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Touring by motorcycle is not for the faint of heart . We ’ re taking what is already a somewhat dangerous activity and tossing in assorted variables : weather , mechanical issues , unfamiliar roads , the uncertainty inherent in any adventure . We mitigate such variables as best we can with skills training and practice , planning and preparation . Still , setbacks occur and accidents happen . You ’ ll JB Weld a clutch lever back on , replace a fuse in the dark , drain grit from a float bowl at 10,000 feet and plug a tire on the shoulder of the road .
“ And when you ’ re in a Slump , You ’ re not in for much fun . Un-slumping yourself Is not easily done .”
Yes , moto-touring takes grit , but the rewards are incredible . You ’ ll slog through Fresno in July , slowly braising in your own juices … but a couple hours later you ’ ll relish the cool , salt-scented air on the foggy coast . You ’ ll climb wearily back aboard your bike after finding out all the hotels in town are full … but 45 miles later you ’ ll be welcomed with homemade pizza and a smile to a tiny , motorcycle-friendly motel you would ’ ve whizzed past the next morning .
Because it ’ s gritty and not particularly easy , many riders never venture out into the unknown . They play it safe … and they miss out . Or they play the “ someday ” game , which of course is a game you can ’ t win because you ’ re playing against yourself .
“ Waiting , perhaps , for their Uncle Jake , or a pot to boil , or a Better Break , Or a string of pearls , or a pair of pants , or a wig with curls , or Another Chance ….”
So I tell them , “ Oh , the places you ’ ll go !” And I share my stories of discovery , pain , joy , exhaustion , awe , frustration and camaraderie that could only come from this thing we do , living life to the fullest .
“ You ’ re off to Great Places ! Today is your day ! Your mountain is waiting , So … get on your way !”