Inspired by Heroes

The last few weeks in history will forever be stained by tragedy.  The horrific events of the past week will live within us for a long time to come, however in the wake of this tragedy some real heroes have made themselves known.  Today in Myths, Legends & Tales we're going to highlight some of the Heroes who live among us each and every day.  Today, we will give them thanks.

Patriot Guard Riders, who in the wake of the school shootings came from miles around to blockade the Westboro Baptist Church.  More than 100 riders from New York and Massachusetts, organized by the anti-Westboro group Patriot Guard Riders, were also in Connecticut on Wednesday to show their support, Patch reported. The lined the streets arm in arm.

"All these guys see us and think we’re bad. We’re not. It’s solidarity, is what it is,” New York native Jim Hannigan told Newtown Patch. “I just felt I had to be here.”
Source and Photo by Newton Patch.

NYPD Officer Larry DePrimo who bought boots for a homeless man on a cold night.  He took the time to put the socks and boots on the mans feet and offer him food as well.  The homeless man refused the food but thanked the officer for the boots.

When interviewed DePrimo said he kept the receipt for the boots to remind himself that no matter how hard it gets, some people have it worse.  It's important to realize just how well you have it in life sometimes.  

Our hats off to DePrimo and the many unspoken heroes just like him.

Victoria "Vicki" Soto who during the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School rescued her students from the gunmen by herding her students to safety and denying that they were in class. Her actions that day may have saved twenty more children but cost her her life.  The world is not quite as rich a place when people like this pass.  We hope she may rest in peace and know that we admire her actions and strength in the face of terror.

Honor Them Organization posts about and for our troops every day.  They are a vigilant reminder of everything we pay as a country for our freedoms.  I have been inspired by their efforts to remind us of the real tragedy's of war and the more real freedom we are allowed to live with because of our troops actions and heroics.

Susana Trimarco had no intentions of being a hero. But that’s how heroes are born. Through the tragedy of her missing daughter, Trimarco has rescued hundreds of missing sex slaves in the pursuit of locating her child.

And of course each and every person in this video who helped saved Brandon Wright's life the day his motorcycle was struck by a BMW. 

VIDEO

Brandon survived and recovered, but without the valiant efforts of these brave people he may not have been so fortunate.

There are so many more heroes who deserve our thanks and we wish to praise them as well.  This is to the unsung champions among us.  To all those who stood up for what was right, despite the consequences   To any and all who go forth every day and make the world a better place.  To those who foster kindness, hope, friendship and courage.  To everyone we missed and all those to come, thank you.  The world is a brighter place for having you in it.  God bless.

If you know any Heroes, personally or otherwise that should be featured in our blog and recognized for their efforts, actions and bravery please email us and we will gladly share their stories on Myths, Legends and Tales.  MythsLegendsTales@gmail.com

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The Salt Witch of Mono Lake

Mono Lake Outpost, early 1900's

I've spent the better part of a day searching for some solid Myths that I can look out for on my ride to Bishop this weekend.  I finally found the one that I think has a lot of potential.  The Salt Witch, who roams the areas around Mono lake and has reportedly been seen at the far ends of Mono County.  Join me as I explore the Mono Lake Salt Witch in this weeks Myths, Legends and Tales from the road!

The native people, who inhabited the area around the lake, often shared a story of an old wise woman. When exiled from her people, she made her home around the salty lake.  She did not speak the language of the Indian people but she seemed to understand them well enough to trade food and items as well as general information.  She had a reputation as a worthy hunter, gardener, tanner and most famously her dried meats knew no equal.  She fostered a relationship with the native peoples for years and they came to respect her knowledge of the land and ability to survive comfortably.

Somewhere in the mid 1800's a group of trappers found themselves stuck very near the basin one winter.  They were headed west and had furs, dried meats and much more to trade with the peoples of the valley for supplies and anything else they may need or want to live out the winter in the hostile area.  They camped very near the Old Wise Woman and it is said that in the first night the trappers came, the Indians could hear screams from across the water near where they had camped.  In the early morning the Indians seeing a very large fire upon the lake set out to discover what it could be.

Mono Lake Kutzadika tribe photo

When they arrived at the trappers camp they found all the trappers dead or dying from a mysterious sickness.  The sickness seemed to dry them out and give them a thirst that no water could quench.  The few dead men lay near the edge of the lake having slurped up as much of the salty brine as they could manage before life left them.

The Indians carried the last two living men to the hut of the old wise woman thinking that she could help. Her home had been pillaged in the night and what remained left the tribes men haunted.  It barely resembled a shelter at all.  The floor and walls were stained with splatters of blood and the littered reminisce of the old woman's belongings.  The Indians not knowing the horrid details of what must have passed in the night left the last two men to choke to death by the woman's shelter.

