PDF Summary:The Ride of My Life, by Justin Mooch DeLoretto

From a tumultuous youth filled with street gangs and legal troubles, Justin Mooch DeLoretto emerged with a transformed perspective. In The Ride of My Life, DeLoretto recounts his journey — his involvement with groups like the Rose City Bovver Boys and the Mongols Motorcycle Club, his subsequent arrests and incarcerations, and ultimately, his educational path and career in community support services.

DeLoretto's narrative reflects his personal growth as he moves away from a life of criminal associations. It explores how his experiences shaped his goal of helping youths and families break cycles of dysfunction. Ultimately, DeLoretto provides insight into leaving behind the Mongols to focus on personal fulfillment and establish the wellness-oriented community, Lift Train Ride.

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After his sentencing and subsequent probation, DeLoretto found that his existence became increasingly intertwined with the judicial system, which explicitly prohibited him from fraternizing with members of motorcycle groups. His ongoing association with notorious motorcycle clubs resulted in multiple short-term imprisonments due to his consistent violations of probation conditions. His increasing disillusionment arose from observing a judicial system that perpetually ensnared those with previous convictions in a relentless loop of incarceration, even when they strove to change their ways. This perception would later inform his passion for social work, particularly in advocating for individuals ensnared within the system.

Practical Tips

• Develop a personal code of conduct that outlines the types of individuals and groups you want to associate with. This code can serve as a guideline for making decisions about new relationships or evaluating current ones. For example, if you value honesty and integrity, you might decide to distance yourself from those who consistently demonstrate dishonest behavior.
• Create a personal "cause and effect" map to visualize the consequences of your associations. Draw a flowchart starting with your involvement in various groups and trace the outcomes, both positive and negative. This could reveal patterns, like joining a fitness group leading to improved health or a gaming community contributing to less time spent on other hobbies.
• Engage in a role-playing exercise where you simulate the experience of being barred from interacting with a particular social group. Reflect on the challenges and emotions that arise from this scenario. This can enhance empathy and understanding of the psychological impact such restrictions have on individuals.
• Start a blog or podcast discussing the intersection of social work and the justice system, focusing on personal stories and potential reforms. This platform allows you to explore the issues and solutions you're passionate about while educating and engaging others who might be interested in these topics.

The author's narrative mirrors his personal growth as he advances through academia and establishes a professional path in community assistance and social services.

The writer, unhappy with the direction taken by the Mongol, turned his focus to furthering his education and carving out a career in social services.

DeLoretto's experiences with the law and his growing disillusionment from observing the increasing chaos and political discord among the motorcycle club's members drove him to seek a different path. Inspired by a Mongols member's achievement of obtaining a doctorate in Psychology, he redoubled his commitment to academic pursuits, setting a distinct objective and approaching it with fresh enthusiasm. He initially chose to study counseling for substance abuse, considering it a practical career path for someone with a history of legal transgressions. His fascination with psychology led to the achievement of a graduate degree in the field of social welfare. Justin DeLoretto, often referred to as "Mooch," underwent a significant transformation in his aspirations, committing wholeheartedly to furthering his education and showing a strong resolve to make a beneficial impact on the community.

The author advanced his education by earning diplomas at the associate and graduate tiers, concentrating on social services.

DeLoretto's return to academia was not without its challenges. He began his educational pursuits at Chemeketa Community College located in Salem, which led to his exceptional scholastic achievements, characterized by almost flawless grades and membership in esteemed academic societies. He set his sights higher as his achievements grew, ultimately moving to the prestigious Whittier College, known for its exceptional psychology department, situated in the state of California. Despite encountering discrimination due to his inked skin and past legal encounters, he remained steadfast, thriving academically and fully engaging with the collegiate atmosphere that underscored the value of togetherness. He then transferred to George Fox University in Oregon, showcasing his dedication to education by completing his graduate studies with success.

