8thousand

Seattle Times

2007-06-07T21:23:00.002-07:00

I know I've mentioned it already, but it's funny how normal and natural it feels to be here. I've spent the last few days talking to people, passing out some resumes and even the sparse interview. I'm really still just trying to decide what it is that I want to do.. I'm in the unique position to do whatever I want and I jsut can't decide what to do!
Regardless, besides the job search, my days have been filled with returning myself to a level of comfort that comes with not traveling 300+ miles a day. I've forced myself to ride around the city for hours at a time only looking occasionally at a map so I have no choice but to learn my way around. Yesterday I rode from 10am to 5pm, with a few breaks of course, but I never got more than about 15 miles from home!
So here's the updated map.. I just reused the old one and added the green line for the route that I actually took.. sorry, you're going to have to use your imaginations to see the green line go all the way to Seattle.

I havn't taken any photos since landing in Seattle, so I have nothing to show you, but they will soon be taken.. stay tuned for that.

Sorry for the lack of blog postings.. I'm going to try to scratch together something for everyday.. maybe a photo of the day, at least..

The final recap, with more to come.

2007-06-07T21:23:00.001-07:00

It's Thursday, May 17th and at about 5 o'clock this evening, I arrived in Seattle, Washington; The stopping point.
While I'm sure I will philosophize in retrospect much further in the near future, for now
I thought it would be interesting to compile a few facts about the trip, so here we go.. the top ten:

1. 45 days
2. 8,012 miles
3. two motorcycles
4. 15 states
5. four rear tires
6. two chains
7. roughly $4,000 spent (not including the GS, of course)
8. two oil changes (GS is every 6,000)
9. two "arrivals"
10. and of course, one, massive change of plans.

Although I have now arrived at a place where I will live, there is a completely new journey that is about to begin and I assure you motopsychosis is not over. I will continue to post updates, so please stay tuned for further developments along the way.

'Til next time

Northward from The City. Mile 7,665

2007-06-07T21:22:00.004-07:00

I don't have a whole lot to say at the moment, and I think it's simply because I'm just not sure what to say..
Currently in Newport, OR., with a mere 300 miles to Seattle. About 150 more coastline miles, a jaunt inland and a ferry ride.

With the absence of anything profound to say, I'll leave the rest as a photographic journal of pieces of my recent days..

A tribute to the Rogue in all of us.

This is a way cool brewery. Thanks for the tip, Ev.

The selection on tap...

And this one is just for you, Ev..

This was a welcome sign, no pun intended.

It sort of looks like I'm peeing in the ocean, but I really wasn't.

Welcome back to the Pacific Northwest..

The GS enjoyed it, too.

They seem to fit together, don't they?

The Golden Gate.. this was a few days ago,, on the way out of SF.

Saturday from Half Moon Bay

2007-06-07T21:22:00.003-07:00

It's been quite a few days since I've posted anything, and I've just now sort of stepped back to realize it. I've been staying at Ev's Aunt Ellen's place in Half Moon Bay, Ca., doing some work on the house to make a little more traveling cash. The timing in my circumstance and arrival here has been a little uncanny; without going into detail, it's been a perfect time for Ellen and I to share a little slice of our lives.
I've been talking to an old acquaintance from Cleveland who now works at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer about the possibility of a job, and it looks like I'll be high-tailing it north in a couple of days to get a bit rooted and figure out if it's a position that I'm interested in.
As much as I love the Bay area and would love to stay here, I fear that it would take just a little too much to keep me here (in terms of money.. this is a very expensive place to live, which means I'd have to either land a "real" job, or work my ass off). Seattle feels right to me. Having spent a fair amount of time there, and knowing that I have an immediate place to crash on arrival is comforting. It's a big enough city to afford plentiful opportunity, and reasonable enough to enjoy life, albeit a humble one.
I've been exploring the idea of attempting, for the first time ever, to write professionally; on a freelance level.. And Everest has hooked me up with a contact in Seattle with whom I may be able to land some freelance photography work shooting musicians.

So several days after the crisis of Sopiago Springs, I feel comfortable, content, and at peace with my decisions. Thanks to every one of you that has offered their support in the last few days as this has certainly been one of the more trying times in my recent years. Even describing the situation to complete strangers has incited a reaction of approval and understanding.. it seems as if the outcome of this situation is as clear to everyone else as it was to me, and that, is a good feeling. As I've said many times before; things in life come and go, and the only thing we can count on for sure is change. I have even had the thought that maybe this situation is just all a part of the experiential junkie in me longing for the unknown, the uncertain, and the unpredictable.. and I have now created my own unpredictable.. completely through intuition.

I have taken very few photographs since my last post, and I think that this avoidance was somewhat intentional. There have been several times in my life during which I've felt the need to not record anything.. thoughts or images, as the act of recording them seems to over-intellectualize the entire thing. At certain times in life it's nice to step back and let everything soak in mentally, logically, and emotionally; without the organization of written words or images. This has been one of those times. But at this point I'm content again; I know not exactly what to do, but I know where I'm headed and that is certainly half the battle.

I'm looking forward to the trip north. I think I'll leave from San Francisco and head directly north on Hwy 1, riding the coast all the way to Seattle. I may try to detour and ride through the legendary "Lost Coast", and maybe even take a spin through the formerly transcendental Olympic Peninsula. Once in Seattle, I will have traveled the west coast from as far south as Ventura, Ca. to Seattle, Wa..

Two more days of work here in Half Moon Bay, and I'll depart on Tuesday to head north.

I've come too far to give up on reckless abandon at this point and I feel that even when stationary, I will continue to move. I've already given thought to the Alaska Hwy, and traversing South America with my cousin Alisa to Tierra Del Fuego.. It's time to go big.

I encourage and welcome any of you loyal readers that have longed for a west coast adventure to come and experience it with me. You let me know when you're coming, and I'll see to it that we can take off on yet another wild adventure.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time...

