Epilogue
I wrote most of this while sitting by my tent at Joseph Stewart State Park.
My Canada adventure has come to an end. I’ve been riding solo for the last four days, something that was very intimidating to look forward to at the start of the trip. Yet here I am, 1158 miles from Nakusp, with 207 to go. Ted Simon said it best: It is remarkably easy to do things, and much more frightening to contemplate them.
I have ridden some of the most amazing roads, and seen some of the most beautiful scenery British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon have to offer. The only real disappointment is that I had to choose to see some things and not others.
There’s something about riding alone. You can go at your own pace. You can stop whenever you want. When you stop for the night, it’s just you and your thoughts. Sometimes the solitude is exactly what you need to reflect on your journey. If you’ve never done a long trip by yourself, I highly recommend you try it sometime. It just may change your life.
Though you’re alone, you never truly are alone. There’s an amazing community of people sharing an interest in motorcycles out there. People who will slow down or stop when they see a stranger on a bike on the sire of the road just make sure they are OK. Often times, they’ll even lend a helping hand or stay with you until help arrives. We are also connected to our loved ones via little magic boxes that fit in our pocket. Support is only a fingertip away.
All throughout the news, we hear about how much bad there is in the world. This could not be further from the truth. Though, through my job, I often see the worst in people, I really believe that people are inherently good. Once you get on the road, you see this. I met several people who have offered up places to stay if I ever need one while traveling. I even took a chance and spent the night at a complete stranger’s home on my trip. A motorcycle seems to be a magnet that draws people to come out of their shell and make a connection with a stranger. You don’t hear about people on car trips being approached in restaurants to be asked about their travels. Change it to a motorcycle, and there is quite a mystique about a lone traveler.
When I first started riding, I knew I wanted to take trips, but I always thought it would be short weekend trips to places within a few hours’ ride from home. I never thought I’d find myself crossing an international border! Following ADV Rider and attending Horizons Unlimited events have only raised my desire to see more of what’s out there.
Having an understanding family is great. Their support allowed me to take on this trip, when before, it was something I didn’t think I would ever do. It was my own wife who bought my admission to Horizons Unlimited and set this journey in motion. Everyone should have such a supportive spouse. I thank her from the bottom of my heart. I’m forever grateful to Greg as well for taking the lead and accompanying me from home to Nakusp, and for all of his motorcycle travel mentoring. It was quite strange leaving Nakusp without seeing his Tiger in front of me, but I easily found my solo groove.
I’m looking forward to my next great adventure, and I look forward to sharing it with you all. I’ll see you down the road.
