A photo journal story of adventure and wonder.
As a first year motorcycle rider – a lap around California, Nevada, and Arizona; this account is a personal log of thoughts and images that captured an adventure of self-realization, exploration of natural-beauty, and the power of mechanisms – describing my transitions of young adulthood … (with interactive map link).At the time, I was an average guy … 29 years of age, living a good life in the big city. However; the life I have lived so far is a string of reactions, it does not feel like a life I have chosen … or freely formed. The most fitting word that comes to mind is “disconnectedβ. By profession, I am an entrepreneur. Reacting well to situations is what I do for a living. The last decade has brought its fair share of roller-coaster rides. I recently earned an Associate’s Degree at the School of Hard-knocks. With a focus on Whyology – the study of cause and effect and theorizes on outcomes.
The solution to my problem has two wheels. I purchased a Yamaha FJR 1300 Super Sport Touring Motorcycle. For years I have enjoyed road trips in cars, but now I am attracted to the uncensored experience of discovery. The sense of adventure and time to reflect seems like a healthy process. Two wheels, no cockpit and uncharted roads strike as a very appealing proposal. On a bike, there are no seat belts, no airbags, no windshields, and no safety nets. On a bike, you are responsible for your own actions, as well as those of the people around you. They say that first year riders have a monstrous 99% chance of being involved in a wreck β my goal is to be part of the other category β the remaining 1%. Furthermore; it is extremely important to have faith in one’s abilities, and there is no better test than trial by fire. Since I am a new rider, I still have meager motoring skills, but they will improve with practice and peg time. The plan is to travel from Phoenix to L.A. and visit my great friends Nick and Nora. From there, I will enjoy the beaches of southern California via the classic Pacific Coastal Highway 1, passing through Big Sur, and is considered to be one of the best roads in America. Then, to spend a weekend in San Francisco and head due east to discover Yosemite National Park, near central California. Then, add a cherry on top with a stopover at Hoover Dam, near Las Vegas. Being 29, I felt it important to take inventory of my actions. The study of my causes and their effects were going to help me, to help me figure out what to do with myself. Since my last decade was bleak at best, it became important to plan ahead for the next. I decided to embark on a journey that would take me to a more connected life. A life where I felt I was in control. I want to live a proactive life, unlike the reactive one I am currently enjoying. So what is the secret to happiness? What must my mind frame be in order to break the chains of introversion? How can I rule over my wandering mind? What can I do about truly finding my purpose in life? How can that clear purpose lead me to a happy and connected life? I need to restructure how my life is being built;I need to take the time to do this;I need to do this well.I need to go for a ride …