2007-06-07T21:22:00.001-07:00

2007-06-07T21:21:00.002-07:00

Treasure island.. Former home..

2007-06-07T21:21:00.001-07:00

As I sit on the back balcony at Tim's place at Sopiago Springs, I'm realizing that it's my last night here. I know I won't be able to post this until the moment passes, but recording it as it happens currently seems important..
I've gathered my fire wood for the night, watched the last of the dirt bike riders roll away in their toy haulers, and filled myself with an "88 Burger" (so called the "only" place to eat in town (which is about 15 miles away)).
The silence is broken only by the few chirping birds, the crackle of the evening's fire echoing through the chimney, the muted rush of the creek down below, and the occasional buzzing of a mosquito in my ear. The temperature has dropped considerably since the sun set a half hour ago, and it will continue to get colder as the night sets in. I'm surrounded by the El Dorado National Forest, and the evergreens are all that I can see. It's really a beautiful place.
I haven't taken a single photograph since I've been at the camp; I'm not sure why. Maybe the overwhelming nature of this place is assuring me that I would never capture it anyway.
I've encountered many obstacles since I've been here; most of them involving the plumbing of the irrigation system. The camp is entirely supplied with water by the Sopiago Springs (bottled under the Black Mountain Spring Water name), which makes for an extremely complex system of pipes and valves throughout the property. It's rather humorous, though, to remember while on the can that you're crapping in $5/gallon spring water.

For the first time in my life, I'm drinking a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale in the Sierra Nevada Mountains; something I've secretly been looking forward to for years.

For the first time in my life I've been challenged with the prospect that the dwelling in which I would live is heated only by a wood burning stove or the optional propane burner. The intermittent electricity is sourced from a combination of solar panels and a gasoline generator. The hot water tank is also heated by the 500 gallon propane tank sitting outside (which is currently empty). I haven't had regular cell phone reception since I got here, and it works only marginally in town. The internet is another scarce commodity, the only source of which I've found is a little coffee shop called "Bubs" in Pine Grove. --

(-- side note-- As I finished that sentence, I instinctually paused for the rustling in the woods in front of me. Not that I could see it in the fading ambient light, but I've also managed to lose my glasses in the last couple of days making it impossible to decipher shapes in the shadows of the pines. It's a rather sizable animal, and I'm glad that I'm elevated from the forest floor by several feet and within 2 seconds of the house door.)

I mention all of this not because I'm whining or feeling defeated by the difficulty of life here; I've lead a pretty comfortable and convenient life, but I'd like to think that I'm certainly no stranger to hardship.

It seems as though it's a recurring theme in recent years of my life, and the thing that troubles me most is the absence of those who I love. I'm constantly reminded of a question posed by Neil Young; "..So you say you're leavin' home, 'cause you want to be alone..ain't it funny how it feels when you're findin' out it's real?..".
The realization that I've come to is that this lifestyle is not one which is conducive to social interaction. There is a small family of people who visit the camp regularly, and even two other residents within a 5 minute walk, but an environment like this which breeds these kinds of 'necessary' friendships, is not exactly the one that I'm looking for.
Although not officially licensed and open for business, Sopiago even welcomes groups of people a couple of times a month; with the most recent being 150 dirt bike riders who held a Ronald McDonald House fundraiser this weekend. There were swarms of people, and almost every one of them was an avid motorcyclist.. or at least a motorsports enthusiast of some kind. So why such the long face when surrounded by all of these like-minded people? These interactions are either of the necessary type, or the temporary.

___

So I've made my decision. It was an instinct that caught me more off-guard that any of my lifetime. I had planned everything around this, and had drastically changed my life in the pursuit of arriving at the place in which I sit right now; and I'm leaving in the morning.

However spontaneous, though, this instinct must be recognized, and I can't quite decide whether I'm impressed at my own intuition, or dumbfounded that I've been wearing rose-colored glasses for so many months.

I've always professed that there is no such thing as regret- only things we do, and things we do not do.. And this situation, while on a much larger scale, is certainly no exception. The last month since leaving Cleveland has been nothing short of transcendental. It feels like a lifetime ago that I lived daily life on E. 30th st..
If nothing else, this endeavor has afforded me the opportunity to travel; to embark on the transcontinental motorcycle ride that I've dreamt about for at least ten years.. And it's been so much more than that.. The experiences along the way have instilled every emotion imaginable; excitement, fear, rage, despair, love, loneliness, gratitude, awe, inspiration... the list goes on-

It's all been a beautiful experience. The sounds of the ocean roaring hundreds of feet beneath me on the California coast, the smell of the Eucalyptus trees towering overhead as I ride, the beauty and grandeur of the Smokies, the Santa Catalina's, Big Bend, Joshua Tree, the Sierra's, & the coast.. The feeling of elation when I twisted on the throttle of my GS for the first time, the laugher that continued for days thereafter, and the peace that comes with freedom like this.

The only problem with all of this, and the part that dulls the experience and makes the freedom just a little bit bitter-sweet, is not having actually shared it. Thank all of you loyal readers for coming along on this journey with me. All of your support has proven to be much more meaningful and significant than you can imagine.

At this point, I am, for potentially the first time ever, completely un-tethered, uninhibited, open minded, and even a little lost. But I suppose it's time that I consider my own philosophy that sometimes you have to get a little lost in order to find your way.
I'm not sure what's next- for tomorrow, for the next day, for next week, or next month; the only thing I can say for sure is that as the sun rises over the ridge and floods the valley with warmth, I'll be portable again and riding.. and when the sun sets tomorrow and it's time again to lay and rest, it won't be here.
________________
-k

__________________________________

It's now Monday morning, and in the words of Mr. Miyagi:
"Sun shining, grass green; everything be ok"

let's ride.

MF'er and a Message From The Dude

2007-06-07T21:20:00.004-07:00

I'm posting on the behalf of the Dude.
His stay at Sopiago will be a temporary one so anyone mailing anything should hold up a minute.
Don't go freaking out or anything, a post is sure to follow from the dude himself in the next week or so.
MF'er "over and out!"

inspiration, instincts, and realization

2007-06-07T21:20:00.003-07:00

Grettings from the Sierra Nevada's.. I have no regular internet acces so excuse my absence from the blog..

At a time of the proverbial 'arrival', I've found myself amidst great confusion but ultimate clarity and realization..

I have removed the mailing addresses from the previous post as I have realized that my stay here will be temporary. If you were planning on it, please hold off on mailing anything..I can't say exactly what's next, or when exactly, I'll be departing, but regardless of everything I knew for certain in my heart in what I wanted, and in coming out here, I've painstakingly realized that this is not the place for me. Suffice it to say that this much time invested in nomadic wanderings and new experiences has taught me much. If there's one thing I live by, it's following my instincts.. they're not always right, but I always learn something in the end..

Thanks for following along on this journey,, and apparently, there's more to come.. I'm not quite done wandering yet.....

The WINNER of the contest is.......

MY MOM!!
after all, Momma always knows best.

The final count is 6616.6 miles.

However,, can we really call it quits on this journey? I'm not so sure.

much love.

2007-06-07T21:20:00.001-07:00

Mmmmm!

addresses

2007-06-07T21:19:00.002-07:00

Well, I've taken a day to recover from the tour.. after 25 days and over 5,000 miles on the road, I didn't think the tour would phase me in the least, but truth be told.. it was tiring. About 1,000 more miles in 3 days and plenty of socializing to go along with it.. maybe that was the tiring part..
I've come to learn that the reality of working as a motorcycle tour guide isn't quite as glamorous as it sounds.. don't get me wrong, at the end of the day, all you really did is hang out and ride amazing roads..

Anyway, back in Sunnyvale at the moment starting to organize the plan of attack for opening Sopiago Springs Motorcycle Resort. While I work on the logistics of Special Use Permits, Forest Service regulations, County planners, and DOT regulations, I've got some preparations to do for the next two weekends.. a little over 100 people showing up on friday for the weekend, then another 100ish people for the Pashnit gathering the following weekend.. Think I'll head up there tues. or wed. to get started..

There is no cell reception at the camp, but if I ride a couple of miles to the top of the ridge, I can pick up a signal (supposedly).. and there is a land line (you'll have to call me for the number). I think I'll have internet access, so email might be the best method of contact..

While there are plenty of philosophical and emotional neurons firing in my brain, oddly, I don't have much to philosophize about.. And while there are certainly times during which I am completely and utterly content, this has certainly been a tougher transition than anticipated.
People have marveled at the fact that my worldly possessions are contained within my panniers, and the 'gypsy' has almost become a nickname.

Until next time..

2007-06-07T21:19:00.001-07:00

There's Tim assessing the damage and rescue plan for Justin's Triumph..

So he came in to the corner a little hot.. lost it in the gravel at the edge of the road.. He slid to a stop, but the bike flew over the edge of this little cliff.. the background in the photo above this one would be off to the right..

yeah., it was pretty freaky.. But he was ok, fixed up his bike and rode it home!

The view from Forest Road 1. My personal favorite so far.. Unfortunately we couldn't go all the way over the ridge because of fallen trees from a storm last week..

but it's a beautiful, beautiful view.

even a little snow right before we had to turn around..

plenty of debris in the road.. big trees.

Check out this Harley floor board! these dudes can RIDE! I've never seen a Harley ridden like this in my life.. You'd think they were on sportbikes! There were equal size chunks taken out of their exhaust as well..

Mr. Pashnit himself aboard his demo Harley.. REALLY weird to see him on a Harley.

There's the line up.. about 18 people on this tour..

Fairfax-Bolinas Rd. Gorgeous.

This was rolling out of Tim's place in Sunnyvale Friday morning at 5:30 am...
I wasn't happy about it at the time, but little did I know what would be waiting for me on the road...

All in all the tour has been fun.. One more day of riding.. Back down the 1 to San Francisco. Then I'll head back over to Tim's place in Sunnyvale to finish up some work on his FJR and maybe get a new rear tire on the GS..
Tuesday I'm headed to Sopiago to start preparing for the 150-person group that will show up on Friday for the weekend..

I'll try to post more photos of the coast tomorrow, and will certainly get some of the camp up here.. but keep in mind.. I'm not sure if I'll have internet access and I know I won't have cell reception.. bear with me, I'll post as available!

I'll report the final mileage and the winner sometime after Tuesday.. here's a hint: I rolled over 6,000 miles today.

tour tech

2007-06-07T21:18:00.002-07:00

oops,, sorry about posting the same picture twice.. had a low battery at the time and not much time get the message to blogger!
Anyway, currently in Fortuna, CA. Riding up the coast from SF to here was gorgeous but not quite as twisty as the southern portion (IMHO).

today we'll just play around for about 300 miles and return to Fortuna for the night..

I had been riding on a nail in my tire for at least a couple hundred miles, but finally plugged it last night which should last quite a long time..

all for now!, gotta get ready!

Tour 1

2007-06-07T21:18:00.001-07:00

Up the coast from sf to fortuna.. Beautiful day and beautiful riding. Except i have a nail in my brand new tire.. Doh!

Bike night

2007-06-07T21:17:00.002-07:00

Bike night is wed in sunnyvale..

Blue Skies and pipe dreams

2007-06-07T21:17:00.001-07:00

It's Wednesday April 25th, and today, while I will continue to ride and blog daily, the major traveling has come to an end. I've got maybe 50 miles to ride today, then the 1,000 over the weekend on the tour. It's hard to believe it's been 23 days since leaving Cleveland, and even harder to believe that I've actually made it. Not that I had any doubts, but it did get a little scary a couple of times.

