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Why I'm Not Posting

I had intended to blog on the road, but as things turn out I just don't have time/energy. By the end of each day it's usually dark, cold, and I'm so exhausted I can't think let alone type. Or, I'm spending time with great people and will not take one second of time away from that to write about it. In addition, both of my hands are numb and acting weird making writing, texting, etc. difficult. They'll get better when I'm done beating the crap out of them I'm sure, and I'm taking short notes so I hope to reflect and write once I'm home.

Xoxo

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The Countdown

I’ve had good intentions and meant to start posting two weeks ago but, as is typical for me, I procrastinated.  So, here I am writing with just two days to go before I take off on a solo cross-country trip on my KTM Duke 390.

If you don’t know me, and maybe even if you do, on September 8th I’m riding out to see two friends of mine that moved from Chicago to Bend a year ago. I’m doing this for so many reasons I’ll likely elaborate on as time goes by, but the simplified version of it is I’ve had a rough time for the last couple of years. Things are good and getting better and better now, but I’m still lost. Emotionally, physically, socially, in nearly every way lost. I’ve been stuck in a loop of the same ol’ same ol’ for a while now and I need to break free. I was ready to start this sort of journey a few years ago, but after making some big life changes/decisions I proceeded to have the most difficult two years of my life. The events that took place and the physical pain I’ve been in all led to a deep depression, self-loathing, isolation, weight issues, etc. etc. etc. I’m still struggling to dig my way out of AND I’M TIRED OF THAT STORY!  I need a new story! I need to get out and see the beauty that still exists in this world and oh my god do I miss adventure.  I miss travel. I miss the me that up and went whenever and wherever my heart led me. I miss me, in general.  

What’s one thing that I know for sure will adjust anyone’s perspective?  Travel.

What’s one of the things I am most deeply affected by? Nature.

Who do I miss and want to visit, and who has encouraged me always? Jason & Melissa.

I’ve got a lot of support and I’ve also got a lot of “but you’re a female, but you’ll be alone - a lot, but you’ll be on a motorcycle and those are daaaangerous” - I’m good at being all of those things.  Like really good. That’s not where my worries are, at all.  My worries are here, at home. The minute I leave here I’ll be so very, very happy to leave them behind and exchange them for whatever worries the road will bring.

It has taken a lot of preparation, some of it years in the making, but it’s also a sort of take-it-as-it-comes trip since that just seems to be my way.  I’ve got what I think I’ll need and I’m so very lucky to have the best mechanics I know help me prepare my bike (and my tool kit) both here and there (hi Daren, hi Jason!). I don’t want to imagine where I’d be without their help, knowledge, encouragement and generosity.  Much more on both of them will spill out over the next few weeks, I’m sure.

I hope you’ll come along with me.

More photos and posts on my Instagram: @poos_farm