The Adventure Begins

As I write this blog, I am sitting on an American Airlines flight heading to Phoenix for the beginning of my one-month exploration of the Southwest.  To say I am excited is an understatement.

I was so excited last night that I could not sleep.  I may have slept for 2 or 3 hours all night.  However, like last year’s Southeast ride, the excitement was mixed with a little trepidation.  Things like being away for a month, missing some big changes in my daughters’ lives, leaving Catherine and, the challenges that can present themselves on a ride such as this.  Speaking of Catherine, my wonderful wife of 33 years, Catherine, I again say thank you for your support and encouragement.  I love you.

People ask me if I am doing this trip on my own and the answer is yes.  Then they wonder why.  My answer consists of a number of reasons.  First, after 40 years of having to gain consensus on almost every decision I have made, it is liberating to chart my own course, make my own decisions and, come and go as I please.  Next, I found last year when a did a similar trip in the Southeast, the time I was alone allowed me to truly get in touch with myself.  I had the opportunity to re-establish life’s priorities, take time to be introspective, and consider how to be a better person.  It is hard to do that in a group situation.

I encourage my friends to take a little time to be by oneself, to appreciate who you are as an individual and to recalibrate your bearings.  I don’t recommend it as a constant state, but I think a little alone time is healthy.

When I land in Phoenix, my brother Jon will be picking me up at the airport.  I am spending today and tomorrow with Jon and his wife Amy in Phoenix before starting my motorcycle ride on Sunday.

Under the heading of introspection, I am thinking of my relationship with my brother Jon, how strong it is today and, the amount of time we wasted being estranged.  Jon and I spent more years than I care to remember not talking.  What a terrible waste.  I am so happy that we overcame our challenges and now can enjoy each others’ company.  It is a blessing.  I really look forward to the next two days.

Sunday I will start my motorcycle trip by riding approximately 200 miles east to Safford, AZ.  I will take a detour to Jake’s Corner (B) so that I can ride through Tonto National Forest and then onto Safford.

Safford was my selection for day one as it is a good jump off point for my Monday ride north on Route 191.  Route 191 is called the Coronado Trail Road and it is ranked as one of the 10 best Motorcycle roads in the United States by Motorcycle Roads – A digital site.

I look forward to sharing Monday’s ride with you.

Keep Wheeling!