Comfort in the Familiar

There was something a bit more special about riding the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). I had been this way before. Sometimes the road was crowded and other times it was wide open for me to play. The weather always varied. The riding conditions this time were not necessarily different from previous trips. However, it was more special. I think it was a combination of “coming home,” being back somewhere on the motorcycle that was familiar, as well as the fact that this was the final act of the trip. These next few days would be the last mountain riding for the 50@50 journey. I was feeling a greater sense of accomplishment with respect to being on the BRP. In the past I rode from Florida, which was a bit of a haul for me. Typically, 750 miles or so depending on the route. This time I had traveled over 10,300 miles to get here. It felt a bit like a celebration of my journey getting to ride the mountains of North Carolina. The familiar was comforting, but these roads and the mountain landscape are energizing. It was good to be here riding.

Serendipity – The Universe is responding to the energy I’m radiating, to my frequency

An interesting serendipitous encounter happened before I could ride more than a block. In the opposite direction another BMW R1200 GS was coming, and we gave one another the customary wave, but I recognized the bike setup. Plus, I saw his Instagram feed the last few days and he was back from South America and just happened to be posting pictures around Asheville. We were a few hours away from Asheville and it was several days later. Could it actually be? I’ve been following this guy on Instagram for a while. He’s been traveling the world for 16 months or so. He takes great photos and captures his experiences as he travels the world. I turned around and noticed he stopped. I pulled up beside him and called him by name. He seemed surprised, but after a few brief introductions we got to talking and I think he appreciated the recognition for his work. It was a good conversation about travel, adventure, and sharing our respective plans or lack thereof. We said our goodbyes, and both rode off in opposite directions. I didn’t snap any pictures, just felt weird about it. Don’t know why, but I remind myself that it’s OK not to have a picture of everything that happens on the trip. Besides, I’m writing it down here for posterity. A chance encounter, maybe? In a way the Universe is responding to the energy I’m radiating, to the frequency I’m vibrating at. At least that’s what I’d like to believe. Maybe the Universe is reinforcing what I’m doing. Sort of a pat on the back, as if to say, “You’re doing the right thing, you’re on the right track, keep it up.”

Letting go of expectations

Setting up the bike, I was excited to get going and make my way to Durham to have lunch with Margo and spend a few nights there. The route I was taking had me on the Blue Ridge Parkway for about 11 miles and then more or less straight-line east for about 160 miles. The sun was shining, and I was in the mountains. I was enjoying the ride, the good weather, and the last of the mountain air & view for this journey. Leaving the BRP the temperature began to rise, as I was heading east. Still very excited about seeing Margo, but I was reflecting on the trip drawing ever so closer to the finish. This entire experience has exceeded my expectations, but on a journey like this that’s an easy feat. When you don’t have a firm plan, when you’re living in the moment, part of what you have to do is let go of expectations. Letting go of expectations allows you to accept what comes and to not fight against “what is.” Letting go of expectations can work both ways. Having high achievable expectations allows you to stretch and achieve great goals. The key word is achievable. However, expectations can also limit your imagination and the possibilities. On this trip, I did have certain expectations, but I was cognizant about not making that the focal point. To make room for serendipity and “no-coincidence” moments it’s important to not hold too tight to your expectations.

On my way to Durham I played back some of the movie reel of experiences during this trip and it became very clear that it truly was a rich journey that I took with the “Best Version” of myself. I felt very joyful and twisted the throttle, excited to see Margo.

Reunion

Arriving in Durham I waited in the hotel parking lot for Margo. She was on her way and just got out of class. Margo pulled in, parked, and big hugs & kisses followed. It was a great reunion. We hadn’t see one another in about 8-9 weeks, and so much had happened for both of us. She moved two apartments. Her and my wife Jeanette drove her car up from Florida. I traveled 10,700 miles to see her. Quite significant as a number, but more importantly what had occurred over all those miles. We live about 750 miles from Durham in Florida. This journey took me far and back, full of stories, experiences, emotions, and joyfulness to share with Margo. Nothing better than sharing your joy with the ones you love.

