The spring I completed my graduate degree, I celebrated by getting my motorcycle endorsement and buying a motorcycle: a 600 Honda Shadow. I spent that summer prowling all the back roads as far as 2 gallons would take me from the last gas station.
The following year I was adopted into a local Goldwing group; bonus parents, they’ve become family these almost 20 years later. I’m the token kid in the group, and they’re my collection of Old People (yes, they know I call them this. It’s a term of endearment, and yes it’s sanctioned).
When I was ready for my “Big Kid Bike,” Gregg did all the research for me, finding the best deal with the lowest miles and a color-match trailer, which I bought on his recommendation. Turns out my new-to-me MOTO wasn’t new to the group … the former owner had been with the group too.
Until recently, there’s been at least one Trailer Trip every summer: a long weekend to somewhere with a great route leading to it, a campground, and destination adventure. Before leaving on my first trip, Dads #2-10 all had to check the tires, check the hitch, verify I packed the trailer with weight on the tongue, etc. etc. We were headed south for four days to camp and ride the historic mail boat route on the Rogue.*
One of my favorite rides was north, to Mt. Rainier. Another year we went south again to ride the miniature rail road.** Then there was the trip to/through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park with a stop to say hello to Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.*** It’s surreal to drive through spaces where the landscape is so giant, without a roof and a steering wheel separating you from them. The Bronze Biker Rally, Paulina Lake … so many great adventures.
Like Tractor Time, a MOTO trip is miles of solo protected space for thinking big thinks. But unlike tractor time, it’s also Together Time ideal for different types of observation.
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow.
There’s protocol for riding together in a group, primarily because safety. MOTOs aren’t visible in the same way a car is, so riders stagger in the lane. Every ride has a Ride Master, who plans the trip and route details, leads the ride, and is in charge of the map, and start and stop times. Other times you follow. But regardless of your place in the pack, everyone knows to never lose sight of the rider behind you. This ensures everyone can ride their own ride, but no one gets left behind.
Plan for pit stops.
Pre-trip planning really makes it memorable or miserable. It’s smart to have an itinerary before heading out, especially to places you haven’t been yet. Some riders pride themselves on having an Iron Butt and just getting there. The rest of us like to stop for snacks and photo ops. Never pass up a gas station or a rest stop!
Common ground starts a relationship. Common experience deepens it.
I met my collection of Old People because of motorcycles. I stayed with them because they’re fun … and they wouldn’t let me leave. Dave and I swam in Paulina Lake (at ~73 degrees. In August!). Duane made pink boot covers for everyone the trip I was Ride Master. I learned from Marie how to make campfire pie (so good!). They’re a phone call away when I need help or advice.
We’ve shared a lot of life–not just at the surface, but in the deep end: welcoming grandbabies, grieving death, celebrating some milestones and politely forgetting others; telling and retelling the stories that become family legend. Like the time Kathy learned for all of us that the super low-rider camp chairs aren’t always your friend. 😉
Who you ride with matters. In close quarters, several hundred miles from home, it’s important to know and like the folks you’re riding with. If you don’t, campfire can get … awkward.
Points to ponder:
Identify the road trip you’re on in this season.
- Are you Ride Master or somewhere in the pack?
- How much fuel do you have?
Actionable application:
Identify where you can schedule in a pit stop and do it.
Get it on the calendar.
It doesn’t have to be long enough for a trailer trip, but make it long enough to stretch your legs and get snacks.
* Jet Boat ride(s) on the Rogue River https://www.roguejets.com/historic-mail-route. It’s fun with a group (bring your water guns) and worth doing at least once.
** Another do-it-at-least-once-in-your-lifetime recommendation: https://www.opb.org/television/programs/oregon-field-guide/article/train-mountain-oregon-largest-miniature-railroad/
*** https://treesofmystery.net/welcome/paul-bunyan-and-babe/ I mean, it’s Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox…