THE ONE I’M ON RIGHT NOW
I just returned from a near 3,000 mile road trip that took me through eight US states over a 12 day period. One of the highlights of this wonderful adventure was attending the MSTA (Motorcycle Sport Touring Association) STAR event; their annual national rally. Not only did I have the privilege of attending this gathering in Knoxville, Tennessee, I was also asked to present two programs to the attendees at the rally.
On Tuesday night I presented a long form instructional program entitled “Roads Less Traveled”. This program was a discussion of my preference for riding rural backroads that are challenging to motorcyclists and rewarding to those aficionados of beautiful scenery. It also discussed some of the most popular trip planning and navigational apps available to motorcyclists. For those that may be interested in this topic I suggest that you read the earlier post on this blog that bears the same name: “Roads Less Traveled”.
Special Guest Speaker
On Wednesday night, as part of the rally’s closing ceremonies, I was asked to be the sole “Special Guest Speaker”. I was instructed by the powers-to-be to keep this presentation short. There were other activities on the agenda for the evening that the attendees would be looking forward to. Not the least of these would be the Grand Door Prize giveaway of a brand new motorcycle.
It was suggested by the PR Director that I might consider the topic “My Favorite Road Trip” as potential subject matter. I decided to put a little spin on that suggestion and came up with a variation that was extremely well-received by the audience of several hundred seasoned, veteran motorcycle riders. After the presentation I was overwhelmed with personal introductions, “Thank You’s”, compliments and even an offer to repurpose the presentation for publication in a nationally-distributed motorcycling magazine. I’m guessing everyone liked it.
How We Got to This Post
Later that evening, still experiencing the warm, fuzzy feeling of knowing I had really reached into the hearts and souls of the live audience, I decided to share a version of the presentation with you; the readers of Roadcraft USA. It may not carry the same visual impact of seeing a multitude of colorful images and Powerpoint slides. It certainly won’t have the excitement of hearing the emotionally-spoken words vocalized in the banquet hall that held the large gathering of like-minded motorcycle enthusiasts. But I’ve been assured by others that these words deserve to be heard by those that were not lucky enough to be in attendance that evening. I’ll do my best to share them here.
Some of My Favorite Road Trips
After almost four decades of riding it would really be impossible for me to declare any one road trip…any one destination…my “Favorite”. They have all been special in their own unique ways. The first example I offered up revolved around the geographical area where we were assembled that evening: The Foothills of Eastern Tennessee and The Great Smoky Mountains beyond.
Views of The Foothills of Tennessee and The Blue Ridge Mountains
North of the Border
Next I mentioned my love of riding in Nova Scotia and the rest of The Canadian Maritimes. The Atlantic provinces have been my destination on two different lengthy road trips. The Cape Breton Highlands in the northeast corner of Nova Scotia is home to The Cabot Trail; arguably one of the finest motorcycling roads anywhere on the planet.
Some views from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada
The Wild West
I discussed my love for riding in Nevada, Utah and Arizona. My trips there were relatively short. I did the “Fly ’n’ Ride” thing; renting a motorcycle out of Las Vegas at the conclusion of the international photography convention I attended in Sin City every year. These short rides have left me with a strong desire to explore the western United States in greater scope someday soon.
Views from Zion National Park, UT; Valley of Fire State Park, NV and Lower Antelope Canyon in Arizona
Common Denominators
At this point in the presentation I shared with the audience the two emotions that I’m overcome with on every, single road trip I’ve ever taken in my entire life. They are two of the most profound experiences that any human being experiences in life. I fall in love -and- I am touched with a deep sense of gratitude.
Falling In Love
It seems that on every single journey I take I fall in love. I fall in love with the great roads I get to ride upon. I fall in love with the wonderful places I get to visit.
Over the years I have fallen in love with The Great Smoky Mountains
Mostly, I fall in love with the culture…with the wonderful people I get to meet in my travels. Once I even thought I fell in love with a girl. It turned out we weren’t in love…we were just in heat. As it also turned out she has remained, one of my dearest friends for more than 20 years now. A true kindred spirit. Motorcycling will do that to you…for you. I never would have met some of the most wonderful people I’ve met in my life if it weren’t for my pursuit of two-wheeled travel.
Over these past 2,800 miles I visited with some dear old friends. I finally got to meet some Facebook friends face-to-face (at both the MSTA event and the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America 50th anniversary national rally). I made new friends at both events, and at various spots along the miles in between. I know, without a doubt, that some of these folks will become lifelong friends. For that, I am eternally grateful.
Gratitude
Which brings us to the subject of gratitude…the other emotion that overwhelms me after every road trip I take. I could have gone on showing images of all of the wonderful places I’ve had the privilege of visiting over my years in the saddle, but remember, I was under a strict time restriction.
I chose, instead, to share a quote from the book “Far and Wide” by the late Neil Peart, a legendary motorcycle traveler (and a pretty fair musician, I hear)…
“I don’t regret that the ride has to be over,
But rather feel grateful for the miles travelled,
For the sights along the way,
And to be exactly where I am”
How Many More Miles?
At this point in the presentation I touched on the topic of longevity. It seems that with each passing year the physical demands of long distance motorcycle travel have more and more of an effect on me. Make no mistake…long distance motorcycle travel can be a grueling physical activity.
I put the following slide up on the screen for the audience’s perusal. Perhaps it was designed to elicit laughter…perhaps it was there to remind the viewers that we all feel this way sometimes.
This Lifestyle is a Privilege
This two-wheeled lifestyle of ours is truly a privilege…at least I consider it to be one. We pay dearly for it by building up our skill sets, taking on ever-greater challenges and conquering new horizons. And let us not forget the costs associated with purchase, ownership, travel, etc.
I hope you fall in love and experience a deep sense of gratitude every time you throw a leg over the saddle. I know I do. Because…
The End of the Road is Approaching
Someday we’re all going to reach the end of the road…take our last ride. I’m not implying that some catastrophe will befall us. I’m just stating the facts. Someday we’re all going to reach a point in our lives when we’re no longer able, physically and/or mentally, to handle the rigors of long distance motorcycle travel. Ten years ago I hoped I had twenty years left in me. Half of that precious time has gone by so, so fast that my head is spinning.
Enjoy whatever time it is that you have left in your hourglass. Got a “bucket list” ride you want to take? Do it now! Pull yourself away from the maps on your computer screen and take your place behind the bars of your motorcycle. Like Pat Mogovero, President of MSTA, said in his editorial in STAReview magazine: This pursuit of ours is all about having fun. Get out there and ride. Make some new friends and have fun. See some new sights and have fun. Be safe…always. But have fun. After all, that’s what this lifestyle is really all about.
I want to thank MSTA for having me as their special guest at the 2023 STAR Rally and for the privilege of speaking to all the attendees at the event. Your warm welcome and hospitality was so very much appreciated. See you all soon, my friends. Ride on!
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