When I got laid-off I was thrilled. That meant I could finally
take the road trip I’ve wanted to go on for years. The plan was to explore
California on my Suzuki SV1000. I wanted to avoid rain and snow, so I headed south
from the San Francisco bay area. Other than head south I didn’t plan where I’d
sleep every night or what I’d do. I wanted to have an adventure and that is
exactly what happened.
Ever since I was little I have wanted to be a nomad, a monk and an
artist. This road trip encompassed all of that, in addition to being a rite of
passage. I intentionally faced my fears, because the fun that was yet to be had
was taunting me. Traveling solo on a motorcycle was a scary first for me, but
has since consumed my mind. All I want to do is ride! I don’t need a man to
protect me. As was camping solo in the middle of nowhere, no wild animals attacked
me, so I can write-off that fear as well, which gives me more options when I
travel.
In summary:
I gave myself a $1,000 budget - when I spent that money I'd return home to the San Francisco Bay Area. I managed to stretch out my funds for a 28 day long road trip, and I rode my motorcycle 2,683 miles!
As you’ll see from the above picture, I explored California, cruised
down Highway 1, where I fell in love with Big Sur and all of the beautiful wildlife,
where I saw a whale, a bobcat and a condor! Like a true biker my priority was
to ride the most scenic and beautifully paved roads over finding the most efficient
route. Plus I didn’t need to be anywhere. That’s the joy of not having an
itinerary. The adventure was in the riding and discovering whatever came across
my path. Basically I continued down Highway 1, spent a few days at a Buddhist
monastery in Escondido, camped in Joshua Tree where I discovered my love for the
desert and back tracked up north to the bay area.
I stayed in hostels, a monastery, and a few nights at motels. I
camped in the redwoods and in the desert and I was a guest at friends-of-friends
houses and at several communes. I was introduced to so many different walks of
life. Constantly I was touched by people’s generosity and love. I expected this
solo trip to be lonely, it was quite the opposite. Each time I left a city or
town, I didn’t want to go and say goodbye to such wonderful people.
My riding has improved drastically. I rode within my skill level,
but pushed myself to the next level. It was my first time with a bike fully
loaded down with two saddle bags, a duffle and a backpack. The extra weight
changed the way I was use to riding. Plus I had to account for the extra width
when I was lane splitting. I took the bike on dirt roads and had an absolute
blast! I was fortunate to have ridden in only three days of rain (a sign that
we are very much in a bad drought). I’ve ridden some of the most trying
conditions I’ve been in to date, which has boosted my confidence and my skill
level.
I was depressed when the travel money ran
out and I had to go back to living in one place. I felt like I was just getting
warmed up. I am made to travel. I was born to ride! I loved the cycle of
staying in a town for a while, having all sorts of new experiences (which were
often centered around art), and then going off into the woods to camp and
debrief. This trip helped me to face and overcome my fears, putting me one step
closer to being a nomadic sculptor.
I’m so grateful for having supportive friends and family and for
their help for getting me ready for this trip. I’m deeply touched by the
generous strangers who I met on the road. And I continue to have a deep love
and appreciation for the bond between bikers. You guys are a part of my family!
Until
next time.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
