Sharing the Adventure

Vineyards and a sea of grapes, the road twisted, turned, and took us closer to the coast. It was a spectacular sight. The Russian River pressed against rolling fields of grapes. The trees, the smells, the small towns along the way, and the anticipation of the Pacific Ocean kept my hand on the throttle and the engine rev’ing higher and higher. As we crossed the final hill and took the last turn to head South, there it was. The Pacific Ocean and we were on the Pacific Coast Highway 1. Epic views, an epic road, and some epic riding. There were so many great moments during this week and California is a magical place.

“The best teacher is experience and not through someone’s distorted point of view.”

— Jack Kerouac

This week Jeanette, my wife, joined me on the road. I had been traveling solo for three weeks and was looking forward to sharing the experience with her. I wanted her to have the opportunity to experience first-hand what it’s like for me on this journey. Jack Kerouac said, “The best teacher is experience and not through someone's distorted point of view.” Having her be part of it for even a short time means a lot to both of us. I’ve taken a fair number of pictures, videos, and have written about the trip. All of it is just a facsimile, an approximation, that creates a feeling of what this trip is like. Living it and seeing it with your own eyes is the experience and it’s real. There would be an adjustment from solo to two-up motorcycle travel, but that’s part of the adventure. I was excited to share the experience.

Adventure Finds You

I have come to believe that adventure finds you, you don’t find adventure. Four weeks on the road! The Adventure continues!

“The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.” That’s the definition of Serendipity and that I believe is when adventure finds you. Many suggest that adversity, mishaps, interruptions and lots of risk are the key ingredients of an adventure. While I can’t deny that perseverance and pushing through in the face of a challenge can be an adventure, for me the most rewarding adventures come from those serendipitous events. A chance encounter, a “wrong” turn, a last-minute change of plans, or a spark of inspiration that sets you on a new course. This trip has taught me, what I’ve always known, but in the past practiced more naturally, that there are no coincidences. There’s meaning and a rhythm to life and you have to slot-in, sync-up, get in the flow, and dance to the beat. Let it happen, let go, and be open to the possibilities. There truly is only one thing to do and that’s to keep moving forward.

Adventure has many meanings and each person defines it in a way that’s relevant to themselves and their current journey. It might be climbing a mountain, running a race, trying a new food, a wine tasting in Napa, or overcoming some tremendous obstacle encountered on a round-the-world journey. It’s your perspective, it’s subjective, and they’re all correctly called an adventure. I’m talking about the ultimate Adventure. Life, and with life comes death. I’m not speaking about death defying acts and precarious journeys. Simply, we are all participants, individually and collectively, right now right here, on the same exact adventure. The adventure of life, which is taking us all to the exact same destination. The same outcome. Death. This isn’t morbid, although it could freak you out if you think on it for too long. Don’t panic! There really is no escaping it. Life finds you and so will death. Adventure finds you, the question is will you embrace it? Will you embrace life? You don’t need to challenge yourself to do great feats, journeys, or acts of tremendous risk. If you challenge yourself to get out of bed, have a sense of gratitude for the day, for the people around you, and walk in world with empathy in your heart, recognizing those serendipitous moments, then maybe you’ll have the best adventure of all.

Moments in Time - Highlights from Week 4 that are captured in the photos that follow:

Serendipity, the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Motorcycle serviced and ready to keep going.
Family get together in LA.
I picked up a passenger for the next week. My wife has joined me for a portion of the California journey. A little easier on the throttle, but still a blast riding 2 up. Extra special to share the journey first hand.
On our way to Sequoia National Park, but first passing through vineyards in Paso Robles.
Giant Forest Sequoia National Park.
Finally made it to Yosemite. Rain, fog and temperatures that dipped too close to freezing made for a challenging riding day.
The sun is out and ready to head to Napa-Sonoma. Stopped for breakfast and a real special conversation with a cool father and daughter. He’s a passionate motorcycle rider who’s ridden in many places in the world and also a 25+ year combat veteran of the U.S. military. She’s a dancer and also just won an essay contest. Thanks for your sacrifice, service and sharing your story ... and yes, it’s about the people you meet on the road.
Riding through Napa, Sonoma, and miles of grapes. A magical place. The ride from Calistoga toward Healdsburg was a wave of twisties in a sea of vineyards! Lovin’ the ride. Heading north and putting some distance between us and the Memorial Day and BottleRock crowds.
Incredible find. Historic Bed & Breakfast where the owners also are vintners and produce a great selection of wines. Kelley & Young Wine Garden Inn. And yes, it’s about the people you meet on the road.
From the Russian River Valley and vineyards to the iconic Pacific Coast and Bodega Bay. Epic California riding.
Epic riding hugging the Russian River through vineyards to the Pacific Coast and Bodega Bay. Did I say Epic!?!!!
Velvet rope situation for beer! Fun place, great people, and some more top motorcycle route recommendations from the bar tender. Crazy Santa Rosa fire stories. And yes, it’s about the people you meet on the road.
Time to revisit Napa. Hang on Jeanette next stop Yountville.
Four weeks on the road! The Adventure continues ... “The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.” That’s the definition of Serendipity and that I believe is when adventure finds you.