One brave Indian swam in the freezing waters of the lake to examine the fire that had burned down off shore some distance. He hoped that he would find the wise woman and that his people could care for her until she was able to return to her home.  The raft had been piled high with wood and set on fire late in the night and little remained, save for the salt soaked timbers which rested in the water.

The Indians still share stories of those who come to the lake with malice in their hearts never being able to leave.  It is said that if you are in need of help there will sometimes appear an old woman with intimate knowledge of the area who guides people to their destinations or helps them with their problems.   However if you pass through the valley carrying guilt or hostility in your heart she appears to summon you to the lake and fill your lungs with the salt alkali of Mono and let you dry out on a hidden shore very near the place that she lived so long ago.

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Modern Sightings:
It is said that early in 1940's a robber turned murderer in his last job left LA seeking to escape his crimes.  The police learned his location to be Reno and began an investigation into his whereabouts.  They found nothing for months until one day a scientist discovered a body near the lake which an autopsy found the cause of death to be asphyxiation.  The mans lungs had been completely filled with fine silica powder.

Mono Lake, Salt Pillars. (Naturally form
from Mono's unusually high salt levels.

A group of high school children on a field trip visiting the lake became separated into several groups.  One group went missing for almost four hours only to return with rock, plant and water samples that were used for years to come in helping scientists determine the history, chemical composition and habitat of the lake area.  The children all said that one of the older rangers had taken them on a nature trail to a little crater where they found everything they had gathered.  All of the rangers at the time were known to be with other groups and well accounted for.

In the late 60's a man and woman's bodies where recovered just off the highway with no transportation anywhere near by.  After some investigation it was discovered that though they appeared to be married it was no to one another.  When their families where contacted and came in the mystery couples partners met after years having not seen each other.  They had been high school sweethearts and even in the wake of the devastating news they came to be close friends once again.  They were married eight months later and are still together to this day.

Mono South Shoreline

Other various sighting include people seeing an old woman crawling out of the lake and shaking off the water from her body only to be seen briefly wearing clothing suddenly before vanishing as if she was never there.  Others say that the Salt Witch walks across the waters of the lake wreathed in flame and wearing a fine crystalline dress.  It seems that the witch will only ever present herself to help or harm but she's become infamous.

I'm excited to make a brief stop by the lake to see if I can spot her.  Maybe she'll lead me to my next bike or leave me drown in salt along the shoreline.  Either way it is a very compelling story and I am excited to have the chance to witness some aspect of it myself.

If you know any other Myths, Legends or Tales I should explore on my trip please write in.  Mythslegendstales@gmail.com, there are some interesting stories about the Laws Museum as well.  Perhaps I'll have a real story to share when I come back after Christmas.

Read more about Mono Lake: HERE!
Read more about the Indians of Mono Lake: HERE!
Visit our Sponsor Long Ride Shields: HERE!

The Patron Saint of Motorcylists - HOLY MOLEY

Did you know that there was a Patron Saint of Motorcyclists????

The Patron Saint Of Motorcycling

The Vatican has officially endorsed an early Irish saint, Columbanus of Bobbio, as the patron saint of motorcyclists. He was born on the Carlow/Wicklow border in the year 543 ad, and died at the monastery he founded in Bobbio, in what is now Northern Italy in 615 AD, after many years of traveling around Europe. His bones still lie interred in his church there.
A handsome rugged kind of chap, he left Ireland to escape the clutches of lascivious women who were irresistibly attracted to him. According to the biography of his life written by Jonas, one of the many miracles attributed to him involved the multiplication of bread and beer, as follows:
"A while after, Columban went to the monastery of Fontaines and found sixty brethren hoeing the ground and preparing the fields for the future crop. When he saw them breaking up the clods with great labor, he said, "May the Lord prepare for you a feast, my brethren." Hearing this the attendant said, "Father, believe me, we have only two loaves and a very little beer." Columban answered, "Go and bring those." The attendant went quickly and brought the two loaves and a little beer. Columban, raising his eyes to heaven, said, "Christ Jesus, only hope of the world, do Thou, who from five loaves satisfied five thousand men in the wilderness, multiply these loaves and this drink." Wonderful faith! All were satisfied and each one drank as much as he wished. The servant carried back twice as much in fragments and twice the amount of drink. And so he knew that faith is more deserving of the divine gifts than despair, which is wont to diminish even what one has."

His Feast day is the 23rd November 

Avoid Winters Bite!

