Book SummaryThe Ride of My Life, by Justin Mooch DeLoretto

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Ride of My Life

The writer's formative years were marked by participation in aggressive behavior and affiliations with criminal groups.

The author's early years were characterized by a tumultuous time surrounded by a close-knit Italian family, where he often found himself in conflict and became linked with street gangs, specifically the groups referred to as the Rose City Bovver Boys and the Capital City Hooligans.

DeLoretto recounts experiences from his youth, which was a blend of affection and turmoil. He emphasizes the steadfast backing of his close-knit Italian family, marked by frequent familial gatherings and abundant affection, and he acknowledges his natural inclination for audacious acts and a tendency to engage in physical altercations. In his quest for belonging and identity, coupled with a predisposition for aggressive behavior, Justin DeLoretto ultimately became involved with groups infamous for their involvement in criminal activities on the streets.

The author and his twin were recognized for their competitive spirit from a young age, frequently clashing and becoming known as the troublesome pair at their educational institution.

The author recounts an incident from his early years where his twin, Jeremy, hit another child, driven by curiosity about the noise commonly featured in television programs. DeLoretto, intent on rising to the occasion, often displayed a competitive spirit that manifested itself through acts of physical aggression. His desire for competition and to establish a distinct presence in the expansive world led to his recognition for his pugnacious spirit. Throughout his educational journey, he faced numerous suspensions which led to him being barred from school for an entire semester due to several conflicts, highlighting the entrenched nature of his combative tendencies in his early years.

Context

• During childhood, competition can be a natural part of development, helping children learn about winning, losing, and social interactions, but it can also lead to conflicts if not managed properly.
• Such behavior likely required frequent meetings with parents and teachers, possibly leading to interventions or strategies to manage their behavior.
• Exposure to aggressive or violent content on television can desensitize children to violence, making them more likely to replicate such behaviors without understanding the harm they can cause.
• Peer groups can reinforce aggressive behavior, especially if such actions are seen as a way to gain status or respect among peers.
• Schools that emphasize competitive success, such as through sports or academic rankings, might inadvertently encourage students to adopt a competitive mindset.
• Being recognized for a pugnacious spirit can affect social relationships, as it may lead to conflicts or difficulties in forming cooperative interactions with peers.
• Studies have shown that...

The Ride of My Life Summary The author recounts his tenure at the helm of the Mongols Motorcycle Club and details the interactions with the authorities that culminated in his incarceration.

The author's path led him from connections with city gangs to his integration into the motorcycle club culture, where he first joined the Outsiders MC and later advanced to the Mongols.

DeLoretto's attraction to motorcycle clubs evolved naturally, driven by his profound fascination with the biker way of life and his quest to find belonging after becoming disenchanted with the Rose City Bovver Boys. He initially joined the Outsiders Motorcycle Club in Portland, known for its distinct standing, but at that time, the club had not yet been labeled as part of the notorious group known as "outlaw motorcycle gangs," and throughout his tenure, he endured a rigorous initiation, proving his commitment to the club's hierarchical system. Nevertheless, enticed by the prospect of a more thrilling journey and attracted to the infamous status associated with the Mongols, he eventually chose to pursue joining the more formidable club, an opportunity that arose through Coconut Dan, who was later unmasked as a pivotal informant in a significant federal probe.

The author assumed leadership positions within the organization, contributing to its growth across different territories and...

The Ride of My Life Summary 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...

The Ride of My Life Summary 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...