So whatever happens from this point forward, there's one thing for sure; it's nice, when dreaming up this blue sky stuff, to look up and actually see a big blue sky.

The cutoff for mileage guesses will be Sunday April 29th at Noon (PST)

As far as names for the GS, I've got one vote for "F*** Yeah", and one for "Das Tank"..

Love them both, but we need some more to choose from.. common all you creative people, gimme somethin to sink my teeth into!

hardly

2007-06-07T21:16:00.002-07:00

Here's a few from the PCH:

Avacados are 7 for a

2007-06-07T21:16:00.001-07:00

Avacados are 7 for a dollar! Holy guacamole!

In santa cruz tonight.. Sunnyvale

2007-06-07T21:15:00.002-07:00

In santa cruz tonight.. Sunnyvale tomorrow.. Then leaving fri. For a 1000 mile tour! The mileage game ends sunday! Around 5250 right now!

I had forgotten how delicious

2007-06-07T21:15:00.001-07:00

I had forgotten how delicious the air is here'.. I think its the eucalyptus trees.. It brings it all back... And it feels perfect.

Hwy 1

2007-06-07T21:14:00.002-07:00

A world class road, on a world class motorcycle.. Life doesnt get much sweeter!

San simeon

2007-06-07T21:14:00.001-07:00

Morro bay

2007-06-07T21:13:00.002-07:00

Alright, Alright,,,

2007-06-07T21:13:00.001-07:00

Everybody just settle down.. the mileage on El Bandito was noted, and the trip reset on the GS.. the game is STILL ON!

I'll give you a hint though.. I've ridden over 850 miles in the first two days of owning the GS. Do you remember what the last mileage announcement was?

That is the last mention of miles I will make! Get your guesses in!

Oh, and, the prize was never the sprockets anyway.. so tough Sh**.

____________________________

On to the experience of Joshua Tree... It was a very very long day coming from Tucson.. didn't leave town until after 12pm.. still working out details on the GS like,, how do I look at a map? (my old tank bag doesnt fit)..
So it was well after dark by the time I got to the National Park, but I kept telling myself, This is called an ADVENTURE, not a HOTEL-ER. Plus I thought it would be cool to ride in at night and wake up to discover where I was..
The air was still, the sky clear and full of stars.. Much like the trips to the planetarium in 5th grade. The moon was so bright I could see my shadow on the ground beneath me, and the silence was deafening.
It was a very cold night during which I didn't sleep much.. a major surprise to me after having ridden 45o miles..
The experience of riding through Joshua Tree in the morning was almost magical. Gorgeous park. I even took the GS off road for the first time for about 10 or 15 miles.. it just goes.. it doesn't care what surface you're riding on.. it just goes. Purely amazing, and unlike anything I've ever felt. I have a short video clip of the off road adventure which I will attempt (with MF'er's help) to post in the near future..
For now, enjoy these...

The big one is the Joshua Tree.. This one's for you, Joshua ;)

A close up of the cool part

Looks like the GS is growing something!

phew,, ok, that was just a Joshua Tree!

Check out those Mammo-Jammo rocks!

yup, they're big

Beauty and the beast.. but which is which?
can you tell I have an ear-to-ear sh** eating grin in there?
(those are some weird kind of poisonous cacti.. chohalla or something like that...

Ok, now that the photo session is over with.. someone questioned whether there's a name for the GS yet.. as a matter of fact there isn't.. El Bandito seemed to fit pretty damn well, but nothing's jumping out at me for the GS except the following options.. Please vote for your favorite or contribute your own!
1. Kick A**!
2. Holy Sh**!
3. F*** Yeah!
4. Dude, Sweet!
5. Bad A**!
6. The Beast
7. GuS (haha)
8. G (ood) S (hit)

I dunno, I just came up with those on the spot..

Tonight I'm in Ventura, Ca. I saw the Pacific for the first time this trip a couple of hours ago.. I think tomorrow morning I'll walk out and put my feet in.. gotta FEEL it to make it official.

Not sure where I'm stopping tomorrow,, but tune in and find out!

till then,

Ventura

2007-06-07T21:12:00.002-07:00

Bike night has officially begun! Im there in spirit but it'd be better if u guys were here! Ventura, ca.

Ahhh

2007-06-07T21:12:00.001-07:00

The pacific

66

2007-06-07T21:11:00.002-07:00

2007-06-07T21:11:00.001-07:00

Az desert..

2007-06-07T21:10:00.004-07:00

GS Mania!

2007-06-07T21:10:00.003-07:00

I still can't believe it.. I think I'm in shock.
Headed for Joshua Tree National Park today.. It'll be a long day of riding, but I'm looking forward to it more than ever!
Thanks to Mary and Diana for their awesome hospitality!

If you will it, Dude, it is no dream.

2007-06-07T21:10:00.001-07:00

When you pay attention to the things that are presented in life, it's pretty interesting how they fall into place. Walter's statement carries much much more meaning than meets the eye.
I knew this bike would be there, and I think somehow I knew it would be mine.. The timing was aweful and the financial aspects could have been better, but what price can be put on living a dream? I've been filling my helmet with laughter ever since!
It was sad to see El Bandito rolled into the showroom floor like he belonged to them.. but he does.. He served me well and at this point I don't think he owes me a damn thing.. After all, over 14,000 miles in 13 months.. I'll take a little financial loss for that.. well, that and a GS Adventure.

In a way this transition goes against every logical thought in my brain, but in reality, I can't think of a more perfect and fitting vehicle to take me on the remainder of this particular Adventure. If you will it, Dude.. it is no dream.

Thanks, TR, for working with me on this one.. Your motivation to see me on this bike played a large part in making it happen. Extremely large. See you on the road... don't forget to go for a freakin' ride! You're welcome in Grizzly anytime.. say the word.

Yup i did it!

