Why a motorcycle journey is different from any other kind of journey
In the Jewish religion, during Passover, the youngest child traditionally asks: "Why is this day different than any other day?"
While I would never compare motorcycle touring and travel to a religion, I have given some though to the question: Why is a motorcycle journey different from any other kind of journey?
Actually, two features make motorcycle travel different from most other modes: One is that riding a motorcycle over long distances can be very unpredictable and always dangerous. You just never know what nasty surprises you will encounter.
On the other hand, motorcycle touring can be a wellspring for many enjoyable experiences and memories. It creates a rush.
Yes, motorcycles are dangerous
The first time the danger of long distance motorcycle travel really struck me was on the first day of a long trip quite a few years ago. I was up and out very early in the morning and traveled about 150 miles when it started to rain.No, I did not crash and nothing bad happened.
I had the road all to myself as I drove alongside the Delaware River through heavy woods. I decided to stop and put on my rain gear. When I pulled over and turned off the engine, the solitude closed in around me. The sound of rain dripping through the trees made the scene even more forlorn and desolate.
I realized if I had an accident along this stretch, it could be quite a while before help arrived.
This journey was supposed to keep me on the road for many days -- taking me across many miles to many out-of-the-way places. I wondered, "What am I getting myself into?"
Every year for about ten summers, my good friend, Don, and I traveled around the country on our motorcycles. On the first day of each trip, just before we took off, he would ask half jokingly: “Do you really want to do this.”
He had good reason to ask because, over the years, Don executed some of the most spectacular motorcycle “dismounts” I have ever seen.
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