After arriving in Orlando on nov 28 2012. I had one mission to accomplish and had been focused on it. It was to find my own transportation. I knew even before landing in states that I was not going to rely on public transportation and it became clearer when was riding bus from airport to meet with me couchsurfing host.
Already had done research one what I wanted. Had no intention to get a car and had my mind set on Harley Davidson Sportster. After research it indeed is a good reputable bike that is reliable and powerful but also more expensive.
I had trouble deciding on price range and after taking to some people and Internet research, I decided that it had to be newer than 2004 due to its rubber mound on engine, less vibration which meant comfort for long distance riding.
Finally found one that I liked, it was in my price range. It had low miles and had all accessories I was looking for which are saddle bags, shield and comfortable seat.
Through CS I met a bike custom builder and he was met with me and came to check out the bike. When I saw the bike starting up I was already ready to pay the down payment and take the bike away but my new friend stopped me and told me that bike is bad. I was super disappointed but later was glad.
After talking over with him, I knew I had to bump up my price range.
After four days later, I was signing a title.
2004 Harley Davidson 883 1800 miles $4600. I signed it off as a gift to avoid 7% Florida sales tax. Got me a new license plate but no license.
Florida requires everyone to take safety course and it is $200. I Georgia I can pay $10 to get a permit and later skill test for $25.
So I rode up to Atlanta from st Petersburg. I rode long road trips in south America on my bike but riding in states is quite different. It's actually quite boring half the time, scary other half the time.
It is boring because view from the freeway is limited and it is just straight shot.
It is scary because I'm going way faster than I used to, there are multiple lanes where fast cars and big trucks passing by.
This is a five hunger pound big bike. I used to have a bike that I could pick up rear tire with my hands.
So. First day with my bike I took on 10 hours long ride. I had a late start so I ended p arriving in Atlanta at 10pm. It was so cold. This temperature is not too bad. I have been in colder temperature than this before but high speed on the interstate makes everything so damn cold.
To try out and save money I didn't buy gloves or protective glasses. The guy sold me the bike gave me a classic Harley helmet that only covers head itself.
I was shivering for hours but determined to make it to my destination. Giving up is never an option. This determination and drive almost got me killed twice in Colombia. Thing is... If I crash with this bike on freeway I am really guaranteed to break some bones, permanent damage and really could die. It reminded me of friend Troy's death with his Harley. I could see why there were many older bikes with low milage. For god sake, this bike is almost 9 years old and only ridden for 1800 miles. Then I heard that many people have bikes for weekend pleasure. It's like a recreational or their own extreme sport rather than means of transportation. Suddenly I felt brave but still nervous to maneuver the bike on turns on the freeway.
After many hours, I could not feel my hand anymore, my shoulders were in pain, I am wearing my underarmour, my Seattle marathon long sleeve shirt, leather jacket and wool jacket, and jeans and I am still shivering. I stopped McDonald three times to use wifi. Stopped in gas station every 100 miles due to my tiny tank. That only hold About 3 gallons.
Suddenly I felt my dorman travel blood rushing over me. Its been awhile since I felt cold wind and aching muscle on body. Oddly this feel normal for me. I like it. If I die doing this, I am just sorry for my parents. Don't expect anyone to cry for me or miss me. By now I think I have distanced myself far from everyone in my life that it won't cause any significant pain or damage in anyone. I never told this to anyone because I can always imagine them looking at me with sadness or pity, I don't live in that world because I am ok. No pity. It feels cool that I don't live that life. Perhaps I have seen enough action movies and read enough hero portrayed books.
Yet I am still searching for someone or some people who I can share the passion for dancing to electronic music and motorcycle traveling.
Tomorrow I am going to call a girl who lost I've 100lbs and traveled across US on her Harley. I hope she dances to electronic music.
Traveling for a year did not found me a way to make money. But it did indeed accomplish my goal which was to find my passion. Very surprisingly it was actually opposite of who I was.
Non money related conversations. Sharing wisdom not knowledge.
Removing ego and growing compassion and love.
Having peace and not caring too much about little things.
Faith in intuition and vibration.
Loving myself for who I am, no need to lie to make myself cool front of others.
Just be. Just be here and now.
No bullshit talks.
Just travel, remember the people who showed kindness and feel regret for those who I did not helped. That's travel for me. I don't need to be a tourist. I am just passing through. Just observe. Just listen. Just smell. Just feel.
Anger, sadness, disappointment, let them go.
Embrace laugh and scream. Close my eyes, listen to music and let the body move.
Perhaps now I have folded the business world completely. No more questioning meaning of life or who I am.
I just realized I have only taken one photo since I arrived in states nov 28 2012. Thats too bad. No culture shock. Nothing visibly exciting worthy enough of a photo.
Armand, us history buff in orlAndo. Fabrizio CS host in st Petersburg who let me borrow his car, Alex bike builder who only showed me one bike and very unreliable with time and meeting, Hilo the guy who sold me the bike and keary host in Atlanta who really is not pretentious.
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