2007-06-07T21:09:00.004-07:00

Proud new owner! 2003 GS Adventure

Oh my f***ing god! I

2007-06-07T21:09:00.003-07:00

Oh my f***ing god! I am soooo done with Dennis Kirk! Do yourselves a favor and take your business elsewhere! I'll be in tucson for a while!

Mmmmm

2007-06-07T21:09:00.001-07:00

Hmm

2007-06-07T21:08:00.004-07:00

All is not lost, I suppose... despite feeling a little uneasy about reinstalling my old chain yesterday, I decided to take a run up the Catalina Hwy to Mt. Lemmon.. One of my favorite day trip getaways from the Tucson days..
I never thought about it back then, but it's 25 miles of some pretty sweet riding! And the views.. well..

yeah, they're pretty sweet, too.

at times it reminded me of the Cherohala Skyway..

check out the road down below.. just over my shoulder..

On my way out of town I stopped by the Beemer dealer again.. he had been reading this blog and asked if I'm ready to be done with chains and sprockets forever.. Well, TR, I am.. and you're the only dude that can make it happen!
Maybe I'll just have the readers of this blog call you repeatedly until you make the deal a bit sweeter!
Or maybe I should set up a paypal account like the guy from ADV rider who quit his job, set up a paypal account, and has been traveling ever since on the donations... Think I could come up with a couple grand by the time that GS comes in?!

(for those of you not privy to the "GS", here's what I'm talking about:

And if you want to get an idea of what this thing can do.. go rent "Long way around"..
If you didn't already know.. Me and this bike... we're made for each other.
Now if I could just figure out how to afford the damn thing..
Now accepting donations!!

In other news.. Dennis Kirk finally relented and admitted their mistake. I emailed a pdf of the facts from the service manual and they have already changed the information in their catalog and website. Too bad I had to pay the price for saving everybody else this headache. The right shit should be here tomorrow. **should**.

GS

2007-06-07T21:08:00.003-07:00

Look at all of em! I just want one!

Another day in paradise

2007-06-07T21:08:00.001-07:00

There have been all extremes of thought for the last 17 days; emotional, practical, compulsive, rational, deliberation, and even a little intellectual. What intrigues me, though, is the constant fluctuation between lonely independence and extreme inspiration, determination, and the feeling that you all are with me through every step of this journey. There are times during which I feel that this journey is helplessly solitary, and others that remind me what an amazing group of people there are cheering me on from behind the scenes; and periodically being reminded of that is probably one of my saving graces.

The solitary vulnerability did not even occur to me until beginning to traverse the south-eastern portion of Texas.. I found myself in an area in which I had no interest in being, but the closest "safe" place to stop was a couple hours behind, and the destination for the day way several hours ahead. It was not a pretty site.. an environment with which I was completely unfamiliar, and frankly, rather scared of. (later I learned that I was in the town in which those two guys dragged an African American man behind their pickup for a couple of miles... remember that story? ) This was the day I crossed the windy bridge.. it seemed to play a metaphoric role in transcending me from solitary vulnerability to solitary independence and determination; a "deliverance", of sorts.. a right of passage, or the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.

I've enjoyed the familiarity of Tucson for the past couple of days.. it came as a welcome change from the hardships I had been having in the previous couple of days. The places are familiar here.. the names.. the sky.. the air. It feels good. "At certain times in life, it's nice when you can say, things haven't changed that much..." and it feels good to be familiar. This thought, though, comes as a surprise to me.. after all, I AM an experiential junkie, and THAT was the intent for this journey.

While I always, as a way of life, try to limit my expectations (of people, of situations, and of circumstances), It's notable to be aware of our subconscious expectations and more importantly what becomes of them. Things are not usually what they seem, and certainly not what we want them to be. I believe the only way to be at peace is to truly accept each moment as it happens for what it is, nod our metaphorical heads in compliance, and move on to the next. And this journey has literally been a test of that philosophy for me; to expect nothing but the unexpected.. it's the only thing we can guarantee in this life.

With all of that said, I checked out of Hotel Congress this morning, shipped my long johns ahead to myself, and went to work on El Bandito's chain and sprocket replacement. Mary and the crew at Photographic Works (my former employer) have been nice enough to allow me to make the shop my "home away from home".. or more literally, my garage. As I got into the project I realized I didn't have a wrench big enough for the front sprocket.. so I consulted the factory service manual.. while looking for the size of that nut so that I could go buy or borrow the appropriate wrench, I stumbled across the rest of the specs for the bike.. low and behold, I happened to skim across the chain specs.. 530, 114 links.. right. WRONG... wait a minute.. The chain that just showed up for me is 110 links!

(Granted, I knew that the chain that I had installed in Lafayette was a 114 link chain (or so they said), but for some reason just kind of forgot.)
However.. in my defense, The Dennis Kirk.com website is pretty cool.. you can search by bike to find the appropriate parts.. so I did. There it was, 97 Suzuki GSF1200SA.. chain and sprocket kit.. 15t front, 45t rear and a 530 110 link chain. cool! (I thought) I'll take it! they've made this easy.. they packaged up all the appropriate pieces.. EXACTLY what I need.. no guess work.. the proverbial "no brainer". wrong. Dennis Kirk has their facts wrong. A 110 link chain will not work on the 1997 ABS model Bandit. (subsequently, I'm having to prove it to them by email a pdf of the factory service manual for them to change their damn website and save any future riders from finding themselves in my current shoes.)

So... the correct parts will be here.... Saturday. Of course it was too late in the day to get them overnighted. Dennis Kirk is picking up the return shipping and the 2nd day shipping to get the right crap here, but on the flip side... that's two more nights of hotel bills in Tucson. Their mistake is costing me dearly. (yeah yeah,, I should've known better and caught it in the first place.. but who's the professional parts retailer here???) I'm trying to get them to also either sell me the new crap at cost or issue me a store credit or something...

