Taco smokes on the deck of a local bar in Batesville, Miss. Shot June 20, 2013. (Photo/Katie Williamson)
The ear-piercing roar of the Harley echoed throughout the neighborhood. Taco is coming home from work. As he pulled into the driveway, the sound of gravel popping under the wheels and joined the Harley chorus.
After a long day, he walked up to the front of the house with bowed legs as if he was a cowboy meandering in after a long cattle drive. Angie was on the porch waiting for him. Dinner was almost ready, but Taco’s main concern was grabbing a bottle of Budlight and smoking a cigarette.
Taco’s given name is Gary Roberts, but no one calls him that because he says it’s too dorky. He was given the nickname Taco at a young age because he’s from Taccopola, Mississippi and Taco from Taccopola had a nice ring to it.
He’s a biker with sun-damaged arms covered in tattoos. His wardrobe consists of blue jeans, sleeveless Harley shirts and bandannas that cover his bald spot. When he rides, he is expected to wear the leather vest with his club patches.
There is a general public and there are bikers explained Taco. “They look at you and they think, ‘Yeah whatever, that’s a biker. ‘ I love it. I love that feeling. People look at me and go, ‘Oh shit, it’s one of them guys.’”
He may enjoy the stereotype but Taco’s gruff appearance is softened by his mild-mannered personality. His club is less about intimidating the public and more about brotherhood, riding motorcycles and raising money for charities.
“You got bikers and you got people who ride bikes, two completely different people,” explained Taco. “I can’t put my finger on what makes you a biker, it comes from something bred into you or your search for freedom or the open road. It’s an awesome feeling whatever it is. I don’t know anything else, I don’t what to know anything else. It’s just the way I am..”
Taco and Angie’s home in Batesville reflect the biker lifestyle. Harley décor and biker memorabilia are scattered across every room. Even their yappy, chubby Chiwawa is named Harley.
Taco has been riding since he was a small child. His first ride was the beginning of his new life.
“I was at least 4. It was just hold on and hope you made it, you know,” said Taco. “We just went down the road a couple miles and turned around and come back but I’ll never forget it, the thrill of the day.”
Two years ago Taco suffered a stroke that severely hindered his biker lifestyle. It slowed him down. The drinking, rough housing and spontaneity no longer defined him. The stroke left him with a sense of his own mortality. He said he’s lucky to be alive.
“You can’t stay at the party forever. It’s changed my attitude a little bit. It made me realize I ain’t bullet-proof and immortal, which at one point I thought I was,” he said.
Neither Taco nor Angie are in denial about the dangers of riding. The pictures of fallen brothers around their house are constant reminders. Losing a brother is losing a family member. Talking about their friends is the only time Taco’s voice cracks. The pain of every funeral hurts him.
“They were true brothers,” said Taco. “Died living the life they loved. I know that’s what they’re doing now, somewhere. They’re riding free. It’s all good. I’ll stop riding when I die.”
Since Taco has settled down, he found the love of his life, Angie. Although they met 15 years ago, they never thought about each other in a romantic way. Taco would see her working in a biker bar in Batesville. They’d run into each other with nothing more than a “how ya doin” or a “good to see you.” It wasn’t until years later that they started a romantic relationship.
“I walked into the restaurant here in town one night and there she was,” said Taco. “She was working there part time. Next thing you know we’re going out and we’re still going out. I hope we do for the rest of my life.”
Taco fell hard for Angie. The two have been together for five years. Both have been married and divorced twice and they have no intention of walking down the aisle again. They are content spending the rest of their lives together as is.
“Angie’s the greatest person I have ever met, she really is,” said Taco. “I don’t deserve her. I really don’t. She’s wonderful. I can’t explain it.”
After dinner they sit on the front porch, swatting flies and watching the sunset. Angie talks about work, family and the latest gossip about the neighbors, while Taco sips his beer and soaks up every word.
