Hells Angels ride again: Never-before-published photographs from Life.com

In 1965 California, a gang ruled the roadways -- a brawling gang of outlaws called the Hells Angels. That year, Life magazine sent photographer Bill Ray to follow Buzzard, Hambone, Ruthie, Big D and other Angels -- and their "old ladies" -- on their stripped-down Harleys. Ray spent several weeks in Southern California, photographing and chronicling rowdy bikers and their equally rowdy girlfriends. Life.com released today a series of never-before-published photographs from that trip. Go back to a time when the roar of Harleys and the sight of long-haired bikers was still new, alien and -- for many average, law-abiding citizens -- simply terrifying.
The San Bernardino, a.k.a. "Berdoo" Hells Angels, on a ride from San Bernardino to Bakersfield for a major motorcycle rally.

Big D of the Berdoo Hells Angels gazes into the camera lens.
The photographer told Life.com: "These guys were kings of the road. I don't think they ever felt they had to look around for girls. Girls would come to them, and they would take their pick."
A young man checks out the Angels and their machines.
A Hells Angel pops a wheelie as his girlfriend clings to his back.

See the full gallery here.