As motorcycle enthusiast Wolfan, slid into his leather vest Wednesday preparing to ride with a group of fellow bikers he said, to him, being a member of a motorcycle club has nothing to do with what people see on television or read about in a book.

Wolfan, a member of a local biking club said, to him, riding is about the euphoric freedom of the road but most of all its about being part of a family, even if they dont know each others given names, referring to each other only by their biking monikers.

Wolfan and about 15 other riders, all members of three area motorcycle clubs, gathered at the Crossroads Truck Stop in Umatilla Wednesday to celebrate the New Year with a group ride through the area.

Wolfan said four years ago he decided the local clubs should come together to promote harmony, ride as one single group and honor the tradition.

It was my dream to get the different clubs together so we could get to know one another, Wolfan said. It started off as a rally, and now we are in our fourth year of the ride. For old-school bikers it is a tradition to ride on New Years Day. The ride is for us. We want everyone to come and ride with us.

Wolfan, who has been riding since the 1950s, said being part of a motorcycle club has helped him make connections with other riders.

Its about the bond, Wolfan said.

This is my family. We ride together. We bond together. This is the only family I have left so we get together and we do this for us. Friends are the family we pick for ourselves.

Popular culture references to motorcycle clubs largely center around the legendary Hells Angels and the hit FOX TV show Sons of Anarchy. The fictional show lives up to its name featuring a group of marauding criminals clad in leather, riding Harley Davidsons and wreaking havoc wherever they go.

The Hells Angels, however, cemented their place in biker lore during a 1969 concert headlined by the Rolling Stones in Altamont, Calif,, when one member working as security for the venue stabbed and killed an audience member in full view of the band and onlookers.

The gangs reputation for lawlessness and indifference to societal norms were documented by notorious journalist Hunter S. Thompson in his 1967 book Hells Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.

But, Speedy, president of the club known as the Callejeros, said that is not what they are about.

Were just a motorcycle club, Speedy said. We just like to get together and ride. Its a family atmosphere. We just enjoy good company, good times and the open road. Thats what its all about, the ride.

Another stereotype-defying group, the Christian Motorcyclists Association, including the local chapter president, Chuck, joined the other riders during their salute to the solidarity of those who appreciate the freedom of the open road and the sense of companionship.

We just drive around and help others. Anything people need, we try to provide, Chuck said. Weve been doing this for a long time. Its good camaraderie. All the different clubs get together and get along really well. Its all about the family. These guys help each other. I know I could make a call and someone would help if it was needed.