I am riding riding big distances of desert looking eastern Oregon. There seems nothing to do – no scenic views or places to visit. It gives me plenty of time to think about literary everything. Starting this trip and its purpose, finally about some future plans back in Seattle. Later part doesn’t go as good as the first one. The “other life” feels so distant at the moment. Right now and right here I’m in Oregon in the very beginning of my travel across United States.
“Again, why I’m doing this? What exactly my travel plan is?” Those questions are naturally occur in my head on that day. It may look strange to hear such questions from person who is going to spend more than a month on 10k+ miles long trip, but that’s how it goes in my story. Initially my plan was to put checkbox on “visited all states”, but now seems a little bit shallow for a goal. I’m too limited on time to have good quality visits at every of 48 states.
The real purpose of the trip comes to me only now. After visiting few smaller towns along the road, after chatting to few random people on gas stations, rest areas, on small city streets..
Meeting new people - that’s real value of that trip. Also, I decided that there is no need for me to go to every single state, better enjoy more and learn about those which are being visited. There are so much to see in this country that anyway I’ll be travelling around United States again and again.
That day, I spoke to my friend (Nikita) to share my first experiences about the trip and hear his thoughts on his trip. He has been on the road already 10 days and he understands me better than anyone now. Talking to people is his biggest highlight. He tells me about his friend Kamilla, living in the middle of Idaho, and suggests to drop her call. I’m kind of hesitant, but after talking to her I’m amazed by her hospitality and now I have destination point in that state – Boise, ID.
Windy roads in the narrow mountain valley keeps reminding me one of the benefits of motorcycle trips – vigilance, you stay alerted all the time, you can’t fall asleep as I may happen behind steering wheel in warm car.
Another thing about motorcycling – you smell/sense/see/hear all around as if you are actually hiking in the forest/mountains or take jog in the middle of the city. It’s hard to explain, but you are kind of dissolved in the air. You feel much closer to surrounding environment, while gliding above road on a motorcycle, while people are sitting in the cars as fish in aquariums, fully isolated from outside world.
The last, but not least thing about motorcycles – people are much more open towards guys riding motorcycles. If riders look approachable (I need to shave at least :-) once in 5-10 days), then people will be saying hello and asking about the trip on their own on any your stop. Especially in the smaller cities or regular traveler’s locations (rest areas, camp grounds,..). Also, people are more willing to help whether you need advice about locations to see, or finding place to sleep. I get invitation to stay in their houses/garages or simply pitch tent in their backyard. I meet just wonderful people all around.
Even police officers are more friendly to adventure riders, folks who travel on motorcycles. I decided to make pictures with all friendly policy officers from all around the country. Seems as funny idea for collection – pictures of me or my bikes with police cars with flashing lights(!) from all 50 states. I just hope to get those without getting ticket ;)
Finally I’m coming to Boise, ID. There was wonderful reception at Kamilla & Polina‘s place. Later I was introduced to Artem. We had great tea time that evening, talking about everything. I also got few suggestions what to see in Idaho, which I’m going to check on the next day. They are awesome folks to be friends with me. I glad that Nikita gave me this pointer. I really hope to see them in Seattle one day and be their host.
Mileage: 23075
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