The grass roots ride...
This will change constantly as the idea solidifies, and I notice all the typo's
Why does anybody choose to leave their safe, warm home to set out into unknown misery? From experience, I know that adventure without calmity and misery is simply NOT adventure. Ive been there before, out on the road, seemingly a million miles from the comforts and security of home, scare, alone, cold, maybe even lost. A few times, in this state, I have told myself that I wouldnt do it again, i would settle down, get a job, and be normal. That thought never last long, On the road, thoughts of anything other than the moment you are in rarely can take purchase. They are always de-prioritized in the face of survival.
It is easy to sit here in my warm house in front of my big screen, enjoying my high speed internet, and long for the miserable road. That special place where my phone won't ring, where nobody needs anything from me, where I am alone with God. In those moments, on the road, I am at peace to greater extent than I am now. The dangers, I can mitigate, the cold I can dress for, the beauty, of each moment, I can behold. Though I know that I am never really in control of my own destiny, I know that I am in control of machine, myself, my own time. And that my friends is a place rarely visited by anyone these days.
Enough of the pontification of the virtues of setting course on the open road. Suffice it to say that the road holds many perils, but the road also holds endless joy that can only be known by those who have embraced its calling.
Finally, some inspiration that may lead to some direction...
Phase one has a theme! Adventure riding in Alaska.
I will compile my notes, pictures, etc. from previous years of riding in Alaska, and add to them with the rides in Alaska I have planned for the next few months. This will all end up in a book about adventure riding in the greatland.
So, that solidifies what I am going to do with myself between now and the Dust to Dawson ride
South Central
Homer
Seward
Kenia
Girwood
Anchorage
Mat-su
Hatcher pass
Denali highway
Petersville
Valdez Thompson pass
Copper center
Interior
Fairbanks
Chena hot springs
Manley hot springs
The gold country
Delta
Arctic Region
The Dalton
Chicken
The Approaches
The alcan
Haines/Skagway
The Dempster
The ferry
Phase two update
As some of you know, I am now using a Google Nexus one phone. As some more of you know, I bought the Google phone because I am a heavy user of Google services, and I wanted to take the assimilation to the next level.
Here is a link to my ongoing review of the Nexus One
Since I will be using the Nexus one for all my communication needs on this ride, I decided to give Google the opportunity to finance some of it. In exchange, I will show you all how I use the Nexus one, and all the Google applications and services to facilitate, organize, and share my trip.
Keep your fingers crossed....