If you know anything about biker culture you've heard of the Hells Angels, and if you've heard of the Hells Angels the chances are you've heard of Ralph "Sonny" Barger. One of the original founder members of the club in Oakland, California in 1957 and long time President of the notorious Oakland chapter, Barger now occupies an almost legendary status amongst bikers and is seen as an elder statesman for Hells Angels worldwide.

In "Ridin' high, Livin' Free", his second book, Sonny has brought together a heady mixture of wild (and sometimes tall) biker stories which will have you gripped to the final page. Some of the tales relate Sonny's own adventures on two wheels, and conjure a half forgotten world of Knuckleheads, dusty towns and bar room brawls. And this is no fiction, Barger was right there in the thick of the action and brings it all to life with a colour and humour that draws you right into this distant, lawless world. I laughed out loud when I read about the toll gates on the Golden Gate Bridge, which were discovered to be made of lightweight (and easily shattered) wood rather than steel when inadvertantly rammed at speed by a club member escaping the Highway Patrol. After this discovery club members would routinely ram their way through the barriers each Saturday night, and Barger even tells you exactly where and at what speed to hit for the best effect. I wouldn't try it now...

Most of the tales in this book, though, have been contributed by ordinary bikers with a story to tell. There's Guy the biking ex-con who now preaches the gospel in a former biker bar; Nan who survived a string of bad relationships to find meaning restoring her Panhead; and Blake who has the dubious honour of holding the world's record for jumping a Harley into a whorehouse. And, like Bargers previous book, there's no shortage of celebrities who crop up in the pages. Here, for instance, is the lowdown on movie star and dedicated biker Steve McQueen who took up residence in an old aircraft hanger so he could sleep alongside his collection of bikes and planes. David Crosby, of Crosby, Stills & Nash makes a brief but dangerous appearance, and country singer Johnny Paycheck provides an out-to-lunch episode that leaves even Barger gasping with the madness of it all. But my favourite has to be the story of Moto Guzzi Ron, who rode through British Colombia and Alaska on some of the wildest and most desolate roads known to man to reach the North Pole.

There's something here for everyone who loves life on two wheels. Highly recommended reading. And in case you missed it, Sonny first book "Hells Angel" is also still available. Ridin' High, Livin' Free is published by 4th Estate Books at £16.99.

Dr.Rod.