Coast to Coast (and back?) with an Italian Supermodel

[Mo-Tarded]

Originally Posted by Sgt93

On a side note, I feel like shedding a tear now that this report is over. -Steve

Steve, On the contrary, for many of us, the trip (and ride reports) have just begun.

[wantingaduc]

I've been reading this ride report since you started it AH, and now that were reaching it's conclusion I wanted to write and thank you for it. While I'm not going to pitch my current life for a vagabond exsistance on 2 wheels, I can tell you have inspired me to live my life more fully and enjoy the things that come my way.

You have a real talent for writing and I have really enjoyed every word you've put out here. I can only hope you continue to write and update us on your continuing journeys.

As for your photographs, as someone who has spent most of his life behind a camera lens I have to say you've delivered some impressive images. They have added greatly to the whole report, although I will say no matter how many times I see them, the "delicious food" shots just don't do much for me. I have downloaded about 20 of your roadside pictures and use them regularly as my wallpaper at work. It reminds me that there's life outside the 4 walls of an office.

Thanks again for bringing all of us along with you, and good luck with all you do with your life!

jimi

[3B43]

First of all, a buddy of mine sent me this RR, saying 'you and this guy have alot in common'. I started reading have communicated with Dennis a few times.

Cafe Racer, FWIW...you're not alone....."That was over five years ago".......

I built two houses by myself, the last one because my wife wanted acreage for her horses. Kitchen addition, big barn, 1000' of fencing/etc (you get the picture).....and I retired early, turning down a promotion/more $$$ because she wanted me 'out of that fucking job'! I couldn't really argue with her there. I've never been more content! and then.....a year after I retired, she wanted a change....the change being me leaving. Yeah, a divorce! That was five years ago.............

I crawled off, dragging my severed heart, soul, spirit and 'being' and tried to heal up. Can't say I wandered. More like a blind man in a large room trying to find a door and then realizing that there is no door! I have to climb out! Learned alot about ME during my climb out of th at room! Learned ALOT, but am fightin certain aspects of 'me'.

Cut to today.....in a much better place! I've taken numerous road trips, over the last 2+ years, and have a few planned for this year. A new bike is sitting in the garage (MultiStrada) and.......have a new woman that 'understands what moves me'! Ain't life interesting!

As Dennis said....I've never been on my bike without having totally clarity/calmness/peace! My mind is in neutral, but totally focused. Some buddy's of mine ride listening to music and want to know why I don't. Simple....when my helmet goes on, I'm totally alone in my own world and I don't want outside influences!

Cafe.....I'm bout 5 hrs north of you in Humboldt county. You ride this way.....

[AntiHero]

Originally Posted by pwh

Been following since the beginning... "The biggest challenge of the trip was to walk out the door, get on the bike, and ride."

Jeezus, ain't that the F'n truth.

So many reasons not to get up, but at the same time, how many should really matter to me, or anyone? If/when I let go, this sentence will be the final shove out the door.

On a lighter note:

Original FJ(40/60/62/80) or a 'new' one? Either way, pics of the Yota!

I can only guess where you were headed (Dakar?! if the timing was right). Godspeed.

2007 FJ. Pop had an FJ40, spent lots of time in the back of that thing smacking my head against the rollbar.

[AntiHero]

Originally Posted by goodcat8

I'll have zero problem following an Antihero FJ ride report on ADV.

:) You and Monster are really tempting me.

Jimi: Thanks for the comments. As much as I seemed to have encourage all of you, it's comments like the ones on this page that encourage me to continue and push me to figure out how to keep going.

An easy way to keep track of me now and in the future:
http://www.tumblr.com/blog/antihero-x
Twitter works, too, but Tumblr is far easier to follow.

Steve: You and me both. I was extremely sad when it ended and still am. But there will be another and I'm going to spend the next few months focusing on writing. May not be the next Zen and the Art, but it will be better than this, I assure you:



oalvarez: Write the check, max the card, you won't regret it. And once you're better, Steve--you do the same!

Mo-Tarded: you're very welcome. May hit you up for Norm's. ;)

mart´n: I'll see you in Denmark. :)

moodfart: You are most welcome. And again, it's comments like yours that have given me the motivation to continue doing something I love, despite the fact that it may drive me insane (writing).

3B43:

[3B43]

Hmmm....VERY interesting. Kind'a sums it up and hits home....not from a narcisstic standpoint, but from a 'centerness'! It use to be easy. My ex's biggest complaint of me was my independence....I was OK being by myself! The pressures pushed me slightly off course. Over years/decades this slight deviation causes you to be a light year from where you thought you'd be AND from who you originally were!

