In From The Storm

...17 days and 4002 sMiles later I've returned to the northwest

What a great journey it has been!  The last 450 miles completed today were some of the worst conditions once entering OR and continuing into WA.  I got a full day of low temperatures; sunbreaks that were separated by snow in the morning and then hail in the mountain passes followed by plenty of rain for most of the ride.  The sunbreaks were awesome - looking at a mean dark cloud overhead break open while seeing a few miles away blue sky was inspiring to ride faster.  I saw plenty of rainbows everywhere during the sunbreaks and even had some zero visibility behind a few 5 axle rigs.  It would figure I would get that kind of test so close to home!

When I first seriously thought about doing this trip I was thinking about riding the whole Pacific coast.  After riding the Big Sur section and getting stuck in a line of traffic for 20 minutes waiting on road work I decided to change that and just slab it back north and ride for time and distance.  I mostly jammed on I-5 once out of the Bay Area and thoroughly enjoyed the Uly power passing everything in site.  I don't typically ride very fast, but in this case I really just wanted to pass everything in front of me - and it was so fun watching traffic open up and riding to space and making clean passes.  I can't say it enough times how comfortable, powerful and smooth the Uly is to ride in all conditions.  I think it sounds way better now than when I started this trip - Major props to Buell for making such a great bike - a super cleaning and polish is due the steel steed :D

After all the miles, time, places and people of this trip a few people have asked me why did I do this and some people even think I'm 'looking for myself.'  If you have to ask why someone would travel cross country on a moto in all sorts of weather with no plan I will answer because I can.  If you think I was out looking to find myself I would say that a journey like this is a good way to lose yourself and never come back as I was presented with more options the more people I met.  To really answer the question for non-judgmental people I will say that I have always wanted to experience long distance travel on a moto.  There is more to it than just riding 100 miles and returning home - it requires a great deal of endurance along with focus and the right mindset to accomplish successfully.  I also don't intend for this to be the last moto-adventure-journey; this is only my first test of myself, gear and machine for future adventures :)

Some other people have asked me what have I learned during this trip.  That's a great question because I learned more things that I would have never imagined about everything.  Being alone for most of the trip I thought I would have needed my Ipod, laptop and a bunch of other stuff, but really didn't.  The travel itself provided plenty of stimuli and made me think of how much other stuff I have in my life that is there in case I think I need it, but really don't.  Moto travel is all about simple things - things that take up too much space are useless - cheaply made stuff will get broken - electronic stuff will get wet and fail when you need it.  Although it will sound ironic after all my talk about how fast the Uly likes to go and passing vehicles, I think I learned most how to slow down and really live the experience and not think about the next minute, day or week.  Some of the best moments I will cherish are the times when I had no concept of anything except what I was doing and it seemed like time was standing still while I was totally absorbed in the moment - I don't think this makes me a Zen master but I think I have a better idea of more and realize I really don't know much and still want to learn more.

Thanks to everyone that has read this blog, given me feedback, support or just enjoyed hearing a story of one person going out for a moto ride.  Thanks also to the sarcastic and cynical creatures that would prefer to sit back and think about me as potential roadkill or all the bad things that could happen to me and call me CRAZY.  Energy derives from both the plus and negative everywhere.  I hope everyone has a chance to experience their on secret journey in some way and be able to share all the respect, harmony and love with everyone they touch along the way.

all the best in life,love&laughs

tdw

"I know, I know you probably scream and cry
That your little world won't let you go
But who in your measly little world
Are you trying to prove that
You're made out of gold and, eh, can't be sold

So, are you experienced?
Have you ever been experienced?
Well, I have

Let me prove it to you.."