BIKER PARTY TAKES WING; HELLS ANGELS BASH BEGINS IN VENTURA.

Byline: Michael Coit Daily News Staff Writer

Rumbling between raindrops, some 400 Hells Angels from three continents rolled into Ventura on Monday as part of their 50th anniversary ride, drawing a strong presence from police who reported no significant problems.

The nearly three-hour ride from San Bernardino, where the Hells Angels motorcycle club was founded in 1947, ended without the anticipated thunder through downtown after the route was changed. What mattered to most members was continuing the celebration, first with Monday's barbecue at the Ventura chapter clubhouse and then with tonight's St. Patrick's Day bash at a local nightclub.

``It's going to be a good time,'' said Ventura club member T-Dub, who joined the second half of the ride from San Bernardino. ``We only get one golden (anniversary), and I probably won't be around for the next one 50 years from now.''

D.D. from the Hells Angels club in the tiny European nation of Lichtenstein said members from more than a dozen countries joined the anniversary ride because they have friends in clubs across California and the United States.

``At these parties, you see guys you haven't seen in two to three years,'' D.D. said. Before breaking away for a fresh beer, he noted that Saturday's gathering in San Bernardino was a good start. ``It was very nice, a lot of people, a good party.''

While most activity will be confined to the clubhouse on Fix Way in the midst of an industrial corridor, Ventura Police Department officials said the city is being assisted by other law enforcement agencies to bolster patrols.

``We will staff appropriately for this event like we do for any special event in the city. This one's a little unique,'' said Lt. Don Arth, a spokesman based at a command post set up in a city yard downtown.

``Whenever you have large numbers of people and they're there to party, you always have the potential for things to get out of control.''

Arth wouldn't discuss the size of the enforcement, which includes patrol cars, motorcycle officers and K-9 units.

Bikers are being stopped and cited for traffic violations, such as suspended licenses, expired registrations and open alcohol containers.

Arth said those are observable offenses and the bikers are not being singled out.

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos

Photo: (1) Members of Hells Angels clubs in Europe were on hand for the 50th anniversary event in Ventura.

(2) George Christie, center, president of the Ventura chapter, greets a buddy Monday during the launch of a two-day celebration.

Michael Owen Baker/Daily News