I’m more hard core than most, however as I get older I find that the comforts of my cage are really appealing, especially in the winter months. Weeks ago I agreed to visit the in laws for christmas this year. Due to an unfortunate series of events my cage will be in the shop for the week prior to Christmas, when I planned to take my trip. This means it’s time to get my hard core gear together and man up. But not in an incredibly stupid way either. On December 21st I will be riding from Reno, NV to Bishop, CA through the Sierra’s. I plan on there being disagreeable weather. This is the outline of the prep work and route I plan on taking to get there.



View Larger Map

Firstly I checked the weather, but over the weeks I’ve checked it it’s changed from day to day. I figure even on a nice day it will be somewhere between 15 - 45 degrees. From this I determine my riding gear. For the ride I will be wearing the following:
Under Armor Long John pants & socks
Under Armor long sleeve shirt

Wool Socks
Work Boots
Carhartt Work Pants
Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Long Sleeve Long John Shirt
Wool Jacket
Facemask
Wool cap
two pair of gloves, one insulating cotton, one wool mittens.

This allows me to strip off layers if I find that I am overheating and allows me to put on more layers in the event that it is incredibly cold.

Besides that which I have listed above I will be packing some gear which I find to be necessity.
I will break up this gear into categories for convenience. The first category is gear that I pack year round, no matter the weather or temperature and conditions. The second is gear I will pack solely for the more hostile conditions.




Always Gear:

First Aid Kit - Includes almost anything and everything I would need in the event that I crash. However it also includes lip balm, sun screen, band-aids, neosporin and aspirin. Which I find crucial on any road trip. Sometimes the little comforts can prevent huge discomforts.

Space Blanket - Another survival item that takes little to no space which I would much rather have than not have.

A change of clothes kept in a watertight bag. Typically these aren’t fancy. For me they are just another set of dry long johns, sox, and a hat. I also pack a hooded windbreaker that folds up very tightly. When I have had reason to use these I’ve been thankful they’re there. In every case so far it’s been in the middle of summer on some trip or another where I overextended myself or gotten a little off the beaten path. It’s worth noting that when you pack these don’t plan on using them much and make sure when you put them in the bag they are completely dry. Nothing is worse than mildew ruining a perfectly good set of survival clothes.

Emergency Food Kit- For me this includes a small thing of peanut butter, a tiger bar or two, a bottle of water, high-calorie drink mix and a small bag of dried fruit or nuts. Everything in this pack should be replaced every 6 months or so because while it should last until the end of time, it doesn’t necessarily.

Pancho
Matches
Steel Wool
9v Battery
Flashlight (double check the batteries and it’s always good to have an extra set.)
Reflective Vest

For the rest of my gear I’ve saved some room for just a few items that I might want.
Wool blanket, Change of undergarments, a bivy sack and -15 degree sleeping bag, 10’x10’ tarp (typically in my bags no matter the weather), heavy water proof jacket and pants.

All the other fun stuff I’ll want my wife will be taking down a few days prior in her cage. It’s also important to let someone know when you’ll be leaving and when you expect to arrive and tell them to come rescue you if you haven’t checked in within 10 hours of your estimated arrival or notified them otherwise. This way in the worst scenario you will only be stranded and cold for 10-15 hours if nature plots against you. You should also let them know which route you will take to get to your destination and be ready to ride the route you planned.

During the winter this is especially important because engine problems, weather and any other situation that can keep you off the road could mean serious trouble. Especially on a lonely stretch of highway or in the back country some place.

All things considered be safe and know the conditions of the roads before you go. Pack accordingly and know when better safe than sorry and be willing to shack up a night along the way after you check in to keep from a fatal accident.

If you know any must see stops along 395 from Reno to Bishop I’d love to hear them and add them to my route. Keep in mind that snow could be an issue. In my next blog I’ll take a look at some of the places along the route that I’ve been or places I would like to see.

E-mail me at mythslegendstales@gmail.com to point out anything I’ve missed or anything I need to visit on my trip.

Thank you in advance!

Bikesmas!

A BIKER CHRISTMAS STORY

'Twas the night before Christmas, And not until Spring,
Would an engine be running, not even a Wing.
The bikes are all sleeping, They're covered and warm
Batteries are tended, nylon covers their form.

My Bros were all nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of new chrome danced in their heads.
And I in my doo-rag, bike jacket and boots,
Out shoveling snow, and dreaming of scoots.

Then from the horizon there came such a clatter,
My shovel I dropped, what could be the matter?
Away up the hill, I slogged through the snow,
Looked up at the sky; where'd all that noise go?