Practical Tips

• Explore local community college offerings to identify courses related to social services that can enhance your understanding of the field. By enrolling in a class, you'll gain foundational knowledge that can inform your perspective on social issues and potentially inspire volunteer or career opportunities.
• Enhance your involvement in academic communities by starting a virtual study group. Use social media or community platforms to connect with peers interested in the same subjects. Schedule regular online meetings to discuss topics, share resources, and challenge each other with quizzes. This mimics the collaborative environment of esteemed academic societies and can lead to a deeper understanding of the material.
• Volunteer for psychology research studies at nearby universities to gain firsthand experience in the field. Many colleges look for volunteers to participate in studies, which can provide you with insight into psychological research methods and topics, and may also offer opportunities to network with professionals in the department.
• Volunteer to tutor or mentor someone who is facing similar obstacles, such as discrimination or a difficult past. By supporting others in their educational journey, you reinforce your own achievements and contribute to a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.
• Start a shared digital photo album for you and your peers to upload pictures from events, gatherings, or just everyday moments. This can foster a sense of shared experience and nostalgia, strengthening the bonds between you. It's like creating a collective memory bank that everyone contributes to and can reminisce over.
• Attend open houses or virtual information sessions hosted by universities to get a feel for their graduate programs. Many institutions offer these events to prospective students, giving you the chance to learn more about the curriculum, meet faculty members, and ask questions about the application process. Take notes during these sessions and follow up with any contacts you make for further discussion or clarification on the program details.

The author's transformation in values and priorities was evident in his dedication to guiding youth facing challenges and offering assistance to those who had suffered from domestic abuse.

DeLoretto's career in community service was marked by his evolving principles and commitment to addressing challenges he had personally faced. He derived great fulfillment from his role, particularly in assisting individuals from domestic abuse histories with traditional counseling techniques at a support center situated within Illinois. He noticed a significant change in several of his clients, crediting this to his personal experiences with aggression and understanding of hierarchical systems, with the goal of challenging conventional standards and promoting accountability. He subsequently concentrated on multisystemic therapy (MST), an all-encompassing approach addressing the root causes of juvenile delinquency that are susceptible to societal issues, thus aligning his work with his commitment to breaking cycles of social dysfunction.

Practical Tips

• Create a small scholarship fund or grant for youth in your community who are overcoming adversity. Even a modest financial contribution can make a significant difference in a young person's life, enabling them to pursue educational opportunities or extracurricular activities that might otherwise be inaccessible.
• Start a book club with a focus on understanding the trauma of domestic abuse and developing empathy. Choose literature that delves into the subject matter sensitively and facilitates discussions on how to recognize signs of abuse and ways to support survivors. This can help build a community of informed allies who can offer understanding and support.
• Start a gratitude journal focused on the aspects of your work or daily life that you find fulfilling. Keeping a gratitude journal can shift your focus to the positive and fulfilling aspects of your life. Each day, write down three things related to your job or daily activities that you are grateful for. This practice can help you recognize and appreciate the roles and tasks that contribute to your sense of fulfillment, potentially leading to a more satisfying life.
• Develop a self-care routine that includes activities specifically designed to rebuild self-esteem and reduce stress, such as mindfulness meditation, regular exercise, or engaging in a hobby that brings joy. For instance, you could schedule a daily 10-minute meditation focused on self-compassion or join a community sports league to foster both physical health and social connections.
• Practice assertive communication in low-stakes situations to build confidence without aggression by choosing scenarios where you normally would not speak up, like asking for a better table at a restaurant. This helps you learn to express your needs and opinions respectfully and effectively, which can be empowering and lead to positive changes in how you interact with others.
• Develop a personal scorecard with metrics that reflect your commitment to challenging norms and being accountable. This could include tracking the number of new ideas you've tried, the conversations you've initiated about unconventional approaches, or the personal goals you've set and achieved. Review and update your scorecard monthly to monitor your progress and set new targets.
• You can foster a supportive environment for at-risk youth by volunteering as a mentor in local community programs. By offering guidance and a stable relationship, you can help address some of the underlying social factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency. For example, spending a few hours a week with a young person, helping with homework, or simply listening to their concerns can make a significant difference in their lives.
• Create a personal rule to intervene in small ways when you witness social dysfunction in your daily life. This could be as simple as speaking up if you see someone being treated unfairly in public or offering support to someone who seems to be struggling. For instance, if you see someone being harassed or bullied, step in to offer assistance or report the incident to the appropriate authorities.

During this period, the writer's personal and romantic relationships evolved considerably, leading to his marriage and eventual exit from the Mongols.

DeLoretto's personal life also underwent significant transformation during this period. While pursuing his academic goals and embarking on a career in social work, he went through the end of his longstanding partnership with Amber, partly because they had different aspirations about having children. During this tumultuous emotional phase, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery and fleeting romantic engagements, culminating in the development of a deep bond with a woman named Ashley, who shared his zest for adventure and embraced his changing life ambitions. His choice to prioritize his bond, choosing affection and constancy over the allure linked with being part of a motorcycle gang, was influenced by their united backing and shared values, leading to his exit from the infamous group of bikers.

