Author: Bryan

Note: I left my notepad in the scooter. I’ll update this when I retrieve it 😉

Day 2 Miles traveled: 332 miles
Total Miles traveled: 628 miles

It was a beautiful day to drive through Iowa. Special thanks to my friends in Iowa for suggesting the route!

I started out at around 4am in Nauvoo State Park. The night before, I believe there was something going on by the LDS temple, based on the singing and torches. Something about camping always encourages me to wake up early.

An interesting side note – apparently this region of the country is extremely important in the history of the Mormons. As I drove through Iowa, the roads I traveled ran concurrently with a Mormon Heritage Trail. Nauvoo was founded by Mormons (including Joseph Smith) after purchasing the failed settlement of Commerce, who moved on after the Mormon-Missouri War.

As the sun rose over the horizon, I was greeted by a few locals, and spotted an endangered species.

After packing up camp, I scootered off. The LDS Temple was very impressive, and I was greeted by several people as they made their way inside. When I turned around, I was greeted by the Mississippi.

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After leaving Nauvoo, I took the short ride up, and crossed the Mississippi at Fort Madison, IA. Still needing a stretch break, I took some pictures.

To be honest, the weather (at first, at least) was perfect for driving. Sunny, relatively cool, with a very light breeze. Fantastic.

I took a leisurely pace, cruising at around 50 mph through the rolling hills of Iowa. I’ll be honest, I always thought Iowa was flat, cornfields, soybean fields, and boring (much like northern IN and much of IL I drove through).

I’m also just realizing that I have driven through three “I” states in succession: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa.

The first part of the route took me along the Historic Hills Scenic Byway: An 85 mile long route through the rolling hills. I took the southern route, through Unionville (ha) and Bloomfield (double ha. Also, apparently I can’t upload the picture from Bloomfield. Maybe later).

Also saw this on the roadside and was amused.

I reached the end of the Historic Hills Scenic Byway in Albia, IA. Good time for a gas and rest stop, so I headed to the gas station (after waiting for the construction 4-way stop light, which rotates one direction at a time.) I met a couple on their own cross country trip, zig-zagging from Los Angeles to Philadelphia on motorcycles!

Hitting the road again via US-34, it started to get warmer. It was at this point I lamented my not buying vented gloves (“My leather gloves will be fine I’m sure”). The warmth in my hands became unbearable around Malvern, IA. By this point, it was well into the 90’s, and humid. the heat index was 107*F when I arrived in Louisville State Park, NE.

I reached the Louisville State Park in Nebraska around 4pm local time, and started to set up camp. Talked with a few other campers/families who were fishing in one of the ponds. Took a much needed shower for $0.25 at the campground too!

As night fell, it became increasingly clear that the heat was not going to be dissipating anytime soon. Inside the hammock was stuffy and humid – the bug net kept draping down, increasing the suffocating feeling. Hot, exhausted, increasingly cranky, and with a headache, I decided it was time to relocate at 10:30pm, in favor of a hotel. Ambient temperature was 83*F, with a heat index of 90*F. Not good sleeping weather.

I’ve had heat exhaustion before, so I knew the signs to look for. Let me be the first to tell you that heat exhaustion is no joke. I had been drinking water and gatorade all day, and doing my best to eat as well, and it still crept up on me.

Thankfully, there was a Motel 6 only 10 miles north with rooms for a low rate ($50 all in? Done).

So here I am, in a hotel, air conditioning, access to water, and cooling down.

This was the first time I looked at myself and asked “What the hell are you doing? Why are you doing this? What is wrong with you?”

For the adventure. For the experience. To explore this beautiful country, and to meet interesting people.

That’s why, Bryan. That’s why.

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Want to Help? That would be super-cool!

