Motorcycle Touring

“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” ― Jack Kerouac

On the Natchez Trace, Tennessee, USA

I worked in an office. I can’t remember which mid-life crisis year it was, there were several. I decided that a motorcycle would be the item that would be what I needed. After a year, I wanted something bigger. Something to take me farther.

If I had adopted my minimalist beliefs at this time in my life, I perhaps would have simply stayed with the car. The wanderlust has always been there. Perhaps it was watching “The Motorcycle Diaries” that created the spark. In the end the motorcycle was simply a tool to accomplish the goal of going places in an exciting way.

Old Jack has traveled places. He’s been lucky to visit places around the world. Getting there has been easy, wherever “there” was. Take a flight, catch the train, take a bus or taxi. This was different. The motorcycle would be the key to the journey, which was more than the destination.

Here are some thoughts on motorcycle touring:

Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA

The Wingman

“We Ride Together in All Kinds of Weather”- Jack

It’s good to have a riding buddy. At the end of a long day alone in your head on the road, you share stories and adventures.

Every year, I’d cook up a new idea. Sometimes it was Marco’s idea.

Marco: “Let’s go to Quebec City’s 400 year anniversary”

Marco: “Let’s go west to the Four Corners”

Jack: “Let’s go to Spain”

Touring means proper protective clothing, rain suits, boots, helmets, gloves. It means finding the less traveled scenic routes, not the super highways. There’s a beauty to listening to the hum of the engine, while the road unwinds as a ribbon before you. it’s not the same as being enclosed in a car. The view is better, but there are caveats.

You Will Get Wet.

At 60 mph, the rain will eventually find a way in. It may run down your chest from your collar, puddling on your belly or down your back or in your crotch. It may find it’s way into your boots rippling around your soles of your feet with the vibration of the engine. Wear a full face helmet, unless you like the feeling of raindrops hitting your face at highway speeds.

Get A Windshield

A motorcycle with a windshield decreases exhaustion from being battered by the wind dramatically. Riding at 50 degrees will feel like 35 degrees with convection cooling on your body. Perhaps you’ll be traveling in summer? Without a windscreen you will be able to study the different insects that inhabit the area where you are riding. You’ll collect them on your jacket and helmet. No helmet? A good sized June bug exploding on your forehead will convince you to get one. The big ones, or “double yoke” variety will use your jacket as a canvas, creating a masterpiece that Jackson Pollock would envy.

Cold Weather, Hot Weather

Cold toes and cold fingers. Roasting in the sun. Sunburned arms, legs, your windburned face, your sunburned nose. Wear clothes that cover your skin. It is the largest organ of your body. Protect it.

The Danger

America’s roads are much more dangerous than they used to be. Twenty years ago when Ole’ Jack started riding, the world was a dangerous place. This was way before cell phone use exploded and it became important that people update their social media status while driving or watching YouTube videos behind the wheel. Post pandemic, I’ve noticed drivers act much more aggressively than in the past. Smaller pickup trucks of the 80’s in the U.S. have been replaced by monster trucks with tall grilles. These trucks will easily kill a motorcyclist due to their higher point of impact. While you can’t eliminate all hazards, You should be prepared as much as possible. Always wear protective garments, armored jacket and pants. Get an airbag vest. It could save your life. Value your good looks? Wear a full face helmet. Choose a helmet that meets European safety standards. American D.O.T. helmet standards are a joke. Remember, the human skull is only as thick as a pizza crust, and I’m not talking deep dish, either. Cheap half shell helmets and fake leathers are for posers. Dress for the slide, not the ride.

What’s Past is Prologue

Jack’s ride, now past 20 year’s old, is nearing retirement. It’s unlikely I will buy a new one. It’s been a great adventure, and I will miss the feeling of sitting on just two wheels as I make my commute. Maybe I’ll just buy a bicycle. They have motors now too!