A throb from the heavens like straight pipes so hearty,
Gave Summers' good thoughts, a loud bikers' party.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a Hog Ultra Classic, Red trailer in rear.

With a little old rider, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than Crotchies his Ultra came on,
And he whistled, and shouted, and sang out this song;

"Now, Harley! Now, Big Dog! On Honda and Beamer!
Now Vulcan! Now Injun! On Vict'ry and Trumpet!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now RIDE away! RIDE away! RIDE away all!"

As small bikes that from the semis do fly,
When they meet with the air blast, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top that Ultra it flew,
With a trailer of goodies, and ole' St. Nick too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof,
The rumble and thunder of pipes that gave proof.
I ran to the house, boots thumping around,
And in came St. Nick all bearded and round.

Dressed all in black leather, from do-rag to boot,
His chaps were all tarnished with road grime and soot.
A T-bag of goodies he'd flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His shades -- how they twinkled! his do-rag how scary!
With chains intertwined, through skulls that were cherry!
His droll little mouth had done many a row,
So the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
The smoke had a strange smell; it gave him relief!
He had a broad face and a large fat beer belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was tattooed and plump, a right jolly old rider,
So I offered a cold Bud, thought what could be righter?
A wink of his eye as he downed that cold beer,
Gave me to know I had nothing to fear.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to my ride,
And fixed it with Chrome, Horsepower and Pride!
And giving the peace sign with bikers' good cheer,
Took off for his Ultra rumbling near.

He sprang on the saddle, his gloves on the bars,
A wheelie he threw then off towards the stars!
I heard him exclaim, as my chest swelled with pride...
Merry Christmas to all, And to all a good ride!





Dee Whitehead

Story courtesy of Vietnam Veteran Riders of NC - Find there site HERE!

Who Works Here Anyway - James Ferlingere

Hi everyone. My name is James Ferlingere. Don’t worry, no one can pronounce my last name. I was born and raised is Kansas City Missouri. I moved to Reno back in ’91 when I was 18. I have grown to love Reno, and what it has to offer.

I am married to my best friend, Kim. We have two girls. Samantha is 19, and Morgen is 13. And then there’s Sadie, our beloved dog, who is 14 years old! We truly are blessed.

My hobbies mostly are riding. I ride every day, and usually most of the winter. At least I try. I love brewing my own beer, and just being with my family.

I came into LRS over 3 years ago and haven’t looked back. After getting caught up in the easy cash of bar tending for over 10 years, I finally escaped. I looked around for what experience I did have prior to bar tending That experience was wrenching on cars and bikes, and warehouse shipping and receiving work.

I found Quality Plastics and started working as their shipping and receiving clerk. I caught on quick. Because I rode a motorcycle to work every day, and my great organization and people skills, Matt noticed me right away and asked me to join the LRS team. That was a no-brainer, as I love anything with motorcycles. Since then, I’ve been made Sales Manager and have many duties to attend to daily. I’m usually the one you talk to when you call with a question, or to place an order. I am also the guy that processes all of the daily orders, and makes sure each and every one of the orders goes out within our 24 hour period. Many days, I’m even in the shop making your windshields.

I have become the LRS “expert” regarding all of our shields. If you have questions, I’m the one you will want to talk to. I absolutely love my job here, and love talking with all of you.

TODAY I AM ANNOUNCING AS MOTORCYCLE MOVIE STAR DAY!

If you have a favorite movie star biker feel free to post a pic on our facebook page here!

Over the last few days I have been thinking about some of my favorite riders/actors and why I like them. As a result of my preponderances below are some of my favorite silver screen stars on motorcycles.

 

While I was in college I studied film (partly because it was a easy major) and as a result I developed a passion for movies.

Movies are important why?

They are the essence of story telling, and stories are a way that man has for thousands of years impressed his friends around the campfire. 

Now days it seems like the best stories are told on or around the silver screen. Movies and film are what keep us all interconnected and in a similar fashion some movies are how we will pass on our history to our children and their children.

When the Lumiere brothers invented the first movie cameras, and put the first movie theater experience together a new era of storytelling sprang up. 

They invited people to come watch a series of 30- 50 second clips ( each was about 17 meters of film) and the subjects were simple, people in a cafe, families at home, men leaving a factory and horses running

 Their point was simple, entertain the people and charge them to see the spectacle and make some money right? - well partly....

Like anygood storytellers there was more than just entertainment, it was art and expression, the beauty of motion and the ability to record time and memories. 

Today's movie experiences are different only in the amount of money it costs to make the movies and the relative fiction of the stories that are told. 

My favorite aspect of film is this.... Film allows us to IMAGINE out loud!