Than trip should take an estimated 10 days maximum, and roughly 3,000 miles. That will take a bit of a toll on the ol’ wallet, so I am happy to take any donations my generous friends would like to offer. For reference:

$3 will get me approximately 70 miles closer to my goal.
$15 will feed me for the day
$35 will get me one night at a Tent Campsite at a KOA Campsite
$40 will buy me one tire when I get to my destination (as the rear tire will likely be spent by then!)
$75 will get me one night at a hotel (and more importantly, a shower!)

If you would like to donate, feel free to leave a comment (they are private until I approve them, or you can email me at bryrhoey at gmail) and I can set that up, or you can send me money via PayPal! 🙂

If you live along the route, and don’t mind me camping/crashing/eating with you, I’d appreciate that too!

Note: This post will be updated as I can with trip photos, info, etc. from Day 1!

Day 1 of the trip will see me travel from Bloomington, IN to Fort Madison, IA (or thereabouts in the area).

Anticipated Total Mileage: 323 miles
Actual Total Mileage: 296.8 miles
Miles traveled so far: 296.8

Alright, Day 1 in the bag! I learned that Illinois is mostly flat, mostly treeless, and dark when it is night time 😉

I left Bloomington around 1215 pm after some tearful goodbyes. Up through Terra Haute, and into Illinois.

Also made it to Oakland (6days ahead of schedule 😉 ) and San Jose

After Decatur, I checked my map perhaps half a dozen times, looking forward to getting to Nauvoo State Park. Each time it said “about 45 minutes.” 2 hours, a gravel road at 40 (thanks Google maps for the heart attack and dumb reroute), and a lovely post-it drive along the Mississippi, I arrived at Nauvoo. The park, not very well labeled, was found 15 minutes later.

No pictures of the camp site (dark on set up, dark on breakdown), but it was a nice hammock sleeping night.

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Want to Help? That would be super-cool!

Than trip should take an estimated 10 days maximum, and roughly 3,000 miles. That will take a bit of a toll on the ol’ wallet, so I am happy to take any donations my generous friends would like to offer. For reference:

$3 will get me approximately 70 miles closer to my goal.
$15 will feed me for the day
$35 will get me one night at a Tent Campsite at a KOA Campsite
$40 will buy me one tire when I get to my destination (as the rear tire will likely be spent by then!)
$75 will get me one night at a hotel (and more importantly, a shower!)

If you would like to donate, feel free to leave a comment (they are private until I approve them, or you can email me at bryrhoey at gmail) and I can set that up, or you can send me money via PayPal! 🙂

If you live along the route, and don’t mind me camping/crashing/eating with you, I’d appreciate that too!

You’ll have my undying gratitude, and numerous shout outs on the various media I will be posting to (facebook, IG, this blog, twitter, maybe youtube, etc.)

It’s finally here – the day I leave Bloomington, IN for Oakland, CA. There are some points where I’ve felt like I’ve put the trip off intentionally, though it never was fully intentionally.

It’s difficult leaving a place you’ve called home for 6 years. A place where you have created so many friendships. A place where you have cultivated your life. I have been fortunate to have made many great friends here, had very interesting experiences here. I’ve loved, I’ve been loved, I’ve lost love. I’ve seen many bright days, and many dark days.

Just as the river continues on it’s course, so must I.

I will miss the good times, cherish the great ones, and remember the lessons from the hard ones.

I’d especially like to thank, first and foremost, my most excellent roommate Sarah, who has bee na shining star throughout our friendship, and continues to inspire me to be even greater. My Partner Jenny, a most unexpected find, who supports me each and every day with a smile. Mary Alice, as dependable, kind, and genuine a person as there can be. To my PhD school friends, who have pushed me to the best I can be, to think differently, creatively, and remind me of the important work we did together. The Hoosier Ride Scooter Club, for helping me cultivate my newly found passion in our wonderful machines. The countless people who have helped me learn, grow, smile, and survive.

From the bottom of my heart – Thank you.

My only regret is that I must leave you, though we can all keep in touch. Please keep in touch.

But I have things to do. I’ve put this off far for too long.

