I just returned from riding my Harley from Olympia, Washington to Phoenix, AZ and back. My son, Tim, flew here and I gave him my older bike - a 1998 Kawasaki Concours to his home in Phoenix. I rode my new-to-me 2012 Harley Electra Glide Ultra Classic. My friend, Scott, joined us for two days and my friend Dallas rode the entire route with me. On the way to Phoenix, we did some coastal riding in Washington, Oregon and Northern California before heading east to Reno, down through Vegas and into Phoenix. Dallas and I took a different route back through the high desert of California and then up I 5 to home.
This was my first ride of more than 200 miles - ever. What an amazing experience!!! It will certainly, Lord willing, not be my last. Here are a few reflections from the trip:
- A ride like this is a lot like going on a cruise. You see new things every day, eat lots of meals, drink lots of coffee, and have glorious conversations. I cannot recommend it more highly!
- My son is a wonder-mechanic! We had one. Mechanical failure in the mountains between Eurika and Redding, CA and he was amazing! I knew he was good, but I keep learning just how good he actually is!
- We encountered all kinds of weather and riding conditions. The variety and challenges were exhilarating!
- We got intercom systems before the trip and they made all the difference! Calling for stops, meaningful conversations, and even prayers together on the road. You gotta get some for a trip like this. We bought the Freedom 4+ from Cardo and are thrilled.
- God demonstrated miraculous provision multiple times! The breakdown delayed us 2 hours - just the right amount of time to miss a golfball-sized hail storm in Redding, to name just one. Often a delay is a miracle!
- Life is short - make some memories! This was a bucket-list kind of experience And I realize how meaningful it is to take the 9 days off work and enjoy my son and friends.
- The things that matter in life are actually very few, and they are not typically the things that dominate our worries, time and energy. Prioritize your life and get it right.