The Meaning of Adventure

I have decided to take, what will be for me, an adventure.  I will ride my motorcycle from Boca Raton, Florida to Vancouver Island, BC. - an approximately 4000 mile journey through the back roads of America.  Now, this is not an unusual adventure for a whole subculture of motorcyclists who do this on a regular basis.  I suppose that when a person repeats what was initially a challenge, the more mundane it becomes - it becomes second nature, the fear subsides, and some of the thrill is gone.  I just have to remind myself that when a person gets on a motorcycle for the first time (even if it is merely to ride around the block), it is a very big adventure.  It was for me.  After years of riding, getting on a motorcycle is now second nature.

My trip begins on June 5, 2018 and will end sometime later in the month.  I have to keep the end date open since who knows what will distract me along the way.  Daily blog posts will begin on May 5, 2018 to cover planning and general preparations - along with my thought processes as I get ready to disembark.  On June 5, 2018 the blogging begins in earnest to cover the following topics:


  1. The physical challenges that present themselves (e.g., rain, wind, fatigue, road conditions, motorcycle maintenance, etc.).
  2. Mental reflections as I face fear, my place in the roadway labyrinth, and thoughts that come to me as I travel.
  3. Unearthing an understanding of people in our culture - what makes them tick, what are their aspirations, and what are their deeply held beliefs (religious, political, and social constructions, etc).  Are these people kind, helpful, disparaging, melancholic, salt of the earth, welcoming, guarded, judgmental, etc.? 
Since this is "a listening tour", I will try and curb any judgments, any preconceived notions that I may have already made about them (without really knowing them).  I firmly believe that we all have such preconceptions, probably illusory, due to the advent of technology and the barrage of media invading every nook and cranny of our lives.  The biggest part of my adventure will be meeting people of all stripes, mano y mano, without the filter of a cell phone.  I can't wait!





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