories and gets me dreamin’ about the old days! Rubber side down - Ride Hard - Live Free! Miss Krista
By Miss Krista on August 14th, 2009 at 6:28 pmI cut my “biker teeth” with a 1% Club as a 20 year old nursing student 1975. Bought a 63 Pan for $1200 in 1982…first bike and she’s what I learned to ride on. IMHO I think you guys are doing a pretty good job of portraying club life. I was actually surprised…expected the show to be cheesy. Rock on and Ride Free!!
By Purple Pan Cindy on August 16th, 2009 at 7:28 amPurple Pan Cindy
Can someone please tell me where I can find the windscreen that “Jax” has on his Superglide? Don’t tell me the Harley accessory catalog. I’ve already checked those out. Love the show! Ride hard or stay home.
By Rusty on September 8th, 2009 at 4:50 pmI was wondering if that was Carry Underwood playing that porn star on tonights show 9-22-09
By Zander on September 22nd, 2009 at 11:25 pmThis show is the true BleedinHeart of the Brotherhood/Bikers.
This is comin from a true female biker/Hell’s Angel…You have to understand from my point of view.
If you love the man, you have to love the Club/Lifestyle. “We are a family”…and Blood is thicker than water.
But outside of all that..we do alot of GOOD/Charity’s/ Children and Animals/ and whoever that are in dire straits.
We are the True Angels
Mari’ana
Cali Chapter
God speed to all
By BleedinHeart on September 28th, 2009 at 7:05 pmOhhh!! bye the way this Angel drives a Indian Chief, phuck Harley’s.
People 4get we paved the way or them
Mari’ana
By BleedinHeart on September 28th, 2009 at 7:27 pmalso being a long time member in a club,I think the show portrays the inside very well.I know its hard to get all the real stuff on but your doing a hell of a job.Dont let hollywood ruin the truth of all your brothers lives, what and how they have lived.Our codes,we stand for are still good ones.Wish I had a chance like you do. This was a dream of mine long ago so people could see and better understand the truth about bikers.Good and bad.Keep up the good work. Cant wait to see next episode
Dr.Puck on Nov.5
By The Doc on October 5th, 2009 at 8:20 pmMan I think your pretty much spot on about what a real club is and what some perceive it to be. The old days are long gone and thankfully I’ve survived them. We used to gauge how good the Laconia run was every year by the number of people who got killed. No **** some times there would be as many as 6 or 7 some do to just plain stupidity, some from crashing their bike and some form lets just call it over zealous interaction between organizations. Now a days we go up there and we’re the quite ones, all mellowed out just enjoying each other company and enjoying be able to ride one more day. It seems to be the Jap bike crowd has something to prove acting just plain stupid bothering the citizens needlessly. Trying to relive the Wild one with Marlon Brando.
You know the drill.
I’m with ya on the bikes they ride too. For us the ride of choice is either the FXR or a Dyna Got one of each out in the shop. Of course I still have my old flat side dresser,and my Pan/Shovel rigid with a Denver’s Choppers springer up front with a 22″ front wheel laced to a no brake hub that take three lanes to make a U turn but they’ll put that sucker and the dresser int he hole with me when they bury my sorry ass.
The show is all and all pretty good except some times there is just too much drama, like the rift between Clay & Jax you yourself know that kinda **** would have been settled right quick with either one or both going for an ambulance ride and or getting kicked out of the club. Most of the time bad **** was settled by our club prez. and it was over and done with and forgotten about or else.
By Bear on November 29th, 2009 at 2:34 pmThe think about the big throw down between the Ariana’s and Sam Crow your ten best against my ten best come on man give me a break there either would have been lead flying or guys swinging ballpein hammers
or kickstand. I guess Hollywood has to get their hands in there some times so they can keep it on TV. All and all I think they nailed the cast down pretty good too. The club characters are all believable and fill the roles well.
All in all it’s a pretty good show I just hope they keep it real and don’t get too stupid with the story line like a lot of shows on TV that started out good and got stupid real fast.
It was a really nice theme! Just wanna say thank you for the information you have distributed. Just continue penning this kind of post. I will be your faithful reader. Gives Thanks over again.
By apnea and heart failure on December 10th, 2009 at 5:07 amWhat’s up one, I’m modish to the forum and honourable wanted to roughly hey. hi devotion manoeuvre to know unusual pepole and slice tackle with them
father a happy year
By Ovenenows on December 10th, 2009 at 6:40 am