Planning the trips for next year

I have been getting some questions that focused on the motorcycle and the trip plans So let me address them now.

First the Bike: I bought a 1983 Yamaha XVZ12TK Venture (This is the bike they put head-to-head with the Honda Goldwing) I found it a better fit for my height and because it is not as well known as the Goldwing it was a much better deal.

As far as the trip goes nothing is planned other than late spring to early fall 2008 window. And unlike the 1978 trip I would like to do ZERO miles on the Interstate Highway System. I am thinking fewer miles and great places like Yellowstone Park, Mount Rushmore and The Grand Canyon please post your comments with suggestions for great locations.

In reality I am planning two types of trip. First is the 30th anniversary of my 1978 trip where the point is to ride to great places and hopefully do it with some friends. That trip will probably go for about a week and have a very loose agenda other than to enjoy the freedom of the open road and share a few stories of the adventures in our lives and how they shaped us as men.

The second type of trip is shorter (two to three days) taking men who enjoy riding on an adventure to get closer the heart of God. This trip was inspired by my brother-in-law Phil Floyd. Phil has a passion and calling in the area of helping men become men. His ministry Caleb’s Heart puts on events for men called WaawG (Weekend Almost Alone with God) where men are stretched beyond comfort and entertainment (Key elements in most men’s retreats) and put alone in the woods to encounter God. I can speak from personal experience being a committed Non-Camper that it was a life changing experience. My hope is to take a few guys on a motorcycle adventure that would cause a similar change where we come back with miles on our bikes and hearts that are more alive because of time with God and other men trying to live lives that honor him.

The details and logistics would depend on the number of riders willing to take the trip. At this point the only criteria are that you must be a man who loves Jesus and riding enough to take in 200 to 400 miles a day. It is possible to rent motorcycles but if you haven’t been riding for a while this trip may not be your cup of tea. The next big decision is to camp or motel at night and if we camp do we go to KOA type places or get farther off the beaten path. Most street bikes are not at home on washed out rutted dirt roads so the KOA approach probably makes more sense but leaves the group in very close proximity to other campers and RVs and if we have a group of ten or more we may encounter the “Hide the women and children” / “We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone” mentality. I did find a website for motorcycle friendly camp sites and would call ahead with the number of bikes to make reservations.

Please post a comment if you are interested in one or both of these trips

I found this quote and it described why I must do this and I hope you will come along for the ride and if not find an adventure that excites your heart.
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face...
You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.
--Eleanor Roosevelt