Practical Tips

• Experiment with different communication styles in your relationships to find what works best for you and your loved ones. For instance, if you typically avoid conflict, try addressing an issue head-on in a calm and constructive manner to see if it leads to a more satisfying resolution.
• Create a timeline of your life's key events and annotate it with the skills or lessons each one taught you. This can help you see a clear line of progression and causality in your personal development. If you learned time management from balancing school and work, or empathy from volunteering, these are the kinds of insights to include.
• Initiate a monthly "Dreams and Concerns" dinner date where you and your partner dedicate time to discuss one major life decision or aspiration per session. Start with the topic of children and expand to other areas in subsequent dates. This establishes a routine for open communication, ensuring that both partners' voices are heard and respected as you navigate through life's big decisions together.
• Create a 'challenge of the week' for yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Each week, choose a new activity that you wouldn't normally do, such as striking up a conversation with a stranger, trying a new hobby, or volunteering for a cause you care about. This will expose you to new experiences and insights about yourself, which can be powerful catalysts for self-discovery.
• Create a personal relationship roadmap that outlines what you're looking for in a long-term partner. Start by listing qualities that are important to you, such as shared values, interests, or life goals. Use this roadmap as a guide when entering new relationships to help you stay focused on what you truly want, potentially leading to more meaningful and lasting connections.
• Start a tradition of monthly "experience days" with someone you care about, where you take turns planning a day filled with activities that are new or meaningful to both of you. This practice can foster a deeper connection by creating shared memories and showing investment in the relationship.
• Create a vision board that reflects a wide range of life ambitions, not just your current ones. Include images and quotes that represent different interests and potential paths. Review and update this board monthly to visually adapt to your changing goals and to remind yourself that it's okay for your ambitions to evolve over time.
• Start a "Priority Journal" to track daily decisions and how they reflect your priorities. Each day, jot down key decisions you made and whom or what they involved. At the end of the week, review your entries to identify patterns – are your choices consistently favoring certain relationships or activities over others? This reflection can guide you to make more conscious decisions that align with your priorities.
• Reflect on your relationships to identify shared values that can strengthen bonds. Think about the people in your life and the values you share with them. Write these down and consider ways you can engage in activities that reflect these values together. For example, if you and a friend both value environmental conservation, you might start a small recycling project in your neighborhood.

The author decided to part ways with the Mongols, establishing a new collective while reflecting on his time spent as part of the Mongol organization.

After leaving the Mongol under difficult conditions, the author focused on nurturing Lift Train Ride, the organization he established.

DeLoretto's disenchantment grew as the internal structure of the club changed, resulting in less discipline and more disorder, prompting his departure while maintaining loyalty to former members who had become sidelined. DeLoretto bravely confronted the rising authority that risked undermining the status of the previously renowned chief, whom he believed was unjustly ousted, and due to his backing of his chapter's decision to keep connections with those marked as "out bad," he found himself ousted from the organization, which tarnished his reputation. During this compulsory period of solitude, which was not self-selected, he reached a pivotal moment where he concentrated on strengthening his relationships and commitment to serving the community, simultaneously maintaining fellowship by forming a new group known as Lift Train Ride.

The writer came to understand that the Lift Train Ride initiative maintained the valued camaraderie and solidarity he had known with the Mongols, and it also highlighted the importance of personal development and adopting a lifestyle focused on health.

DeLoretto, together with ex-members of the Mongols, founded Lift Train Ride, marking a shift away from the traditional values typically linked to the culture of motorcycle clubs. The collective focused on solidarity and shared objectives, such as regular gatherings, while shifting their focus toward personal growth, wellness, and providing positive input to society. DeLoretto's journey towards enhancing his physical and mental health involved engaging in strength training and fostering a robust community spirit characterized by mutual aid. Justin Mooch DeLoretto shaped his perspective on the movement through positive interactions within the Mongols, while consciously rejecting those elements he deemed detrimental to his happiness.

