DENVER (KDVR) Residents in the northwestern mountains of Colorado could see more motorcyclists than normal over the weekend.
It’s a gathering planned by the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club, dubbed an “outlaw motorcycle gang” by the U.S. Department of Justice, which says the group is known by law enforcement to engage in illegal activity, such as narcotics trafficking, weapons trafficking and violent crimes. Also in that category of “outlaw motorcycle gang” are the Hell’s Angels, Mongols, Bandidos and Sons of Silence.
The Routt County Sheriff’s Office warned residents of the upcoming rally in a post on Facebook, noting that the rally is planned from Aug. 15 through 17 in Oak Creek. Up to 700 attendees are anticipated at the rally.
“According to their schedule, they will be in the Steamboat Springs/Yampa Valley area for different rides and events during this time,” the sheriff’s office said.
The Pagan’s were formed in 1957 in Maryland. According to a New Jersey State Commission of Investigation report, which starts off by detailing an alleged attack by a member of the Pagan’s club on a member of the Hell’s Angels club, the group’s membership consists of men who own a Harley Davidson with a 900cc engine or larger, and prevents the membership of anyone who has worked or still works in law enforcement.
The club’s “colors,” or patches that are worn by club members, show the Norse fire giant Surtr sitting in a burning world with a fiery sword, with the word “Pagan’s” overtop in red, white or blue. The group has also been said to be the origin of the “1%ers,” which refers to the “one percent of motorcycle clubs” that are outlaws or have a reputation for criminal activity.
Routt County Sheriff’s Office, Steamboat Springs Police Department, Colorado State Patrol and Oak Creek Fire Protection District have made preparations to be staffed for the weekend “to ensure that everyone has a fun, safe and peaceful time throughout the weekend.”
The sheriff’s office said that any specific concerns, cares or questions should be directed to 970-879-1090.
