I’m blessed to have had the opportunity to do
this trip with my cool Dad (Quality time together, in some diverse & challenging
situations). I have been amazed by the many ‘manly’ friends that have commented
on this opportunity (with a man tear in their eye) who have sadly lost their ‘window’
to do it with their Dad. Neat to be able to do things that really do matter
most in the long run.
·
Striking the contrasts in scenery & attitudes
of the folk from State to State (California – Beachy/relaxed, Arizona – Sandy/Serious,
New Mexico – Mexican Food, Ohio - Corn fields/Trust worthy, Pennsylvania – Healthy/Friendly
people, New York – Traffic/Busy Lives.
·
Amazing the obesity issues across the country.
We were the worst for eating fast food on this week, but trying to find healthy
food was like looking for a Unicorn. Huge steaks, piles of cheese, mountains of
fries & super-size soda’s galore…It is no wonder the statistics are ugly.
·
Dad was very surprised by the lack of bugs, animals
& farming livestock. Assume with the extreme seasons & focus on agriculture
this was quite a contrast from the rolling green farming hills of New Zealand.
·
“Good Highways afford great opportunity for
flights of thought”, despite being connected with Dad via our great headsets
(see http://www.cardosystems.com/scala-rider)
it really was great to unwind from Corporate life & be alone with your
thoughts mile after mile
·
After a great 11 years living in the US &
flying over it at 36,000 ft many times, being up close to see & smelling it
was a treat. Despite a decent 3,200 miles across it now feels smaller. T.S Elliot wrote “Only those who risk going
too far can possibly find out how far they can go”
·
I loved the attitude of the fellow bikers we
came across who are all on their own personal adventures. Riding with what looked
like a real tough group of petrol heads, was really nothing but a group of like-minded
middle aged softies ‘cutting free’. They all looking out for each other…was
refreshing.
·
Very impressed with Dad’s ability to ride a solid
8 hours a day for 7 days straight at 70 years of age with no doubts. He turned
up for breakfast every morning, bags packs, with an amazingly positive attitude
/ can do approach. “Let’s go as far as we can go today safely”. Don’t give
doubt a chance, just show up!
·
Happy to be home…Have been asked a number of
times. Would you do the trip again? “Absolutely”.
Full Pics of the road:
