Farewells, to my mind, are best kept short. Things not said are better left that way and the leap from present to gone should be a clean one unsullied by promises to keep in touch. I won’t drag out this final day of our adventure either. We left Rusty and Adam and Roebling and the chipmunks with thanks for the respite and hopes for a smooth journey. The wheel bounced and the bars shook, but less than before, or perhaps my perception was coloured by my efforts. The road was not long. I longed for another universe where we could ride on down to Lancaster and Philly to see Joe and Roland perhaps even returning to see Peter in Brooklyn to show off her resilience. Not our universe today but Lady Luck had one more trick up her sleeve.
Seeking to break my fast in Sparta I turned off the highway and headed for the ‘Sparta Classic Diner’ only to be driven away by preppy girls videoing each other parking. Returning, disappointed, to the route I suffered a navigation melt down. Circling a junction, sometimes on the wrong side of the road I was spotted by another biker. He rode over, I feared chastisement, he bumped my fist and congratulated me on the quality of my ride, not riding. We chatted, straddling lanes careless for other traffic. Ken was enthusiastic, I like to think that word means ‘the God within’, and asked if I had time to go chat at a local local, he didn’t ask twice.
We followed Ken’s Honda XR650L single cylinder dirt bike to “Charley’s Tavern” where we met his friend Sonny and chewed the fat about our love for two wheeled internal (infernal) combustion engined modes of transport. Especially those that remain iconic dinosaurs from a bygone ‘better’ age. Ken organised motorcycle rallies and restored iron-head Harley Davidsons from the 60’s. Good friendly folk, I’d have liked to stay longer but Christian was waiting at the depot to take delivery of the old girl.
We kept it short, she was going on a pallet not in a crate and it was not an issue for me to leave my boots and some of my luggage, tools and sleeping bag. It felt very alien watching someone else ride her off into the depot.
Joseph drove me into Jersey City, initially gruff and annoyed that I had tried to get in the front (something that is more welcomed outside the cities), he came around and we chatted about motorcycles. His a Suzuki GSX 1100 R from the 80’s, he said that my story would inspire him to complete its restoration and embark on a road trip like mine.
I was glad, this is not about the collection of memories or accumulation of trophies and experiences but how we change ourselves and sometimes others for the better.
We’ve covered over 9000 miles (8857 of them with a working speedo) in 50 days, crossing and re-crossing this great country. We’ve met with disaster and kind people, encountered wildlife (some still alive) and seen wonders both natural and man made.
I hope that you enjoyed the ride, I did.
Le Mans man 
Tim, glad to see you made it back in one piece. What an adventure!
I enjoyed hanging out in SF and I’ve certainly shared the charms of The Black Horse London Pub/Deli with anyone who will listen to me.
Next time time I’m in London I’ll reach out and maybe we can grab a pint.
Happy trails!
Joe
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Thanks Joe, I’ve found nowhere on a par with the Black Horse this side of the pond but would be very glad to try to find one next time you are over. You can use the Contact link on the site menu to email me and I’ll tell my liver to brace itself 🙂
Safe travels to you.
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I hope you’ve had as much fun as you appear to have had. It’s been great to be able to follow your journey too on your very well written blog. You’d think you’d done one of those before or something!!!
Love this quote ….”this is not about the collection of memories or accumulation of trophies and experiences but how we change ourselves and sometimes others for the better.”
Inspiring.
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Hi! The journey has ended? I’ve been working my you-know-what off and time flew by. Sorry you couldn’t have stopped in Philly again. We have plenty of beer but no more ramps! Safe travels and come visit Philly again.
Best ,
Roland
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Initially felt unlucky to have discovered your blog so far into the journey, Tim. But happy to know I can binge-read the entire odyssey without having to wait for an update!
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Good for you Josh, very efficient, I’ll tip you off if I ever try something this daft again 🙂
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Really a gripping journey Tim. I remain impressed by your ability to meet people. And I feel I’ve learned a little bit about motorcycle maintenance. Finally, did you plan it to be exactly 50 posts?! Thank you!
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Thank you Patrick, luck played a large part at every stage, a little bad but overwhelmingly good, much like the people. 50 is a good number, perhaps a lucky one for me?
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It was a pleasure following your escapade Tim. Cheers
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So that’s *North* America. How’s your spanish? I hope that’s scratched your itch Tim, at least for a while. You are (actually) an inspration. Thank you
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Muy débil! Gracias por tu apoyo Mark 🙂
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Many thanks for sharing your adventures, the ups and downs, and your laid back attitude when things went wrong, should be a lesson to us all….sequel ?
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Thanks Brian, the positive feedback helped me through. I’ve learned that too much baggage really slows you down, it’ll be different next time …
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So bummed it’s over … I so enjoyed the daily check in. Keep posting- wanna see the bike arrive .
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Thanks Katie, I’m planning a ‘welcome home’ party for her should she make it across the pond. There will be beer and some light grade motor oil 🙂
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