I regret to announce – this is the End. I am going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell.

Goodbye.

Apologies for the few days of radio silence – some fun real-life tasks to accomplish (like attending my first ever SCA event, or helping my roommate with her new kitten!).

Before I go on about the route, I want to thank those of you whom have donated (especially to two VERY generous people!). I won’t mention names (because I haven’t gotten permission form them to do so), but from the bottom of my heart – thank you for helping. I do not, and never have, expected anyone to donate, and your generosity will not be forgotten, and will most definitely be paid forward.

Alright, on to the topic of today’s post – The (Planned) Route.

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The planned route will utilize roads such as US-50, US-34, and US-6, with others sprinkled in. I say planned, because detours happen – whether I want to visit somewhere, see a sign, or decide “no, we can’t go this route.”

How did I arrive at this particular route? First, Google Maps, using the Option to “Avoid Highways” so I miss the Interstates. Second, through Google Maps Street-view, to ensure I’d feel safe on those roads. Third, by research (routes others have taken) and talking with people.

All subject to change.

And now, without further ado, THE MAP (Insert trumpet fanfare, fireworks, and a half-hearted ‘yay’ here)

Let’s take a look at it arbitrarily selected region by arbitrarily selected region (Or, state-by-state), shall we? Please click on the maps to view them in higher detail.

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Indiana

Genuine Dealerships Nearby: SpeedCity (Indianapolis), Crossroads Motorsports (Lafayette)
Notable Places: Bloomington, Spencer, Terra Haute.
Notable Roads: IN-46, US-150

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Illinois

Genuine Dealerships Nearby: Sportland (Urbana)
Notable Places: Decatur, (Possibly Springfield, as it can still be “on the Route”), Illinois River, Mississippi River
Notable Roads: US-36, US-136, US-67, US-34

UPDATE: As pointed out, this path may be a bit more difficult once I make my way into Iowa. As such, I will not plan to cross into Iowa at Fort Madison.

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Iowa

Genuine Dealerships Nearby: Rider Sales, LLC (Washington), Country Cycle (Winterset), Edwards Full Throttle Motorsports (Council Bluffs/Omaha)
Notable Places: ?
Notable Roads: US-34, Historic Hills Scenic Byway

UPDATE: As pointed out, US-34 might be a bit fast/busy for Donna to safely ride, at least until Ottumwa. Based on recommendations, I’ll now be entering into Iowa at Fort Madison, and then taking the “Historic Hills Scenic Byway” until it meets up with US-34.

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Nebraska

Genuine Dealerships Nearby: Edwards Full Throttle Motorsports (Council Bluffs IA/Omaha NB), Tri-City Cycleworks (Grand Island),
Notable Places: Omaha
Notable Roads: US-34, NE-92, US-83, US-30

I know that it looks like I’d be driving on I-80, and let me assure you, I am not. US-30 runs parallel to I-80, on the other side of the South Platte River.

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Colorado

Genuine Dealerships Nearby: Unique Rides, Inc (Ft. Collins), Sportique Boulder (Boulder), Extreme Power Sports (Steamboat Springs)
Notable Places: Pawnee National Grassland, Continental Divide, Fort Collins, Rocky Mountain National Park (Possibly), Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Steamboat Springs, Dinosaur National Monument
Notable Roads: US-138, CO-14, US-40 (MAYBE US-34 Trail Ridge Road, CO-125)

This is the fun part.

This is the point where I will make a decision on the fly, depending on how I am doing time wise, achy-wise, and how Donna is running. The straight through path would be to take CO-14 passed the mountains, and is the primary plan. However, If I am feeling good (about me, Donna, and finances), and making good time, I may opt to drive Trail Ridge Road, which takes me through Rocky Mountain National Park. Elevation goes up to around 12,000 feet. Not sure how Donna will do with less air in her engine, and I don’t plan on re-jetting during the trip. Any advice?

