Do this one thing to quickly learn A LOT about yourself.

Take a solo trip!  By getting out of your element, you will be tested.  Times of weakness, insecurities, and discomforts will arise.  However, the lessons you learn by overcoming these challenges, understanding your strengths, and appreciating each moment along your journey will offer you riches that could never be purchased.

24 States and 1 motorcycle...

 

Once upon a time, I had an idea, I created a plan (read it here), and I embarked on one of my most rewarding adventures! 

As a business owner, it's not often I have an open schedule.  When a month opened up, it was like winning the lotto!  For those of you who've been following me for a while, you know I have a fond love of motorcycles.  Riding them helps me to clear my head.  The thought of endless double yellow lines stretched across the pavement for miles brought an eagerness for time on the road. 


After a few months of planning, I left my house in Southern California and headed east toward Arizona.  The weather was perfect and the roads were clear of traffic; it was an ideal way to start my trip.  The first stop was good ol' Panera Bread in Barstow.  It was here that it became a reality that I'd be keeping myself company for the next month. 

I continued to Needles, Ca where I fueled up and made sure to hit historic Route 66.  Had I realized that I was 17 miles south of the Nevada state line, I would have taken the small detour to add one more state to my trip.







After about eight hours of riding I was 30 miles shy of my destination when I heard something rattling around.  I pulled off the road and found a loose bolt kicking around in my air filter.  This wasn't a big deal, it just came as a surprise.  I've put 30,000 miles on this bike; the only maintenance ever needed was routine.  When I was finished tightening the bolt, unforgiving rain clouds rolled in, not without leaving a double rainbow in their wake. 





I rode the next 30 miles in the rain and with a smile on my face thinking "what am I getting myself into".  When I arrived at my hotel I checked in and was directed to take my 50 lbs of gear up the stairs as there were no elevators.  This would foreshadow the numerous other hotels I stayed in without elevators throughout the duration of my trip. 

I documented this trip not only for myself but in hopes that it might inspire you to challenge yourself.  Light a candle today and ask yourself what have I been putting off?  Dreaming of?  Talking about doing?  Take ONE small step tomorrow toward making it happen.

Enjoy the journey,
Katy

Day 1
Date: 5/16/16
Start Mileage: 35,683
End Mileage:36,127
Total Miles: 444 mi
Start Location: Burbank, CA
End Location: Williams, AZ