ZZ Tops

Bikers. I see them all the time cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway, or buddy-drinking at Neptune's Net in Malibu -- right across from the famous County Line surf spot.

I used to think that they looked like cute teddy-bears with ZZ Top glasses on crazy machines.

Never took them seriously, really. Until I read Under and Alone by William Queen -- The True Story of the Undercover Agent Who Infiltrated America's Most Violent Outlaw Motorcycle Gang. As Publisher Weekly put it,

This harrowing, turbocharged account of undercover life is reminiscent of Pistone's Donnie Brasco. After military service in Vietnam, Queen began his law enforcement career, eventually spending 20 years as an ATF special agent. In 1998, through contact with a "confidential informant," he began to hang with the Mongol Nation, a violent Southern California motorcycle club with 20 chapters in several states and 350 members both in and out of prison.

Assuming the role of bearded biker "Billy St. John," Queen entered into a 2-year undercover operation. Forced to prove himself in dangerous situations, he became a trusted member. The book captures both sides of Queen's double life; the sadistic characters and criminal camaraderie are contrasted with his own inner turmoil, as he thought of the Mongols as his friends while the investigation escalated. The strength and white-hot intensity of the writing make this read like a movie, and Hollywood is certain to take note.

Which it did, with Mel Gibson lined up to play Queen.
I took note, too, and now keep at a respectful distance.
Like with not-so-teddy bears.
photo Google Images