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Utah

Genuine Dealerships Nearby: The Scooter Lounge (Provo)
Notable Places: Dinosaur National Monument, Provo/Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Scooter Co (Salt Lake City)
Notable Roads: US-40, US-191, US-6/50

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Nevada

Genuine Dealerships Nearby: None
Notable Places: Ely, Eureka, Middlegate, Fallon, Carson City, Lake Tahoe
Notable Roads: US-50

This is where US-50 gets it’s “Loneliest Road in America” moniker – traveling through Nevada. Utah and Nevada are the reason I have opted to buy a 2 gallon jerry can and strap it to Donna as well, since there are places where there are no service s(gas stations) for 140 miles. Between the gallon in my tank, and 2 gallons in the can, I should be good for about 200, at the very least.

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California

Genuine Dealerships Nearby: Barber’s Shop, Scooter City (Sacramento – Service only), Motoxotica (Vacaville), SF Scooter Center (San Francisco)
Notable Places: Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, Oakland
Notable Roads:US-50, CA-84

This is it! I’ve opted to drive on US-50 so I can go through Lake Tahoe, which I’ve visited once before. I have some friends in Sacramento I may want to visit on my way through. Other than that, back roads all the way down to Oakland, which is where I plan on living. (Note: The address listed is near, but not at, the place I plan on living).

Also, there is a ferry that connects CA-84. Small ferry crossing a river, but should be fun regardless. A nice stretch break!

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I’m eager to hear opinions, ideas, and sightseeing tips. Also, if anyone has camping, hotel, or other lodging recommendations, please feel free to let me know!

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Want to Help? That would be super-cool!

Than trip should take an estimated 10 days maximum, and roughly 3,000 miles. That will take a bit of a toll on the ol’ wallet, so I am happy to take any donations my generous friends would like to offer. For reference:

$3 will get me approximately 70 miles closer to my goal.
$15 will feed me for the day
$35 will get me one night at a Tent Campsite at a KOA Campsite
$40 will buy me one tire when I get to my destination (as the rear tire will likely be spent by then!)
$75 will get me one night at a hotel (and more importantly, a shower!)

If you would like to donate, feel free to leave a comment (they are private until I approve them, or you can email me at bryrhoey at gmail) and I can set that up, or you can send me money via PayPal! 🙂

If you live along the route, and don’t mind me camping/crashing/eating with you, I’d appreciate that too!

You’ll have my undying gratitude, and numerous shout outs on the various media I will be posting to (facebook, IG, this blog, twitter, maybe youtube, etc.)

Over the last month, I’ve been painstakingly researching just about everything I can regarding Cross Country travel on a small-displacement motorcycle. I’ve read web pages, blogs, spoken with people that have done it, and discussed it on forums such as the Scooter Subreddit and Modern Buddy.

Part of the research was deciding what I was going to pack and bring with me, as opposed to ship things ahead of time (which will definitely beat me there!).

I currently have A Spreadsheet filled out in my Google Drive (which is what I’ve been using for of the organization for this trip). Really, it’s a collection of 5 Spreadsheets in one file (as you do when making spreadsheets). So, let’s take a (constantly live) look, shall we?

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Donna

As you can see, all preventative maintenance items have been completed prior to the trip. Though they were all done earlier this month, I have not had the opportunity to ride as often. Everything will be triple checked prior to leaving.

I am only currently missing one expected accessory need, and that is a gas can. While I was originally going to purchase one or two MSR 30oz cans, research on the route (particularly if I take US-50) shows I should carry at least 1-2 gallons of gas in reserve. So, I’ll likely be picking up a 2-gallon container and strapping it securely to the bike.

As a side note, installing the windshield and GPS mount (I purchased a RAM Mount) wasn’t hard, but was frustrating. Mostly because as I was installing the windshield, I stripped the threads on the left side mirror bracket. A helicoil fixed that, though.

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Riding Gear

Moving on to the riding gear I’ll need.