Context

• The initiative can be seen as part of a rehabilitation and reintegration effort for ex-members, providing a constructive outlet and a sense of purpose outside the motorcycle club lifestyle.
• Emphasizing health and wellness can include activities like group workouts, nutrition education, and mental health support, aiming to improve the overall well-being of members.
• Strength training is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental resilience. It can improve self-esteem, discipline, and focus, which are important aspects of personal development.
• Transitioning to a focus on health and fitness can represent a significant lifestyle change, often requiring adjustments in diet, daily routines, and time management to accommodate regular exercise.
• The group could have engaged in fundraising or volunteer work to support local charities or causes, contributing to societal welfare.
• The shift from traditional club activities to initiatives like Lift Train Ride reflects a broader trend of personal transformation and the pursuit of healthier lifestyles.
• By rejecting detrimental elements, DeLoretto likely aimed to avoid the legal troubles and social stigma that can accompany involvement in certain motorcycle club activities.

The writer contemplates the good and bad experiences from his tenure with the Mongols, appreciating the insights gained but also recognizing that the group's evolution took a path that diverged from his values.

DeLoretto reflects on the complex effects that his ten-year involvement with a well-known biker organization has had on his life, acknowledging how it shaped him even as the group's path shifted away from his personal values. He is thankful for the chance to build enduring bonds, experience exciting escapades, and gain a profound insight into the strength found in fidelity, respect, and the solidarity of close-knit companions. He also acknowledges the organization's obscure elements, marked by hostility and the morally questionable actions of certain members, which he became more aware of due to the prevalent employment of paid informants and questionable tactics by law enforcement. Ultimately, he recognizes that the group's descent into disorder and disorganization, fueled by the incorporation of recruits with scant regard for the foundational values, played a major role in his choice to step down from his role.

Context

• Involvement in these organizations can offer a sense of identity and belonging, but also expose members to legal and ethical challenges.
• The experience can highlight the contrast between personal values and group norms, prompting reflection on ethical boundaries and personal integrity.
• As society evolves, so do the subcultures within it. Changes in societal attitudes towards crime, violence, and community can influence the internal culture of groups like the Mongols, potentially leading to a divergence from traditional values.
• The sense of brotherhood in such groups can lead to unique and intense experiences, as members rely on each other for support and protection, often leading to deep bonds formed through shared adventures.
• Solidarity in this context means a strong sense of unity and mutual support among members, often manifesting in collective action and shared experiences that reinforce the group's cohesion and identity.
• Within these organizations, there can be power struggles and disagreements over leadership and direction, which may contribute to an atmosphere of hostility.
• Some members of biker gangs have been involved in activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and violence, which are illegal and considered unethical by broader societal standards.
• The reliance on informants and controversial tactics raises ethical questions about the balance between effective law enforcement and the protection of individual rights. Critics argue that these practices can lead to abuses of power and wrongful convictions.
• Ineffective communication channels within the group can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of coordinated efforts, contributing to disorder.
• The presence of law enforcement scrutiny can intensify internal issues, as groups may become more secretive or defensive, further complicating the integration of new members who do not share the same values.
• As organizations grow or change, they may experience shifts in leadership and values, which can lead to instability and a departure from original principles.

The author is proud of the positive impact he believes he has made on the Mongols, particularly in promoting a culture that emphasizes accountability, responsibility, and balancing club participation with personal life.

During his tenure at the helm of the Mongols, DeLoretto takes pride in the constructive influence he exerted by nurturing an environment that emphasized accountability, responsibility, and the balance between collective responsibilities of the club and personal commitments. He implemented stricter rules regarding drug use, employment, and behavior in shared areas to enhance the club's image and tackle the widespread myths associated with outlaw bikers. He further promoted the principles of respect for newcomers and allies, thereby fostering a deep connection and mutual ties within the motorcycle club's community. Ultimately, he believes his efforts created a more positive and sustainable model, even though subsequent leadership chose to dismantle those systems. He views his role in the Mongols as essential for promoting a culture that emphasizes solidarity and loyalty, as well as personal integrity and accountability.

Context

• The Mongols Motorcycle Club is an outlaw motorcycle gang known for its involvement in criminal activities, which often leads to a negative public perception. Efforts to promote accountability and responsibility within such a group can be challenging due to its established culture and reputation.
• By addressing these issues, DeLoretto aimed to shift the narrative around the club from one of lawlessness to one of structured community involvement, which can help in building alliances and gaining public support.
• Allies can include other motorcycle clubs or community groups. Building respectful relationships with allies can lead to strategic partnerships, mutual support, and a stronger network, which is vital for the club's influence and survival.
• The concept of sustainability in this context likely refers to the long-term viability of the club's operations and reputation, ensuring that it can continue to exist without constant legal or social conflicts.
• Leading a motorcycle club involves navigating complex social dynamics and external pressures, requiring a leader to implement changes that align with both the club's values and societal expectations.