 | |
| Abbreviation | BSMC |
|---|---|
| Founded | May 1969; 56 years ago (May 1969) |
| Founded at | Boise, Idaho, United States |
| Type | Outlaw motorcycle club |
Region | Northwestern United States |
| Website | brotherspeedmc |
TheBrother Speed Motorcycle Club is an Americanoutlaw motorcycle club[1][2] that was formed inBoise, Idaho in 1969, and is active in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. It once was referred to by theOregon Department of Justice as one of the nine "motorcycle clubs" active in their state.[1][3]
Brother Speed was established by a group of high school friends who enjoyed riding together. The friends noticed an increase in motorcycles in the area and decided to run a newspaper ad looking for anyone interested in starting a club. A meeting was organized with approximately 20 people attending. A few weeks after the first meeting, the group came up with the name, "Brother Speed." The club's center patch is a winged skull with a cap, goggles, and scarf. Brother Speed's "colors" are black and gold.[4]
During the 1970s, the Brother Speed in Boise applied to theOakland, California chapter of theHells Angels for permission to join the Angels. The Oakland club sent a representative to Idaho to assess the Brother Speed's suitability for membership, who recommended that the Brothers not be accepted into the Hells Angels. The reason why the Brother Speed was denied membership in the Hells Angels is unknown.[5][page needed]
The Brother Speed has allegedly associated with the Hells Angels, the Outsiders, and the Devils Breed in order to acquire precursor chemicals used in the manufacture ofmethamphetamine. The Brother Speed chapter inReno, Nevada, in collusion with the Hells Angels'Sacramento, California chapter and CaliforniaNomads chapter, has reportedly used twin-engine airplanes to transport drugs betweennorthern California and Nevada.[6] The Brothers Speed in Idaho have allegedly been involved in sending methamphetamine, sealed inside the frames of motorcycles, to theRebels inSydney, Australia.[6]
Fearing that their operations would be taken over by the Hells Angels, the Brother Speed strengthened by beginning an alliance with theBandidos of Texas in the early 1990s.[6] The club has purchased illegal weapons from members ofAryan Nations in northern Idaho.[6] Brother Speed members have also assembled fully-automatic stun guns after ordering parts.[6]
In 2006, a member was sentenced to 21 years for distributingmethamphetamine and lying about it in court. In 2005, federal and local officers raided the then Brother Speed clubhouse where it was believed many of the meth transactions had occurred. It was believed that the member was a major leader in a large meth trafficking ring.[7]
On 19 September 2009, up to 26 motorcycles ridden by members of the Brother Speed motorcycle club were involved in a motorcycle crash onInterstate 5 nearWilsonville, Oregon. The crash inflicted serious injuries on two of the bikers, sent ten to the hospital, and closed off that portion of I-5 for four hours.[1][2][8][9] One of the critically injured Brother Speed members improved and was released from the hospital; the other died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.[10]
In April 2012, two members of Brother Speed were arrested on suspicion of harassment, menacing, reckless driving and recklessly endangering another person. After chasing a car inEugene, Oregon, they were reportedly hitting the car with their hands and a metal hook attached to a leather leash.[11]In May 2012, five of theIdaho Falls members of Brother Speed, attacked two members of Pocatello's Empties motorcycle club at a gathering for a child who was suffering from cancer, nearly 400 bikers having gathered that Saturday to grant the child’s wish to participate in a motorcycle rally.[12]
Brother Speed Motorcycle Club has participated in various charitable activities, particularly during the holiday season. The club has organized annual events aimed at providing support to children and families in need throughout the Pacific Northwest.
In Southern Oregon, the club’sRogue Valley chapter organizes the “Turkeys & Toys” ride, which raises funds to purchase holiday meals and Christmas gifts. In 2013, the second annual event raised approximately $6,000 to support local families.[13]
In 2017, the club participated in a Mini-Cassia Christmas Council initiative in Idaho’s Mini-Cassia region, purchasing over $31,000 worth of toys, food, and blankets for approximately 400 families, along with a $10,000 cash donation.[14] In 2019, during the club’s 23rd annual toy-buy event, members spent over $30,000 on toys at a Walmart in Burley.[15] As recently as 2022, local media reported that many toys distributed by the Christmas Council were purchased through Brother Speed's annual efforts.[16]
In Hillsboro, Oregon, Brother Speed members also participated in a holiday toy run, delivering trailers of toys to families in need.[17]
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