February 11: I’m in love! My baby has a little brother.

I’m in love! My baby has a little brother! I am so incredibly grateful to be able to say that I brought home my very own adventure bike today – a Honda CB500x. Perhaps even more exciting than bringing the new baby home is the prospect of shipping him out to Iceland and then the rest of Europe this summer. After weeks of research and planning, I’m thrilled to be able to share that I’ll soon be spreading my wings and exploring some of the world’s most beautiful roads several thousand miles to the east.

Just three years ago, when I was still too afraid to ride my bike out of my driveway, it never occurred to me that I would ride over 100,000 miles solo over much of North America including up to the Arctic Ocean and over to Newfoundland. But with each new adventure I have learned to experience more confidence, joy, and hope than I ever thought possible. Even more importantly, I have learned to see myself as a person of value and strength.

A few years ago I thought I had made too many mistakes to ever be used for good again. In my own mind, I had screwed up too badly for my life to be redeemed. But after deciding to face my fears and head out on a solo journey to see my son in Washington DC and celebrate being alive, God showed me that with Him, there is no limit to his grace and forgiveness.    

I have been blessed with the best friends anyone could ever hope for and the support of so many wonderful people inside and outside the motorcycle community. My trip this upcoming summer would not be possible without the support and encouragement of so many of these people.

I am fortunate that a close friend who wishes to remain anonymous has decided to help me with the purchase and shipment of my bike for this summer’s adventure. I will call this friend “Anonymous Nobleman,” because he is not only generous but also has been a source of great encouragement to me, cheering me on in my endeavors to share the positive life lessons I have learned while on the road.

My good friend Grant Myers has not only been a great riding partner over the last few years but has also helped me so many times, both on and off the road. Today he drove with me to Bend, Oregon to pick up the bike with his motorcycle trailer as there was still ice on the road and it wasn’t possible for me to drive it home. I am grateful for his steadfast friendship.

So many other people have shared tips for traveling overseas, advised me regarding which bike to purchase, and helped me to think through the paperwork issues associated with riding in a foreign country. Gary Medin, Mike Fitterling, Sam Manicom, and Polly Marinova gave me the vision I needed for this summer as well as invaluable logistical know-how. Greg Turp, Mike Webb and Leo Guzman Fernandez helped me think through the bike selection process. Elle West, Tracy Charles, Katia Mello Alvim, and Travis and Chantil Gill shared inspiring and practical tips gleaned from their epic travels through so many countries.

I don’t know all of what the future holds. But I do know that with God’s grace and provision and the wonderful support of so many helpful and inspiriting people, there are going to be many adventures ahead.