Good thing I like it here in Tucson.

*****************************UPDATE*****************************

For those of you guessing for final mileage.... I have just learned that a couple of days after arriving in California, I'll be leaving again for a three day 1,000 mile tour with Pashnit.. Since I wont actually go to the camp until after that tour.. I'm counting it! So if you've already guessed, you may want to revise! When it's all said and done, I'll do a post with everyone's guesses and announce the final number and the winner.. Good Luck! (little do you know the prize will be one of my old, dirty, greasy, worn out sprockets!... suckers!)

Look familiar?

2007-06-07T21:07:00.003-07:00

Its funny how history can repeat itself.. Even though everything is different, familiarity is welcoming.. Its a gorgeous day in tucson.. Makes me wonder why i ever left, but if i didnt, i surely wouldnt be sitting here right now. Not much to do today but sit back and soak it in.

Welcome to Hotel Congress.

2007-06-07T21:07:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite places on earth.

Welcome to Arizona

2007-06-07T21:04:00.002-07:00

Think ill break 4000 miles today.. Be in tucson in 100 miles.. Speed limit is 75.. Im starting to get the taste of margarita in my mouth..

fuel economy and crappy chains..

2007-06-07T21:04:00.001-07:00

By the way, I figured I ought to update on the "rich problem"..
At the suggestion of The Doc, I dropped the needles in my Carburetors two notches (the lower the needles sit, less gas enters the combustion chamber)..

So, not only was El Bandito blowing black smoke, collecting carbon on the pipe, bogging out, and getting crappy gas mileage (around 27)... but 1/2 hour worth of work in dropping the needles, and wham-o!.. 38mpg, no smoke, no carbon.. no apparent ill effects!

It's 7:30 am in El Paso.. taking a few minutes to clean the dust storm out of my air filters & adjust the chain.. then it's on the road.. 320 miles to Tucson.

Finally!!

2007-06-07T21:03:00.003-07:00

I have finally been able to upload a GALLERY for your viewing pleasure..

This is all kinds of photos,, taken by myself, MF'er, Donnie, and Alisa.. all jumbled into one big GALLERY..

So, click HERE
(or, to access outside of this blog, visit www.c-jr.com/partone

Part two will come when I get to California..

Enjoy!

Mile 3,655

2007-06-07T21:03:00.001-07:00

So I've been thinking.. why don't we start a little wager.. leave a comment to this post with your guess of what my final mileage will be..(not the total odometer reading, just miles for this trip) Let's say, to be official, the mileage on my bike when I actually roll into Sopiago Springs.. (which might be a week or so after arrival in Sunnyvale, Ca...)

So, what's your guess?

Oh, and we're doing this Price Is Right style, so the closest without going over.. and to the winner goes an unnamed piece of memorabilia from somewhere along the line...

Now on to other things.. I realize there's a large chunk of this trip from which no real photos have been posted, and I'm working on that,, but for now,, here's some from the last few days....

Thanks again for everything, Whip!

A cool road outside of Big Bend

The same cool road

Look, Mom, it's my new tent!

Viva Rio Grande!

It doesn't really look all that "Grande", does it?

Beautiful lake somewhere in Texas

My entrance into Big Bend National Park.. The damn Mexican Donkies kept waking me up!
(seriously,, the Donkies from across the river... HHHEeeee HHHAaaawwww!)

Tomorrow, It's on to the old stomping grounds of Tucson, AZ!
It looks like I'll be there a couple of days while I install yet ANOTHER chain.. this time I'm doing it right and buying a NICE one and replacing the sprockets while I'm at it.. I guess flogging a bike this heavy, this consistently really takes it's toll! holy crap! I'm gonna go broke with all the F***ing chains and tires and crap!
But, on the bright side, I'm officially a fan of Pirelli tires. I've put a good 1,000 to 1,500 miles on the Diablo Strada since Lafayette, and most of it going straight and flat, and not the first sign of a flat spot! We'll see what kind of mileage I get out of it, but so far, so good!

It's time for dinner.. I'm in El Paso, by the way..

I'll really try to get a photo gallery going tonight.. the sweetheart at the front desk of this motel was nice enough to put me right next to the wireless router ;)

Sunny texas.

2007-06-07T21:02:00.004-07:00

Its a beautiful day. Vamanos a Rio Grande!

Ps.. Heade to big bend

2007-06-07T21:02:00.003-07:00

Ps.. Heade to big bend tomorrow.. Might be out of touch for a bit..

San antonio.. Mile 2845

2007-06-07T21:02:00.001-07:00

Welcome to san antonio.. Finally, a glimpse of big sky country.. Thanks a million to larry and louise for their incredible hospitality! You are both welcome wherever i am at any time! See you on the road!

Pit stop

2007-06-07T21:01:00.004-07:00

Pit stop in houston for a new pirelli!

The stars at night, are big and bright....

2007-06-07T21:01:00.003-07:00

Well, I dont know about the stars yet, and I probably won't have the opportunity tonight.. I've stopped for the night after a measly 200ish miles just outside Houston..
That crappy picture of the bridge was indeed the scariest thing I've ever done.. It wasn't raining at the time, but heavy crosswinds on this bridge that was hundreds of feet tall with barely a guard rail.. the bike was everywhere.. virtually uncontrollable.. in retrospect, I now know why there were turnarounds just before reaching the bridge..It was certainly a white-knuckle experience.. so much so that I had to pull over to calm down once on the other side.. Lesson learned: Turn around.

In other news, Steven Jones at First Turn in Scott, La, is THE MAN. The folks over at Lafayette Powersports had their heads up their asses and were completely incapable of helping me.. thanks guys, for wasting a day of my time! But Steven hooked me up with a chain this morning and got me rollin again.. Thanks again Steven! The motorcycling community is a small one (apparently those dip shits at Lafayette don't realize this) and you can be sure First Turn is on my list of endorsements.

