For Butler Maps

I am working with Butler Maps, who have been very supportive in helping me map my ride, recommending the best motorcycle roads, amongst other things. They have recently introduced an app for use with their maps and it is called Rever. I recently wrote the following piece and provided a companion audio. The material will appear in their social media platforms. Wanted to share with you, but keep in mind it is written for serious biker riders.

Aloha From Kauai

 I got a crazy idea in my head toward the end of last year. It came to me while riding my Honda Shadow Sabre on a sunny Sunday morning on Kauai, where I have been living for quite a few years. I decided to award myself a solo ride along 1 and 101 on the California coast, in celebration of still standing at seventy.

 I am going to guess most of you already have at least one Butler Map in your possession, which means you likely have done some serious riding. I, on the other hand, have ridden about 70,000 miles over 12 years, all on the same, familiar roads of Kauai, the extent of my cycling experience. I have never been on a bike other than my current 1100cc Honda and a smaller predecessor. There is no helmet law in HI and I love the freedom, while my defense is simply stupidity, ending any possible discussion.

 As of this writing, I haven’t even been on a Harley. I am going to save that experience for the next story, but it will happen soon because my launch date is coming up in mid-September.

 I hear you laughing and I’d appreciate a little more empathy from my fellow riders because you know what I am about to get myself into. First, I will be riding a Harley Street Glide, several hundred pounds heavier than my bike and far more powerful. Hell, even the idea of a fairing makes me feel like I’ll be flying an aircraft carrier!

 I am a guy who loves his habits and fourteen completely different stops in sixteen days, covering over 1,500 miles, is guaranteed to have its share of surprises. It will make for good storytelling.

 I will bet very few of you have ridden on Kauai. Riding a motorcycle on this island is as close to heaven as you can get. So, while I definitely come up short in cross-country riding experience, I have been privileged to ride here. Constantly changing views of the Pacific look back on lush green inland interiors, enveloping you on your ride and for a fraction of a second, the rushing air will float sweet, flowering scents of plumeria and orange blossoms.

 I will carry the aloha spirit with me because that is what we share on the Garden Island. From the moment I arrived on Kauai and found the Sons of Kauai, a group I ride with most every Sunday, I have witnessed and participated in an outpouring of two-wheeled aloha. Every new rider is welcomed to the group, whether resident or guest.

 I had no idea how you plan rides on the mainland. As soon as I started exploring possibilities, I found Butler Maps. I called and spoke with Justin Bradshaw. I explained the purpose of my ride and the route I was thinking about. In addition, I indicated I was a writer and was going to create a blog, Mind and the Motorcycle, to chronicle the journey.

 Maps have been part of our lives for thousands of years. Maps, like books will always be around. Unfolding a map and tracing your planned travel with your index finger is a part of exploring ritual. The current technology, like Rever, brings these maps to life, past and present complimenting each other perfectly.

 My mid-September ride evolved over time and now begins in San Francisco and moves straight east to Yosemite. It’s up and over to Lee Vining, north on 395 to Tahoe and Truckee. Susanville is next, followed by Mt. Shasta and north through Klamath Falls to Bend. I head west through Eugene to the coast, weaving my way down and back to San Francisco in a little over two weeks. I am positive many of you have done all or part of this ride. I have just added the new Oregon map to my California maps.

 Yes, I am sitting in the armchair, organizing my ride, making lists, and preparing for my adventure. As soon as my stops are confirmed, I will create my detailed map on Rever and use the app to program my phone for the ride.

 In between now and the next time I share my map and more details, why don’t you visit my blog and entertain yourself at my expense? You can also send me your advice or prayers once you get there and I will send you aloha in return.

 Stay tuned.