I paid 3k for my VTX1300. I bought it on a Sunday morning. The next Thursday afternoon I took it 8 hours from northern Louisiana to Grand Isle. The southernmost point in LA. I had my endorsement, and insurance, but the new tags hadn't come in yet, so I punched out 350 miles with a dead tag on a bike that I had only ridden maybe 20 miles on when I had only ridden maybe 5000 miles on a bike ever with my longest trip being about 2.5 or 3 hours from home base. Since, I have put about 5k into the bike in annual repairs. I don't work on bikes. And almost 20k miles on that one bike. Plus close to 5k on just rental bikes. #ilikebike
@@shadetreesurgeon I tried to follow your lead and do my own work on my bike. Brakes, no problem. New sissy bar to hold a bigger pack, no problem. New custom ammo can bags, easy. Pull the tank to put a new carb on it, and drop the tank and dent the shit out of it, and then break every vacuum line on the carb as well as the intake boots. It is in the shop right now getting all dressed back up.
@UCYxS6Kmr8sFFhb0cZJbfcqQ I'm on my 3rd or 4th set of tires, and brakes. I paid to have the front fork tube rebuilt. I've paid twice to have the neck bearings done, and the carb rebuilt, and neither has been done yet. Hopefully, this shop is more reputable than the last two, and it actually gets done. A wasted $1500 trip that all I got was tires and fork seals when I paid for a full service, and neck bearings, and brakes. Then another $1000 trip for some fucking turn signals, and maybe neck bearings when I asked for tires, a service and a carb rebuild. Now, this one is $1500 for actually getting the carb rebuilt, a new front tire, checking the last guys work on the neck bearings, and a full service. I've had the bike since 2016, and it is a 2006 model that has been neglected its whole life, but it still runs. It ran when I took it in, but was leaking gas out the airbox. What? Should I ride a harley? I don't like working on my bikes. I like riding them.
Because of your videos I decided to buy a $1300 87 goldwing when I was 7 hours away visiting family. I rode it back home without a problem and only got lost once. Your videos led me to one of the best adventures of my life and i'm planning many more. I appreciate the whole brapstar team
This past year and a half have been one depression-filled shit show for me. your videos are seriously the highlight of my weeks and offer the seldom laughs and good vibes that are making it bearable! Thanks for keeping it weird Josh and for inspiring those of us that need it!
Josh, this was one of my very favorite videos by you. I needed to hear your message at the end. I'm one of those folks who's been waiting for everything to be perfect to try this. I'm a worry wart...Chey's lucky to have you for an uncle. These trips are far scarier for a little 95lb woman on an old sportster. Men being along with us definitely make us feel safer if for nothing other than not having to worry about being abducted. Thanks for sharing this, it's inspiring!
I live in Ohio and a few years back I saw a 1982 CB900f for sale in Phoenix AZ. I bought it based on a few pictures and a video of it running. The next week I flew out and rode it 2000 miles home. It took about a week. I rode it back as it was other than replacing the tires and doing a quick oil change. That was one of the best weeks of my life.
I've owned 2 Goldwings. Found them a bit boring. The transmissions failed on both of them. Both were bought used, and both came with floorboards and heel and toe shifters, which I replaced with stock shifters and pegs. I was told that the previous owners probably used the heel and toe shifters for a footrest, putting pressure on the internal shifting mechanism and eventually causing damage.
Josh, about two years ago, just as this pandemic was starting, my wife and I booked with a motorcycle touring group that arranged for us to take our motorcycles on board the cruise ship and get off on various islands such as Antigua, St Kits, Barbados etc. It cost us a small fortune. It was worth every penny. We met some amazing fellow motorcyclists , rode on Caribbean islands I'd only ever seen on the internet. I purchased a Go-Pro before we left and mounted it to my bike. I look back now at those videos and realize, "holy shit, we actually did that" It was indeed a once in a lifetime experience. Last week, I lost my job and have been feeling down. This video you just created has inspired me to go fill up the bike with fuel (It's about $4 bucks a gallon here in Ontario Canada) and maybe just go for a ride and forget about stuff for a while. Thanks.
"Buy the ticket, take the ride." I'm assuming you've read some Hunter S. Thompson. Loved this video, one of your best ever. Shout out to Chey, she's a beast. Not sure if having children is in your future, but you'd make an amazing dad, and would love to see you document that journey for all of us to experience with you. Good times, keep it weird.
Hell yeah, brother. Having lived in Asheville for the last 21 years, i can promise you riding here never gets old. Especially once you get into the real actual mountain roads, the ones less traveled by tourists. Safe travels, homie, keep that rubber side down.
My wife has never been a big fan of motorcycles but she was always drawn to the mighty Honda monkey and I told her life is to short just buy the monkey. We decided to take a little road trip from northwest Ohio to Kentucky and I, like you was very proud of her she was a trooper. Through extreme heat to pouring down rain she did it, her on the monkey and me on a klx250. We sure didn't break any land speed records but it was a great time. Tomorrow isn't promised to anyone so go.
Thank you Josh. Thank you for the most "Shadetree Surgeon" video I've seen in a long time. The point of this video, is what I've known you to be and why I got hooked on you.. the underdog story, the underdog story void of the brands of the status quo of the cool brand.. you always stood for doing it with meaning, not money. Not brand. Just passion. Just guts. Thank you.