So I had a big plan to check out this cool coastal area of southern Louisiana crossing into Texas at Galveston, but a wrong turn and this storm blowing in prevented that from happening.. oh well.. Tomorrow I'll head to Discount Tire in Houston for some new skins, then figure it out from there,, maybe go back down to Galveston, or continue west(ish) to Austin..

After some new rubber is mounted, that only leaves one problem.. the fuel mixture.. something is going on here and I just can't figure what has changed.. (this is the "rich problem" for those of you in the dark on this one.. "rich" is used to describe the the mixture of air and fuel as it enters the combustion chamber.. the right mix is crucial, and right now, I've got way more fuel than air..) how can I tell? black soot collecting on the muffler.. it's carbon deposit from unburned gas.. that and the occasional choking of the motor.. once in a while it gets sluggish and unresponsive.. it's not a subtle thing..

I cleaned and oiled the air filters back at the Kickstand and believe I over-oiled them (cuz I got the squeeze bottle instead of the squirt-er).. so I re-cleaned them and left them completely un-oiled to look for a change in performance.. maybe a subtle improvement, but not what I was looking for. Of course the other part of this equation is that with the incomplete burn of fuel, I'm wasting a lot of it!
There may be several factors in play here, including additional weight, substantially increased wind drag, high winds, new wind screen etc. etc.. but there are time when I'm only getting 80 miles from full to reserve! (that's a mere 23mpg, folks!)
Not good.
Not good at all.

Ya know, as of late I've even contemplated stopping by a big used bike dealer and trading in El Bandito on a used BMW 1150GS! (rash, I know, but I can't say it hasn't crossed my mind.. it is my dream bike after all) Any financially stable benefactors out there that encourage this idea? (hehehe)

well, I suppose I'll stroll over to the gas station (the only other thing at this exit) for some dinner! MMmmmmMMMMmmmmmm!

Holy s***!

2007-06-07T21:01:00.001-07:00

Welcome to texas.. Home of the scariest thing ive ever done.

4/? Mile 2461

2007-06-07T21:00:00.004-07:00

Welcome to louisiana back woods! Ate some weird crawfish thing for lunch.. Its good to be moving again but the wind is less than ideal..

Sweet sweet sunshine!

2007-06-07T21:00:00.003-07:00

Relaxin on the porch with a tall boy at the blue moon..

4/12 Mile 2,345

2007-06-07T21:00:00.001-07:00

Good morning from Lafayette, La!
I've planted myself at the Blue Moon Hostel for a couple of days while I sort out these bike issues.. I'm going to try to get a new chain today,, maybe sprockets, probably a rear tire while the wheel is off, and going to attempt to sort out the rich problem..
Then it's back to the road but I think we're supposed to get some rain on Friday.. we'll see what happens..

Thanks foor tuning in.. catch ya later

Holy Atchafalaya!!

2007-06-07T20:59:00.003-07:00

What the f*** is an Atchafalaya, you ask?
Don't ask me, I'm as confused as the rest of you!
I can tell you one thing, though, for anyone who's ever traveled from Baton Rouge to Lafayette, you know as well as I that that is one looooong mf'in bridge over some water that you couldn't pay me enough to get in!

On a more serious note.. I've touched on this subject already, and I'll probably beat it to death by the time this trip is over, but a good friend just reminded me that "For a guy riding alone so far from home you sure do have a lot of company (in spirit)." And how right he is. It's pretty amazing to fire up the blog and find so many comments on something that I just wrote this morning! Thanks.

I've got a blazing fast wireless connection here at the Blue Moon Hostel in Lafayette, so I'll get crackin on getting some more photos up.. sorry, no photos of the Atchafalaya!

'Til next time..

so long, Mobile

2007-06-07T20:59:00.001-07:00

It's 9 am, the air is thick with fog and visibility is about 1/4 mile, but there's no rain. I'd say the decision is clear..

catch up with ya in Louisiana.

4/10 mile 2,100

2007-06-07T20:58:00.002-07:00

Ok, time to finally sit back and add some more intensive commentary..

First of all, sorry my photos suck.. I'm not quite sure why, they just do. Oh well.
This post will contain no photos as my connection isnt fast enough to deal with it, but soon I will put some together to post here and/or put a little gallery together or something..
_________________

It's hard to believe that I've been on the road for 8 days already, probably because I feel like the journey never really started until I watched my friends pull away from the Kickstand. Thank you all for making the trip with me, I know it was pretty brutal at times, but I think we all made the best of it and had some good times. Some great times.
I left Mo Tiny and Ruth on Monday morning to head south, and rode the Cherohala one more time on the way out. It wqas snowing when I got up there and brutally cold. (hence no stopping for photos).. I continued south to drop in on my aunt Sherry and cousin John in Decatur, Al who I have not seen for quite a few years.. I barely recognized John. Thanks, Sherry, for putting me up in an ultra-comfy bed and feeding me a great meal! I'm sorry I couldn't make more time to stay..

Watching the storm blowing in from Texas inspired me to take advantage of the day to strap on as many miles as I could heading south before the rain hit. I slabbed south from Decatur to Birmingham where I stopped in at the Barber Motorsports Museum to meet with the executive director and check out some bikes.. He recommended I get in touch with the owner of 29 Dreams Motorcycle resort (which, unfortunately, (or fortunately) is closed on Mon and Tues), which I did.. we had a pretty interesting conversation about the business of motorcycle resorts..
Then back to the slab to strap on a few more.. almost stopped around Montgomery when it started to sprinkle, but kept going to finally stop in Mobil. At the Best Western. The ONLY hotel at this exit.

I'm loving all the comments, by the way, but those of you who are commenting anonymously, please don't forget to 'sign' it.. I have no idea who some of them came from..

