Thought I'd had a spectacular ride today around Snowdonia, but you've just blown me out of the water. Decades ago I crossed America by bike with nothing more than a $20 Walmart tent, a crash helmet and a pair of gloves - and this was in the days before sat nav and mobile phones. The only essentials you need are your passport, visa and cash (or viable bank card). You can improvise the rest en-route. Enjoying your tour from my desk, good luck.
Too true Nathan. What have I learned over the years? I’ve never had the “right bike“, riding gear is never perfect, I’ve taken stuff I needn’t have, I’ve not taken stuff I should have, plans can change at any moment, and a whole lot of other practical stuff. I’ve also learned that people around the world are mostly helpful and friendly. But the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to trust myself and go for it.
Well said Nathan. I was stood in that exact spot 3 days ago on my Multistrada Pikes Peak Certainly a highlight of my first 6000 miles in the US. I'm currently in Pismo Beach, CA and have just found out the PCH is closed for the next 80-100 miles. Yes, I'm gutted but it forced me to find a new route north I'd never have thought of. I'm solo across the US for 2 months and have had some lows and difficulties - Engine Management Light popped up, needed new tire far quicker than I'd anticipated due to squaring-off, and LA traffic is brutal. But, overall getting on the bike every morning with a new 250-300 mile route set in the sat nav ready for a day of adventure is amazing. For me, to date the best road/views in US is the 'Rim of the World' scenic loop around Big Bear Lake North East of LA. Especially the section near Rim of the world high school. Blew me away and I took that route by pure chance as was looking for a way to avoid the interstates while moving West above LA.
"comfort bubbles" are best burst at some point, some people live their entire lives in one. Took me a week of reflection before sailing across the Bay of Biscay on what turned out to be a 2 year trans Atlantic voyage , I left when it dawned on me that the only thing stopping me from leaving was actually 4 mooring warps.......and a bucket full of fear of the unknown. Often having too much time to think, also gives too much time for doubt to set in.
The first big trip I went on…… I got 7 miles fully loaded on my GS550 and some twat in a Lotus cut me up and I holed the alternator case on the kerb as I dropped the bike
Looks like some epic riding crew! Cool to see you live outside the box Nathan and share that enthusiasm with others. To think you and your posse came here from across the pond to ride the Southwest is an absolute treat. Let us know if you find any Greenway's out there, LOL. How's the gas prices here? I think I heard you say over $10 per gallon back home. Stay Safe...Ride Safe. 🙏
Thanks Edward. Yeah some great riding, and I'm sure I paid less than $4 a gallon yesterday out here in Utah. Ours is definitely double that back home. The roads aren't as long as they are out here though!