Straight-Line Traveling

Riding to Durham from the mountains was basically a straight-line east. A low mileage day and nothing like the straight-line riding I did across the middle of the country going to and from the western part of the USA. It did get me thinking about straight-line travel on the motorcycle and how maybe it’s a metaphor for how we live our lives sometimes.

Traveling in a straight-line on the motorcycle for too long, typically highway miles, can become monotonous. You want to stay attentive and aware of your surroundings as always. You also want to appreciate the places you’re moving through. There are still things to see and appreciate. However, it takes a lot more effort to be engaged. As you buzz along the highway you fall into an autopilot mode. It’s cruise-control figuratively and literally. Your mind can go other places and you’re not always 100% in the moment. It can be boring and routine. You’re checking-off the miles to wherever you’re going or the next gas stop. All you’re doing is counting the miles. You occupy yourself with thoughts of the past or the future. You might occupy yourself by listening to some music. I’m not saying you can’t be in the moment, but straight-line travel relies a lot more on muscle memory, and a lot less on being mindful and in the moment.

Exercising and doing the same workouts over-and-over can be a lot like straight-line travel. After a while you hit a plateau and you’re just not getting the results. Your checking-off the workouts thinking you’re in good shape, but nothing much is happening. Muscle confusion is a training concept that is focused on having a variety of workouts to avoid hitting a plateau during strength training. Whatever term you want to apply, intuitively it’s less boring to do something different every so often. Breaking the actual routine and doing a variety of exercises yields better results with less injuries.

Routine activities in daily life, straight-line travel motorcycling down the road, or having a set exercise regimen are not bad things. They’re actually necessary. The point is simple. Straight-line travel, doing the same thing for too long without deviation, is not only boring, but not healthy physically, emotionally, or spiritually. That’s why people take vacations, that’s why schools are out for summer, that’s why new experiences are so energizing.

In large part, this 50@50 journey is breaking the straight-line travel during this period of my life. It’s not necessary to do epic things. Maybe sometimes it’s enough to try a new restaurant, take a different route on your next walk or drive, or simply find something new to try. “Newness” and breaking that straight-line travel dilemma in whatever you’re up to, takes you back into the moment and being mindful of what you’re doing. It’s important to seek opportunities to break those self-imposed constraints and change your routines up. That’s what makes life interesting.

Dinner with The Best Version of Myself

At dinner tonight, even though I sat at the bar to eat, there wasn’t an opportunity to strike up a conversation. It was crowded and noisy. There was live music and a lot going on. I sat there thinking, I have a really cool story to tell. This 50@50 journey, it was day 48, there were over 11,000 miles traveled, and countless tales to tell of the road. I was content and smiled to myself knowing that I did something that was more than just an impressive act of endurance on the motorcycle. It was so much more than the miles I traveled. It truly was what I hoped it would be, an endeavor of the soul. As I sat there in the crowd, but by myself with my own thoughts, I reflected on the fact that I was with the “Best Version” of myself. It was so easy to find him on the road.

The Adventure Continues - Coming home

When I think about it, the trip isn’t really ending tomorrow. The riding part is, but I’ll be reliving the trip for weeks to come. Yes, I’ll always be reminiscing about the journey, but the next bunch of weeks will be focused on some more journaling, blogging, and producing some videos & slideshows. It will give me a chance to maintain the connection to the experience and also to reflect on it in a deeper way. I’m looking forward to being home for all the reasons one would expect, but I’m also looking forward to being home and having the time to truly process the journey, as much as one can for an endeavor like this.