I currently have a 3/4 TORC Bluetooth helmet that works wonderfully. While I know I SHOULD be using a full face for the safety aspect, I find the 3/4 a lot more comfortable to wear. The bluetooth aspect will come in handy during the long stretches of road. Have to make sure to pack the charger! While I was considering purchasing a new face shield (this one has a few scratches on the periphery), the $35 went to the helicoil repair instead. Related to the helmet, I also have a bag of ear plugs, to help keep down “wind fatigue” from the constant wind blowing in my ears. Bonus points, it makes the bluetooth easier to hear!

I’ve had a Vega riding jacket for a few years, and it will do excellent duty for this ride. It’s comfortable, armored, and vented, all necessary for this trip!

At this time, I do not have proper motorcycle rain gear….nor is it in my already tight budget. Rain pants and jacket would be very nice to have just-in-case I hit one of those midwest storms on the road, but I will have to make due with a waterproof trenchcoat (and maybe plastic bags over boots?).

Thanks to Ted, who has graciously offered me one of his spare rainsuits!

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Clothes

Clothes are important! Especially when literally every site, forum, and blog says “Less Is More!” As such, I plan on shipping my suitcase to my final destination with professional clothes, so I can ride a bit freer.

You’ll notice the list is very barebones. A few pants (I’m actually considering bringing one less pair…), shirts, underwear, twice as many socks (I learned while camping you ALWAYS bring extra socks), a jacket, and some comfortable shoes for walking around.

There appear to be some fabulous Natural Hot Springs on my path, and I’m sure by the time I get to the West, my body will need a bit of a soak, hence the bathing suit!

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Tools

Many have reminded me to “pack some tools…just in case!” I am definitely taking that to heart. While not bringing my entire tool box, I will be supplementing the rather low-quality “included” tool kit that came with Donna with my own tools. This includes tools to swap the spark plug, tighten various nuts, bolts, screws, etc., and change a tire on the side of the road. Still have to find a jack solution for the rear tire, or I can just do the “lay it on it’s side” trick. Or a can of unopened coconut water!

I’m on the fence about the patch kit for tires. I do have a spare, but what if I hit something with both tires? Better prepared than not, right? As a side note, I am running on tubeless rims and tires, so I don’t have to worry about tubes.

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Everything Else

Finally, the catch-all list! Toiletries (things I will already take like toothbrush, etc. aren’t necessarily on the list.

Baby wipes to keep “fresh”/wipe off sweat/sand/dirt from riding. A fresh bottle of ibuprofin to keep the riding aches away, a tent, sleeping bag, hammock – all necessities.

Not sure about the AAA/AMA membership at this time – likely not cost effective, though would be very nice to have!

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Did I miss anything? Is it too much? Suggestions? I welcome them!

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Want to Help? That would be super-cool!

Than trip should take an estimated 10 days maximum, and roughly 3,000 miles. That will take a bit of a toll on the ol’ wallet, so I am happy to take any donations my generous friends would like to offer. For reference:

$3 will get me approximately 70 miles closer to my goal.
$15 will feed me for the day
$35 will get me one night at a Tent Campsite at a KOA Campsite
$40 will buy me one tire when I get to my destination (as the rear tire will likely be spent by then!)
$75 will get me one night at a hotel (and more importantly, a shower!)
If you would like to donate, feel free to leave a comment (they are private until I approve them, or you can email me at bryrhoey at gmail) and I can set that up. I’d prefer Google Wallet (since to my knowledge, it’s free), have Venmo Set up (contact me for the info), or you can send me money via PayPal! 🙂

If you live along the route, and don’t mind me camping/crashing/eating with you, I’d appreciate that too!

You’ll have my undying gratitude, and numerous shout outs on the various media I will be posting to (facebook, IG, this blog, twitter, maybe youtube, etc.)

Hello everyone!

