*** WATCH *** Legion of Doom MC visits Hyannis ice cream parlor...

HYANNIS – [HN NOTES & THOUGHTS ON THE MATTER] – I initially thought it was from a jet landing nearby, the loud rumble of motorcycle engines was impressive, to say the least. I used to ride Harleys, and there’s an old expression, “loud pipes save lives.” Whether this is actually true or not is beyond me. But if it is true, the large group of bikers that had just rolled in way across the parking lot from me have the “loud pipes” safety thingy covered.

Loud pipes? “Check!”

As you will see, I was parked about a couple hundred yards away when I tried to zoom in for a closer look. First impression, was a peaceful group of young men and some women out gathering and having fun. There were also young children on scene that appeared to be known (possibly family) to several club members.

I say “motorcycle club” because just about every biker appeared to be wearing uniform club vests. Some had both top and bottom “rockers” or official lettering. Others just had bottom rockers, which usually means they are “prospects,” individuals who have to go through a trial period or initiation before becoming full members or “patch holders.”

I later learned the top rocker represented the Legion of Doom motorcycle club. The bottom rockers I could discern read, “Troy City Ma” and possibly “California.” And as you will see in the following HN Video, membership appears to be booming.

According to a couple of Facebook pages, the “Legion of Doom MC is a Nationwide independent Sport Bike Club.” They describe themselves as a “brotherhood” that puts family first, and rides every chance they get. According to an invitation posted on the “Legion Of Doom MC Southeast Mass” Facebook page, last evening was referred to as “Bike Night” at “Cape Cod Creamery,” which was to be followed by a meeting back at the Troy City Clubhouse in Fall River.

And as scheduled, the club briefly gathered in the ice cream parlor’s parking lot.

Normally, Cape Cod Creamery is a place where car enthusiasts gather every Wednesday evening. It’s possible the bikers showed up on the same night to hem and haw with fellow motorheads, but I’m not entirely sure. I did notice club members giving out a lot of hugs, chest bumping, and shaking hands with just about everyone, while one of the members, probably a prospect, began directing traffic. To me, it seemed a friendly gathering.

I was filming some of the hemming and hawing outside of the ice cream parlor until I began to respond to what sounded like an ‘interesting call’ across town, one that turned out to be rather routine, cops locking up several middle aged drunks outside of a Hyannis fried clam joint. Not really news this time of year. But as I returned to where I like to park, I noticed the club, by far the most interesting thing happening in town up to that point, was quickly getting ready to roll out.

I’ve done it before, lining up, getting ready to roll with a motorcycle club. It’s a lot of fun. Each club, however, does it a little differently. This particular group appeared very organized (which you have to be), with one member making sure everyone was in line. He got right to heart of the thing, letting everyone know where they were heading, etc.. He appeared a very efficient leader, what some clubs call a “Sergeant at Arms.”

And as soon as they were all lined up and ready, this rather large group of organized motorcycle enthusiasts rolled out, turning east onto Route 28. And almost as soon as I could level one of my news cameras, they were here and suddenly long gone. Had I dilly-dallied with the camera, I would have missed everything!

It was all pretty interesting stuff in my opinion. I always enjoy watching a procession of motorcycles, as long as they drive safely and respect fellow motorists.

It’s important to note, that when it comes to motorcycle clubs, some are well behaved and respectful of others, while others tend to consistently find themselves falling outside the parameters of common courtesy and adherence to the law.

This group did very briefly shut down Route 28 traffic as everyone pulled out together heading east. I’ve seen this done before while riding with other groups decades ago, but most cops aren’t fond of the practice. Taking an intersection and stopping traffic in all directions could be considered Disorderly Conduct according to one police source. It’s one thing to be waved on with consent from one person with nobody else around. It’s quite another thing to shut down busy Route 28 in all directions without authority or emergency lights.

Later in the evening, police began keeping an eye on the club. I don’t know if they got calls but I wouldn’t be surprised. And as you will see in the following HN Video, one member appears to recklessly run a red light as the group rolled out from a gas station. Other members were sensible, safely stopping at the light.

Moments later a Barnstable Police sergeant announced that one of the bikes had just failed to stop for him as he tried to pull him over. Not good.

And as you’ll see, another member who did stop for officers ended up being arrested on motor vehicle charges. (Possibly a suspended license.) Upon searching the suspect and his bike, one patrolman can be seen holding what appears to be brass knuckles, which are highly concealable and strictly illegal. Again, not good.

For the most part, many of the club members appeared to be respectful of others and the rules of the road. But several of the members most certainly were not. Perhaps the Legion of Doom motorcycle club could reign in certain members among their ranks that don’t feel like respecting others in traffic. The member who apparently ran the traffic light while his more sensible brothers did the right thing and stopped (see HN Video), is very lucky he didn’t crash, which most definitely would have meant real “doom” for himself, and possibly others.

I don’t know much about this club, but I would venture to guess the whole point of having a “Bike Night” outside of a Cape Cod ice cream parlor, would be to have fun, while respecting the safety of everyone, especially their own members. Perhaps the club could discuss last evening’s follies at their next meeting.

In the meantime, all bikers need to be committed to safety. I’ve seen way too many bikers killed. Ice cream on the Cape is one thing, real doom is quite another.

Be safe out there!

The following HN Video highlights last evening’s “Bike Night.”

[HN VIDEO – PRESS PLAY]