Feeling a tremendous sense of accomplishment and joy for having made the journey, I throttled in a straight-line, south. It was hot and humid. The Florida summer sun was intense as always. I was in a pool of sweat in my gear that’s served me well from temperatures ranging from 36 degrees to 96+ degrees F. As I started to pass familiar exits on I95, the realization that this phase of the journey was concluding was prominent in mind. There was no sadness, just joy. Riding down the highway I had a broad view. I could see the road unfolding and the trees whizzing by. I was smiling in my helmet, feeling blessed for what I had experienced and excited to reach home. A flood of thoughts and realizations came forward and greeted me and then faded. Inspiration sometimes is hard to hold onto. I’m hoping as the days pass and I think on the trip, that I’ll be able to capture some of those feelings and put them on paper. Sometimes thoughts, realizations, and ideas are like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. As I rode, I didn’t try to hold too tight to those thoughts and ideas. It was like all the wonderful moments of this trip. You just have to let it unfold and “be here now,” be in the moment.

Moments in Time - Highlights from Week 7 and Day 50 that are captured in the photos that follow:

Day 43 and hanging out in Bryson City. Tomorrow back on the road and North for a bit for some more time in the mountains.
It felt a bit more special this time on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was a combination of coming home and being back somewhere on the motorcycle that was familiar. This time I traveled over 10,000 miles to get here when on previous trips it was a mere 750/800. It felt like a celebration of my journey getting to ride the BRP before heading home. Little did I know the weather was going to change big time and cut today’s mountain riding short.
What better detour from the rain & fog on the Blue Ridge than to drop in and hang in Asheville. #asheville #northcarolina
On a cloud in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Twisting the throttle and living in the moment. #northcarolina #blueridgemountains #blueridgeparkway
Here comes the sun. So many tranquil spots in the Blue Ridge Mountain to enjoy the views, but it’s always time to twist the throttle and ride some more. #northcarolina #blueridgemountains #blueridgeparkway
Mountains, green green forests, and a ribbon of great roads.#northcarolina #blueridgemountains #blueridgeparkway
Blowing Rock, NC for the evening. Mountain town living. You meet such interesting people on the road. Vintage Chevy car club staying at the same Inn.
Day 46 and some 10,700+ miles later, said goodbye to the Blue Ridge Mountains and hello to my daughter in Durham. Day 46 & 47 with my daughter, such a meaningful milestone for me on this journey. The only thing that comes close to the actual experience and excitement of my journey is the ability to share the stories with someone I love. Gratitude and blessings. Tomorrow I ride southeast to touch the Atlantic once again. #durham #northcarolina
Saying farewell to North Carolina at Duke University. It was a great Father’s Day with my daughter, but I was ready to make my way back to the Atlantic Ocean today. #durham #northcarolina
Day 48, 11,000+ miles on the motorcycle, I went from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, I touched the Pacific, and now I’m back touching the Atlantic Ocean. It was so much more than the miles traveled. It was an endeavor of the soul. The adventure continues. #southcarolina #atlanticocean #hiltonhead #hiltonheadisland
Day 49 Last night on the road and back in my home State of Florida. A hot humid day on the road. Might be time to hit the beach. #daytona
Motorcycle parked, gear stowed, bathing suit on, tiki bar found, and steps from the Atlantic Ocean. Day 49 celebrating the last night on the road.
Beach time!
50 days and 11,600 miles, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, and back. Round-tripping North America. What a “trip!” When I think about it, the journey didn’t really end today on Day 50. The riding part did, but I’ll be reliving the trip for a long time to come. Yes, I’ll always be reminiscing about the journey, but the next bunch of weeks will be focused on some more journaling, blogging, and producing some videos & slideshows. It will give me a chance to maintain the connection to the experience and also to reflect on it in a deeper way. I’m looking forward to being home for all the reasons one would expect, but I’m also looking forward to being home and having the time to truly process the journey, as much as one can for an endeavor like this. Oh, and planning for the next motorcycle overlanding trip is underway!
50 days and 11,600 miles, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, and back. Round-tripping North America. What a “trip!”