[Drif10]

Came across this ride report today, and gave it a read.

You tell a story well, thank you for all your efforts in bringing this to us.

Of all your great pics, I think this one is the best:



Dunno why, just has an interesting esthetic to me.


For Europe, get yourself a little reading material from Whitehorse Press: Motorcycle Journeys thru the Alps by John Hermann.

Written by one of the nicest people you'll ever meet, John lives just down the road from you in Coronado. Well worth your time to get together him, not only for his extensive knowledge of riding in Europe, but also for having the chance to meet such an interesting guy. Based upon those folks that struck a chord with you in your travels, John will be someone you'll never regret spending time with. I rode with him a bunch when I lived in Belgium and he was over for his trips, he made a lasting impression on me.

Safe travels, sir.

[Crashburndie]

Originally Posted by AntiHero

So whats the story with the awesome painting behind the bike? Where/how did you acquire it? I WANT ONE

[AntiHero]

Originally Posted by Crashburndie

So whats the story with the awesome painting behind the bike? Where/how did you acquire it? I WANT ONE

I painted that. It's one of da Vinci's cadavers.





Macabre gallery here: http://dmatson.darkfolio.com/gallery/154061#4

[Platinumgrit]

Originally Posted by AntiHero

I indulged her vanity, snapped a bunch of shots, then carefully worked my hand down her left side to disconnect power while HAL's "Daisy" echoed slower and slower in my mind. It was the hardest thing I'd done the entire trip. I knew we'd be eventually be reunited, but as I backed her in with the rest of my things I couldn't help feel that I was burying my playmate and mistress and no small part of myself.

Awww... :(
That last photo evoked no small twinge of sadness. It’s the layers of meaning inherent in it’s visual representation of the finality of what we all knew had to come. Yup, I’m being totally selfish here, I'm going to really miss my weekly philosophical fix. It’s not just the journey, places, and stunning photographs; but the glimpses of another mortal man’s internal machinery in action. The mix of time+place+challenge and resultant musing, searching and pondering, and then the raw honesty of your simple, honest, transparent style puts the secret spices on what is, without that, already an impressively presented work of art.

Thankyou, Mr AntiHero Sir, for letting us ‘tag along’. Thankyou again for putting in such an incredible amount of hard work polishing your thoughts to share with us, too. As someone who dabbles in the written form myself on occasion, I *know* how much work it takes.

I think I can safely speak for a many/most/all of us and say we’re really looking forward to what comes next! *grin*

[///Monster]

Originally Posted by AntiHero

:) You and Monster are really tempting me.

Do it... There's no time like the present.

Your bike's major service expense would seem insignificant compared to the fuel budget for a trip to AK in the FJ. Although, a winter trip to AK would be epic.

[musicman]

I have followed this report from the beginning and have told many people about it. If you plan to go to Europe I may have a cost-effective motorcycle solution for you. Will PM you on that.

Thanks for the "best ride report ever".

[camgregus]

Originally Posted by Platinumgrit

Awww... :(
That last photo evoked no small twinge of sadness. It’s the layers of meaning inherent in it’s visual representation of the finality of what we all knew had to come. Yup, I’m being totally selfish here, I'm going to really miss my weekly philosophical fix. It’s not just the journey, places, and stunning photographs; but the glimpses of another mortal man’s internal machinery in action. The mix of time+place+challenge and resultant musing, searching and pondering, and then the raw honesty of your simple, honest, transparent style puts the secret spices on what is, without that, already an impressively presented work of art.

Thankyou, Mr AntiHero Sir, for letting us ‘tag along’. Thankyou again for putting in such an incredible amount of hard work polishing your thoughts to share with us, too. As someone who dabbles in the written form myself on occasion, I *know* how much work it takes.

I think I can safely speak for a many/most/all of us and say we’re really looking forward to what comes next! *grin*

amen.....

[Casey.]

AntiHero,

I burned through the whole report over the last couple days and absolutely loved it. I'm sitting at my desk at work, but I couldn't focus on anything else. The narration, photography, and philosophy were all equally fascinating. Thank you very much for taking the time to document your adventure. There were several things you said that stuck with me and have impacted how I see daily life. Consequentially, I hope to make some changes for the better.

[mrbreeze]

holy cow! 95 pages! I'm only on page 11! I'm thinking about buying a Ducati and moving to Colorado...