So, speaking of comments, and stopping in Mobil.. we need to conduct a little poll here.. The weather is not looking good for Wed... do I sit here and do nothing for a day, or gear up and go for it? I can out ride the storm in a day, but I could also save myself the sogginess and stay put. keep in mind it's costing me dearly to stay at this damn Best Western..

In other news,, my chain is wearing at an increasingly rapid pace (adjusting every couple hundred miles), the bike is mysteriously running very rich, and my rear tire, which I anticipated being a problem, is holding up impressively well. Think I'll need to look for a bike shop somewhere Texas for a tire and chain.

On a final note.. I was having all of these profound thoughts today about what this blog post would entail, and I came up with some pretty interesting stuff.. but, of course, the psychosis has taken over and there will be no such discussion tonight.
Suffice it to say, thank you all.. for reading, for commenting, for being there, for not being there but wanting to be, for encouraging my wanderlust, and for looking forward to the next time we meet.. as I am.

Stay tuned...

Xmas

2007-06-07T20:58:00.001-07:00

Kinda looks like a big christmas tree huh? Wish there were that many bikes on mine!

Barber

2007-06-07T20:57:00.004-07:00

Pit stop at the barber motorsports museum in birmingham al..

Welcome to alabama. Oh sweet

2007-06-07T20:57:00.003-07:00

Welcome to alabama. Oh sweet home!

4 9 mile 1335

2007-06-07T20:57:00.001-07:00

Today, im headed south. Forty degrees is warm compared to the last few days, but im over it. Alabama here i come.

And then there was one.

2007-06-07T20:56:00.004-07:00

Ive said goodbye to the last of them, and they will all be dearly missed.. And so i set off on the journey of motopsychosis. Alone, and one moment at a time. The journey is the destination.

4 7

2007-06-07T20:56:00.003-07:00

Yes, it snowed.. And yes, we rode. After all.. We've got world class riding in our back yard.

Dyno

2007-06-07T20:56:00.001-07:00

Had the chance to put el bandito on the dyno today.. It sacred me a bit but i learned that my motor tweakin worked.. He now makes 120.8 horses at the crank with a top speed of 165. Wow. And the coolest part i learned is the he shoots flames out the exhaust! No shit.

Tiny

2007-06-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

World, meet tiny.. He and his wife ruth are responsible for much of the development of the kickstand.. They came just before it opened in 2004 to stay one night.. They stayed five weeks working and building. That ought to tell you something about the feeling of the kickstand. These are the people that make life sweet.

4 7 1236

2007-06-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

Yes thats snow. Its decision time.

Tellico plains

2007-06-07T20:44:00.004-07:00

And a fancy lunch in tellico plains

4 6 1175 miles

2007-06-07T20:44:00.003-07:00

Ah the cherohala! Ive said it before and ill say it again.. Man i love this road! But its a good thing my parents cant see me riding.. Dont get me wrong, im a safe rider but this road is scary.

4 6 kickstand

2007-06-07T20:44:00.001-07:00

Heres the view from my cabin window at the kickstand.. Man its cold!

Kickstand!

2007-06-07T20:43:00.003-07:00

Washin dishes for mo at the kickstand!

4 5 1070 miles

2007-06-07T20:43:00.001-07:00

I apologize for my late blog post.. Leaving in thirty degrees doesnt leave much time or energy for anything but staying warm. Finally made it to the kickstand and its good to be home! I love this place.

4 3 matthew

2007-06-07T20:42:00.002-07:00

Heres the dude makin the trek to meet up in ky!

4 4 503

2007-06-07T20:42:00.001-07:00

Its 31 degrees and its a tough day for riding. Trying to make ky today..

Tuesday 4 3

2007-06-07T20:41:00.002-07:00

The looming clouds.. Little did we know that these clouds would dump marble size hail..

Tuesday.. 4 3

2007-06-07T20:41:00.001-07:00

Alisa.. Rockin the concours!

4 3 mile 378

2007-06-07T20:40:00.002-07:00

Beautiful day so far but it wont last long..

monday, April 2nd

2007-06-07T20:40:00.001-07:00

I just realized sitting on the grass at the gas station that ill be doing this very same thing for the next three weeks..it hit me.. Homeless..

2007-06-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who came on sunday.. After months of preparation, the day has finally come! Keep the shiny side up and ill catch you on the road. The journey is the destination.

The General Idea

2007-06-07T20:37:00.000-07:00

I'm a firm believer in letting the road suggest your itinerary, but with a journey on such a scale as this one, and with somewhat of a deadline in place, I thought it'd be smart to have at least a rough idea what it is that I'm doing..

#1- "Home", of course.
#2- My uncle Doug's place in Nashville, IN (haven't seen him for about ten years)
#3- Natural Bridge State Park (where the rest of the crew joins in,, also MF'ers birthday)
#4- The beloved Kickstand Lodge (I'll probably stay here for a couple of days lending a helping
hand to Mo, the widowed owner, and will most like say goodbye to the rest of the crew
here)
#5- "T.W.O"
#6- Decatur, AL (where most of my mom's side of the family lives.. haven't seen them for a
while)
#7- Either a KOA just over the border, or "29 Dreams" motorcycle resort; south of Jackson
#8- The Blue Moon Hostel in Lafayette, LA
#9- The HI Galveston Hostel, Galveston, TX
#10- Not sure on this one,, may stay with a fellow
ADV Rider in San Antonio
#11- Big Bend National Park
#12- another potentional ADV Rider hook up in Las Cruces, NM
#13- Cloudcroft, NM (mountain top "village" outside of Alamogordo where Jillie used to live)
#14- Tucson
#15- Patagonia Lake and maybe a little Mexican flavor in Nogales, Mexico
#16- Joshua Tree
#17- somewhere on the coast of California
#18- Half Moon Bay, San Francisco, and Sunnyvale
#19- Grass Valley, Ca. to see Aaron n Elle
#20- Sopiago Springs in Grizzley Flats, Ca.