It’s been years since I rode solo across the country on my motorcycle. I started blogging the journey back then, but for one reason or another, I stopped.  But I'm not a quitter; I might pause, pivot, or procrastinate, but I always circle back.  So here we are...I’m finally sharing the rest of that ride.

The next stretch of this journey is the part I go back to when I need to remind myself what I’m capable of.

Let's talk about being alone

Most people avoid it. It feels uncomfortable, vulnerable, even scary. It’s a challenge, and challenges are where growth lives. When you're out there by yourself, there's no one to lean on, no one to distract you. It's just you that’s where the magic happens. You start listening to your thoughts, your instincts, and your gut. You learn to trust yourself. Riding solo gave me that. It taught me I don’t need a crowd to laugh, to have fun, or to chase a dream. And neither do you.

DAY 21:

The day started with long-overdue cousin time and drifted into meaningful breakfast conversation with my aunt and uncle. After a few slow days to recharge, I was ready to hit the road again with Annapolis, MD in my sights. I made good time, dodging D.C. traffic but catching a Virginia downpour that left me soggy. I called it a night early to dry out. That’s part of the ride too—knowing when to push and when to pause.

Day 21

Date: 6/4/16
Start Mileage: 39,433
End Mileage: 39,777
Total Miles: 344 mi
Start Location: Wilmington, DE
End Location: Harisonburg, VA

DAY 22:

With a break in the weather, I took a roll of the dice, hoping the storm would head north while I traveled south. The gamble paid off and I rode through the cascading Virginia mountains, into North Carolina, straight to the doorstep of an old friend, Jack.

We spent childhood weekends on the river, boating, and being “River Rats”. That weekend was a reminder that some things don’t just stay with you, they shape you. Huge thanks to Jack for welcoming me in, showing me his life on the lake, and introducing me to his world (including his now-wife). Proof that no matter where you drop anchor, some roots run deep.

Day 22

Date: 6/5/16
Start Mileage: 39,777
End Mileage: 40,032
Total Miles: 255mi
Start Location: Harisonburg, VA
End Location: Lexington, NC

DAY 23:

After a fun-filled day on the water, it was time to say goodbye and head into the most meaningful miles of my trip.  Years before I jumped on the back of my Dad's bike and we drove through the magical Smokey Mountains into Pigeon Forge, TN.  I've dreamed about those beautiful roads and that unexpected mountain town for years, knowing someday I'd carve into those winding roads on my own two wheels.  As I did, I'm positive the smile didn't leave my face.  

That night, I celebrated on a solo date. I cleaned up, dug into a pile of crab legs, and tackled a goofy golf course like a kid on summer break. Then came the three-story go-kart track. The same one where my dad left me in his dust years before. I wish my Dad could have been there with me for a rematch, but I believe he gifted me something much greater.  That day I became aware that he not only shared a hobby with me, but a skill. A  confidence building, problem-solving, independence granting tool.  Through the miles of riding, those traits were reinforced. These lessons were later leaned on in my healing journey after my accident. 

 
Here’s what I learned:
You don’t have to wait for someone to join you.
You don’t have to explain your why.
You just have to go.

Take the solo trip. Put yourself on the calendar. Treat yourself to a date. Because the relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for everything else.

Like Oscar Wilde said, “To love one’s self is the beginning of a lifelong romance.”
So fall in love—with your life, your strength, your story.

 

 

Day 23

Date: 6/6/16
Start Mileage: 40,032
End Mileage: 40,310
Total Miles: 278 mi
Start Location: Lexington, NC
End Location: Pigeon Forge, TN