The pure angels

A dense formation of motorcycles stretching hundreds of meters along the highway brings to mind many images, but charity work is not necessarily one of them.

As the name indicates, the Black Dogs Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club goes against many of the preconceptions about biker gangs.

Along with advocating "pride and respect" as one of their commandments, the Black Dogs have a law enforcement focus setting them apart from many of the world's biker clubs. Similar groups first appeared in United States during the 1960s and were composed exclusively of sheriffs and policemen - people otherwise rejected from the biker community. Over time, their ranks broadened to include anybody working in professions saving or protecting human lives. The Black Dogs remain the only club of this kind in the Czech Republic.

"Motorbikes have always been a symbol of freedom and enjoyment of life," says Aleksi Šedo, a doctor and research scientist at Charles University by day and, by night, the Black Dogs' spokesman with the biker nickname "Al Professore." "Because law enforcement motorcycle clubs are traditionally made up of people with time-consuming and demanding jobs, this is the perfect form of relaxation, because it encompasses a lifestyle free of political vices."

Although clubs organized by type of motorcycle, for example, abound, traditional motorcycle clubs are only considered official once they start to fly their "colors" in the form of a three-piece badge sewn on their jackets.

Black Dogs members, for the most part, choose to go by their biker nicknames, as a part of traditional biker lure.

"We are willing to fight for the right to wear our colors," says a Prague police officer who goes by "Prezident." "We respect all colors, and we expect the same."

A biker group emphasizing law enforcement in lieu of law breaking may seem a contradiction, but, in point of fact, the opposite is true.

"As stated by the American Motorcycle Association, motorcyclists cause no more trouble than ordinary people; only about 1 percent disobeys the law," Šedo says. "Like the majority of motorcycle clubs, law enforcement clubs proudly declare a 99 percent philosophy."

The Hells Angels are probably the best-known example of a club falling into the 1 percent category. But even the Black Dogs have some sympathy for the most controversial of their biker brothers.

Biker unity

"In every club, there can be a black sheep. However, this does not entitle us to judge the whole club," says "Ada," the Black Dogs' sergeant at arms. All bikers, regardless of club, live by the same seven-page protocol, which spells out ethical rules and emphasizes that the biker club is a sort of second family.

"The admissions procedure for new members takes a long time, and no one has a certainty of being accepted," Šedo says. "Only the deserving are accepted; only the most fitting people are taken on board. Hence, there is time to create strong bonds among members."

The Black Dogs, which originated with six members, now have three chapters based in Prague, Zlín and Chrudim and membership composed of firemen, policemen, doctors, judges and soldiers who have served in Afghanistan and Kosovo. In short, members are fully capable of protecting themselves and others.

The entire club meets to organize long-distance rides or ceremonies for knighting new members. Apart from club activities, the Black Dogs also engage in charity work, supporting among other things "Miss Deaf World," a beauty pageant held annually in the Czech Republic.

"We love people who fight with their limitations, so we supported the contestants as patrons," Šedo says. "We transported them on our bikes around Prague in style, and we arranged prizes for the winner and runner-up."

In 2009, the Black Dogs co-organized a fundraiser with Harley Davidson for children suffering from muscular dystrophy.

"Part of our duty was, for example, to take care of the organization and safety of a motorcycle rally," Šedo says. "Those attending paid a participation fee, all of which then went to the cause. We not only raised money, but also awareness."

The Black Dogs also financially sponsor and participate in events held at children's homes as part of their Bikers for Children campaign, promote road safety and run seminars on the dangers of drug use.

Of course, the Black Dogs also ride for fun, and they meet for rallies and trips both foreign and domestic. The group regularly meets with brother clubs such as the Military Veterans Motorcycle Club from Sweden or the Hired Guns Motorcycle Club from Italy.

"There is a biker's proverb: Distance is nothing for brothers," says "Biker," the Black Dogs' road captain.

Klára Šeďová can be reached at
features@praguepost.com