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Show 'Chicken' reving things up By Mindy Rose Signpost staff writer "It's a more free life with less restrictions' 25-year-old Brian "Chicken" Legg said, referring to his lifestyle. Legg has been living on the road in his 1974 Volkswagen bus for the past five years while traveling across the United States. Legg grew up in Lake Mountain, Ohio, where he was nicknamed "Chicken," because of his last name. After graduating from high school, Legg attended Kent State in Ohio for three years. It was at this time he had his first traveling experience to the West Coast when he went to California with a friend. After returning to Kent, he enrolled for a few more semesters, but decided to move to Denver. "I met a very spiritually strong person in Kent, which is why I ended up in Colorado," he said. Legg claims it was this same friend who inspired him to learn how to live off the land. After living in Denver for seven months, Legg decided to leave, partially traveling with the music group the "Grateful Dead" as the group toured across the country. Around this time, Legg also attended his first "Rainbow Gathering." This gathering is held annually from July 1-7 in different national parks to celebrate the planet. "It's a gathering of people to honor and celebrate the land; the Mother Earth, " Legg said. The gatherings promote a communal effort to keep peace from all of those who attend. There is no law enforcement present and the only restrictions y a i. for fast' pick up safe as coffee ; M S x . "' - Revive with VI VARINf ' .-' - : . Use only as directed Contains caffeine equivalent to 2 cups oi coffee. 1993 SmrttiKllne Beecrtam. ' ' ?K J t .: ' I -.''?; .,, . -: H iiHi ' i-i- miiiA. v ill iliiihr" IT i mi mi ii tii' tii imn ii - - -m mini Tin iimhi h nwi Brian "Chicken" Legg, 25, has been living in his Volkswagen United States for the past five years. Legg believes the biggest on the road is there is a wide variety of choices out there and life are applied to the consumption of alcohol in public areas, he said. There is also no exchange of money at the gatherings; people vend merchandise, whether it be food or jewelry, strictly through a trading circle. Legg said he attends the gatherings to experience both the land and the people. "I think the gatherings make it easier for me to accept and understand what I'm doing because I meet other people who are doing similar things," Legg said. In order to support himself, Legg first started selling soda and beer on tour. He then started making beaded jewelry about four years ago, which has now expanded to hair wraps, earrings, pendants and wire jewelry. However, if more money is needed for van repairs, etc., Legg will work until he has earned enough to get him back on the road. Legg summed up his monetay situation, "It's not constant at all." But he never worries about his finances because he is a strong believer in Karma. By living good, he said, everything always seems to work out right. After traveling on tour for a few months, Legg's van broke down in Ogden. He said he stayed in Ogden across the country AL CONTRERASme SIGNPOST bus, traveling throughout the thing he has learned about life is one of the greatest teachers. working temporarily until he had enough money to get back to Ohio. This is when he met several friends whom he is now visiting for a few days. But after Legg returned to Ohio for the second time, he decided it was not the place for him to be. He left home indefinitly with a backpack and $22 in his pocket. One week later, he was in Oregon. He said he enjoyed the trip because it was a challenge to him. "It was a personal challenge to know that I could rely on myself and nothing else," Legg said. He backpacked and hitchhiked for nine months before returning to his original place of departure. He said it was a good experi Looks Vivarin It's 10 PM. You've crammed for finals all week. Took two today. And now you've got to pack an entire semester's worth of Philosophy into one take-home exam, in one night. But how do you stay awake when you're totally wiped? Revive with Vivarin. Safe as coffee, Vivarin helps keep you awake and mentally alert for hours. So when you have pen in hand, but ence because he discovered a lot about himself at this time. "You have to really battle yourself and know who you are" Legg said. "I don't see how you could know anyone or anything else if you don't know yourself." Legg is currently traveling again with the "Grateful Dead," only this time he is not alone. He is now accompanied by his girlfriend Kelly, whom he met 18 months ago at Kent State, and their dog, Humpfrey. The trio's future plans are to attend the next "Grateful Dead" concert in Seattle and then spend some time in California with Kelly's brother and friends. - Both admit they never know where they'll be in a month. But Legg said traveling like this has taught him that opportunities and choices are unlimited. "I get to meet a lot of different - people and wha t makes them tick, which leads to many possibilities of a future path," he said. In the future, Legg said he would like to eventually settle down, which to him means owning his own land and business, but must also include mountains. He is currently working on a portfolio of his work to start selling his jewelry in galleries. Legg said he has traveled through all of the states except Alaska and Hawaii. However, one way he said he is able to keep the spirit and beauty of living on the road is knowing that he doesn't need material items, even though he may have them, he said. "You are able to see your possessions for what they are and appreciate them more It's my version of school, the school of life!" like a night. sleep on the brain, make it a Vivarin night! , . ...... I I I I "" EMMIIII |