Alison behind the Wanderland

I have always loved wandering.  Asphalt moving beneath me was a comfort I found when I was young. I am grateful to have a family that explored national parks during summer vacations and taught me about camping amongst trees, deserts and mountains; and having a father who would take me riding on the back of his 1984 Honda 110, that he still has in his garage. I remember the first time I swung my legs around the sides of a motorcycle engine, and gripped the handlebars; I was riding all my own, and even though my heart raced, I had the biggest grin on my face.  One decade and thousands of miles later, my heart still races at the thought of my next adventure.

I find motorcycling to be liberating. There is something soothing about the continual motion of two wheels constantly in rotation.  Some people like curling up with their favorite blanket on the couch, I like cozying up next to my KLR, with the solace of the open road, yellow lines beckoning to be followed around the next curve. There is nothing like passing through the scent of pine needles when the sun hits them, or watching the wafts of vapor rise from a rain damp road warming after a storm, or cresting the ridge of a steep incline, the view exploding into miles beyond.  I fondly revel in my travels because I am at home, on my couch, cozied with my favorite blanket, since it’s those memories that rally me for the next one. But the journeys are not without challenge: exposure to searing heat, being pelted by hail in a flash storms, spending long hours in summer rains, holding on with white knuckles as the wind tries to blow me sideways.  And those are just the elements; that’s not even considering what goes on in my helmet.  All that time spent alone you really get to know what you are made out of.

So, this blog is the sum of my travels. Each year I turn my wheels to adventure amongst roads yet explored, as well as the comfort of familiar ones. Hope you enjoy as the stories unfold…

A note of appreciation:  To my family and friends…Thank you for being so supportive of my adventures, especially as a solo female traveler, and for all the enthusiasm during the chaos of my trip preparations, as well as listening to all my stories when I returned.  To the KLaRmy and ADV crowds I have rode with….Thanks for all the tips and help picking up my bike while learning to utilize those tips! And To those I have met along the way and others I have yet to meet…Have wonderful and safe travels!  See you on the road…