Hell’s Angel, Business Owner and Candidate for Washoe District 3

This article is a profile of Troy Regas, a prominent figure in Northern Nevada, known for his life as a Hell’s Angel, a brothel manager, a business owner, and an emerging political candidate.

Troy Regas is a prominent figure in Northern Nevada, known for his multifaceted life as a Hell’s Angel, a brothel manager, a business owner, and an emerging political candidate for Washoe County District 3 commissioner. His journey from incarceration to becoming a respected community leader encapsulates a unique blend of rebellion, resilience, and dedication to his roots.

In this article, I delve into Troy’s story, exploring how he has impacted motorcycle culture, fought legal battles, and now aims to serve his community as a Washoe County District 3 commissioner. I have met Troy, and I got the details from this video interview. I will follow up with an article on his political platform for Washoe.

You can listen to Troy tell his story in The 4th Street Live Podcast Episode 24 | Troy Regas – Hells Angel, Business Owner, Future Commissioner.

The Early Years and Motorcycle Club Beginnings

Meeting Hell’s Angels in Prison

Troy says that his first encounter with Hell’s Angels was inside a federal prison, a setting that revealed the respect and influence the club commanded even behind bars. Despite being a motorcycle rider, Troy had no connection to any clubs until this point. The admiration he felt upon witnessing the respect a single Hell’s Angel commanded among thousands of inmates sparked his interest in joining the club culture.

Formation of the Reno Renegades

While Troy was incarcerated, he says that his brother-in-law, David Burgess, and brother, Sohn Regas, began associating with the Oakland chapter of Hell’s Angels. They were tasked with starting a new club in Reno, which led to the creation of the Reno Renegades around 1986. Upon release, Troy joined as a prospect and quickly became treasurer, advancing the club’s initiatives, including the now-famous Cat House Poker Run.

The Cat House Poker Run: Brothels and Bikers

Origins of the Poker Run

Advertising for brothels was illegal outside Story County. Troy, who was managing the Old Bridge Ranch brothel, devised the Cat House Poker Run to attract visitors without violating advertising laws. The event drew nearly 1,800 participants in its first year, successfully opening the community’s eyes to the brothel culture and fostering a new, positive form of biker engagement. The poker run became a celebrated annual event, running for over 28 years. It symbolizes Troy’s ability to merge business acumen with biker culture, helping to shape Northern Nevada’s social landscape.

Overcoming Legal Challenges and Parole Struggles

Federal Conviction & RICO Charges

Troy was convicted at age 23 for conspiracy to sell cocaine, carrying a sentence that extended into parole. Despite maintaining a legitimate business and family responsibilities upon release, he says that he faced constant violations from parole agents, including restrictions on associating with motorcycle clubs and even on legally purchasing property.

The Battle Over the Clubhouse

Troy purchased the club’s first official clubhouse through a bankruptcy court, outbidding others despite opposition by prosecutors due to his felony status. This legal victory was short-lived, as he says that parole officers attempted to penalize him for merely owning the property and for the associations depicted in photographs. His resilience through these court hearings reflected his refusal to surrender his rights.

Parole Violations and Resistance

Throughout his parole, Troy says that he was repeatedly violated for associating with club members or sending correspondence, which agents mischaracterized as gang affiliation. He vigorously fought these violations, winning a landmark case that condemned the parole department’s overreach and secured his right to maintain these associations.

Fight for Freedom of Expression & Community Respect

The Famous Hell’s Angels Sign

A significant episode in Troy’s story involves the iconic Hell’s Angels sign displayed at the clubhouse. Initially intended for the Redwood Run, the sign was red-tagged by local authorities, sparking a legal battle that Troy and the club ultimately won under First Amendment protections. Despite ongoing federal pressure to remove the sign, it remains a symbol of the club’s perseverance and presence in Northern Nevada.

Dispelling Misconceptions About Motorcycle Clubs

Troy says that motorcycle clubs like the Hell’s Angels are often misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, these clubs promote respect, honesty, and accountability among members. He shared that the club’s culture fosters brotherhood and straight talk, with disputes handled directly and honorably.

Cultural Roots of the Hells Angels

The Hell’s Angels’ emblem and symbols stem from World War II veterans who got them as trophies against the Nazis, not as endorsements of racism or hate. Troy explained how these origins are often misconstrued, leading to unfair stigma against clubs and their members.

Community Engagement and Political Aspirations

Deep Northern Nevada Roots

Troy’s family has deep historical ties to Northern Nevada, including businesses such as wholesale flower shops and motels along Highway 40, before freeway construction changed the town’s landscape. Troy says that this legacy grounds his commitment to serving the community beyond the biker world.

The Road to County Commissioner

Currently, Troy is running for Washoe County Commissioner, District 3. His decision stems from what he says is frustration with local government spending and mismanagement, including the controversial “Moon Rocks” project, which wasted millions of dollars. He aims to bring accountability, fiscal responsibility, and a fresh perspective to the county board.

Advocacy and Local Charity Support

Troy’s involvement extends to supporting local charities, such as the Reno Toy Run, which faced political opposition due to misconceptions about motorcycle clubs. He actively challenges these narratives to highlight the positive impact of clubs on community welfare.

Mental Health, Addiction, and Personal Growth

Struggles with Addiction and Recovery

Troy candidly shared his personal battles and how he overcame homelessness, describing it as a “spiritual deficiency.” He credits his recovery to mental health treatment and sobriety, saying that jail and hospitals alone were not enough to change his path.

The Importance of Compassion and Tough Love

While Troy expresses compassion for those struggling, he also believes that some are content with their circumstances, which makes recovery difficult. His lived experience offers insight into the complex balance between empathy and accountability in addressing addiction.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Leadership

From talking with him and watching the video, I learned that Troy Regas’s story is one of transformation, courage, and commitment to his values and community. From prison to businessman, from outlaw biker to potential public servant, Troy embodies the spirit of Northern Nevada’s culture. His leadership in the motorcycle community, combined with his business success and political ambitions, positions him as a unique voice for change and unity. It will be interesting to see how the campaign unfolds.