The initial goal of this blog is to describe my journey as I drive my 2013 Genuine Stella 4T, henceforth known as DonnaStella, or Donna, from Bloomington, IN to the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Further posts may be made as I adventure even more!

The Plan is to leave Bloomington as soon as I wrap up three tasks in Bloomingtion (including selling my truck and Hammered Dulcimer…anyone want to buy? :D).

You may be asking any of the following questions:

• “Why are you going to SF?”
• “Why are you driving your scooter, and not a car/flying/train/teleporting?”
• “What will you do when you get there?”
• “Where do babies come from?”

The answers are simple:

• For the last 6 months, I have been applying to jobs across the country, including in Bloomington (IU, ID places around town such as LEO Learning and GP Strategies). Two things have become clear: (1)The jobs are not in Bloomington. They are predominantly in SF, Seattle, Chicago, DC, and Boston; and (2) The Bloomington jobs, for whatever reason, aren’t interested (Interviewed with GP, they said to contact them at the end of the month, and that cycle continued for 3 months; Interviewed for two positions at IU, and have since stopped getting interviews or any contact despite the many applications I’ve submitted). So, I chose a place I’ve wanted to live since I visited it: San Francisco.
• I’m driving my scooter for the ADVENTURE. For the Story. The Experience. The Bucketlist. To show myself I can. Maybe I’ll write a book about it. Who knows.
• I have couches I can crash on. I have a potential roommate already, provided I secure a job. Regarding jobs, I have many promising leads in the Bay Area, which will be increased when I am actually there (I’ve been told by a HR person “If you were here, we’d interview you and likely find a spot for you…” and “Come talk with us when you arrive!”). These range from full-time Instructional Design/Educational Technology positions, to a short-term motorcycle or coffee shop gig.
• Ask your mother.

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The Planned Route:

As I am on a 150cc scooter, I plan on avoiding Interstates as often as possible (both for the adventure, and for the journey).

I have had my eye on two possible routes to drive cross country. One is to take US-50 (conveniently about a half hour south of Bloomington!), or US-6 (which comes highly recommended, but is further north). The selected route will earn it’s own blog-post here before I leave.

US-6

US-6, known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, would take me through Illinois, Iowa (Council Bluffs, Des Moines), Nebraska (Omaha), Colorado (Denver), Utah (Provo/SLC), and Nevada (Ely) before I transition to US-50 for the final legs. Some of US-6 runs on an Interstate, so I will be driving on roads near and in the same direction as US-6 when I can.

US-50

US-50, known as “The Loneliest Road in America” would take me through Indiana (I’d get on in Bedford, about 25 minutes south of Bloomington), Illinois (Springfield?), Missouri (St. Louis), Kansas (Kansas City), Colorado (Colorado Springs/Denver), Utah (Provo/SLC), Nevada (Ely, Middlegate, Carson City), California (Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, SF)

Straw poll: Which route do you think I should take?

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Want to Help? That would be super-cool!

Than trip should take an estimated 10 days maximum, and roughly 3,000 miles. That will take a bit of a toll on the ol’ wallet, so I am happy to take any donations my generous friends would like to offer. For reference:

• $3 will get me approximately 70 miles closer to my goal.
• $15 will feed me for the day
• $35 will get me one night at a Tent Campsite at a KOA Campsite
• $40 will buy me one tire when I get to my destination (as the rear tire will likely be spent by then!)
• $75 will get me one night at a hotel (and more importantly, a shower!)

If you would like to donate, feel free to leave a comment (they are private until I approve them, or you can email me at bryrhoey at gmail) and I can set that up. I’d prefer Google Wallet (since to my knowledge, it’s free), have Venmo Set up (contact me for the info), or you can send me money via PayPal! 🙂

If you live along the route, and don’t mind me camping/crashing/eating with you, I’d appreciate that too!

You’ll have my undying gratitude, and numerous shout outs on the various media I will be posting to (facebook, IG, this blog, twitter, maybe youtube, etc.)