Been doing it all my life. I'm 62, started riding a dirt bike at age 8, got my first street bike and license at age 16, have owned over 50 bikes, about half of them bought brand new, and have ridden over a million miles. 49 states and parts of Mexico and Canada. I did (and still do) take care of my bikes though (I currently own 6) I maintain them and keep them repaired. I wouldn't have taken off on a trip like that without giving the bikes some basic maintenance and checking them over. A long motorcycle ride is still an adventure on a properly maintained bike. I also still ride off road on a 2001 KLR650 that I bought new, and shortly thereafter rode to Prudhoe Bay, AK and back to Phoenix, AZ, which is where I have lived all my life.
Nothing beats the way how a beach town looks and smells at the end of summer are what dreams are made of, especially if you can hold the memory pre-2001
Did my first big solo trip this year on my road king, went from Michigan to South Dakota to Colorado and back to Michigan, it was epic and can’t wait until next year, Love the videos man, 🍻
For those not familiar - the Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles long - no traffic lights, no stop signs, no commercial traffic. It is a part of the National Park System. ‘Linear Parks.’ The BRP and Natchez Trace Parkway (444 miles) are both ‘amazing’ must-do riding experiences. Thanks Josh and Chevy for stepping out - thanks for the extra incentive to get me out of Florida!
The end of this video struck several cords with me. The issue with new bikes is the expectation of them being perfect. What I love about old bikes is that you feel like you are getting away with something reserved for those with more privilege. But living life is for everyone. We deceive ourselves when we think we cannot partake in such liberating experiences...keep up the great work. Wonderful meeting you in Fort Worth this year.
Either out of coolant or stopped leaking. Now, that there's an adventure bike. I grew up in those mountains between TN, NC, GA. You do stop seeing it the same way you stop seeing the ocean. But when you go back after an absence it does capture you.
100% agree. I bought a bike online unseen. Keys, wallet, boarded the plane. no back pack, no helmet. bought helmet there and road back in just a Tshirt. 1,500 miles (2,400km) prairies, mountains and one big, shit eating grin... just do it. Life happens anywhere, any time, may as well happen doing something you enjoy.
I was out of the motorcycle community for 7 years. Finally got my first cruiser this spring. This will have to be my first long haul trip. Your review on the Road King is why I got one, and now your attitude on this ride is why it will have to be my first trip. Thank you 1,000x
Thanks to you I bought a 1980 Goldwing for $1980 and I was born in 1980. Currently touring the California and Oregon coast with friends and having the greatest time ever. Oil leaks, fuel leaks, no speedometer, other issues but it's all good times. Thanks Shadetree!
37:00 I had those same thoughts only being 5ft after seeing Chey ride and the inspiration ya'll give in your videos, I just purchased Yamaha R3 yesterday although i can only get my toes down. being able to ride my own bike has always been a dream i though was not reachable with my height Thanks for all you all do Shadetree. If you all ever make it to KY let me buy ya'll dinner and a beer. Safe travels!
@@ericsimpson1176 that's good to know and of course as soon as I get my bike it rains no stop lol and not really riding before dont really wanna take that on yet
I was raised in the mountains of Oregon and couldn’t have cared less about the scenery. I moved to Florida 13 years ago and now when I visit my family in Oregon on vacation I’m always blown away by the scenery lol
I am really pissed I missed this premiere! In my opinion, one of the absolute best videos in a bit. Highly inspirational! Thank you for showing people the don't need a bunch of flow to just go.. I appreciate your content.
When the time to say goodbye to this life nobody regrets the things they did,only the things they wished they had done. Just get out there and live life.
Recently got a $300, 1975, gl1000 from a fella at my church. It was his daily rider, but had sat under a tarp in his yard for 4 years, after he upgraded to a mid '80s Aspencade. Had to rebuild the carbs and other sundry projects, but I've learned a lot about it and it's back on the road. Got about $700 invested and it's a rider. 56,000 miles. It's a little late this year and I'm still building confidence with it on day trips, but next Spring we're doing Yellowstone baby! It's a little less than a thousand miles from where I'm at, and so far the bike has given me no reason to believe it's not up to the challenge. Great video! And awesome advise. Take Care.
Dude the videos like this and they build series’s you do are a freaking inspiration to me. I love them. You and Chey are awesome and one day I really hope I can make it to Tampa to meet y’all or even better run into y’all on the road somewhere. If you’re ever coming through Arkansas I’d love to know there are some great rides I’d love to show y’all!
I got my motorcycle endorsement in late July, and my friend and I decided to take a riding trip around Lake Michigan two weeks later on our Ninja 400s to celebrate. We rode from our homes in northern Indiana through Michigan, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, down through Wisconsin, and back to Indiana. 3 days, 1100 miles, and the adventure of a lifetime on a bike not meant for long distance. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Much like Chey, too, that was my first time riding more than 70 miles in one sitting, first time crossing state lines, first time motocamping. It definitely gave me a huge confidence boost and a new appreciation for motorcycles.
It’s so great you got to experience this with Chey! Congrats Chey it’s great you went on a long trip had fun and enjoyed yourself. Wind therapy as they call it. You deserve it.
I drive a truck for a living and I've seen a lot of this country but I must say my favorite way to see it is on 2 wheels. Buy the damn bike, take the damn trip, and live your life while ya got it. Great video Shadetree, can't wait to see part 2.✌😎
watching yours and Chey's vlogs and million dollar bogans vlogs has inspired me to get my bike license. so me and 3 of my mates are all going to do our course and start doing road trips around australia. should be a lot of fun. if i can get over there ill have to shout you a beer mate.
Remember my first trip to France in 1984. On a beat up Z650C, with 45000 miles on it. $500 or so. Two throw-over saddlebags, and a tote bag on a rack. Set off for France, and looked for a hotel every evening around five pm. Arrived on the Spanish border after four day, stayed for a week, then rode home by the same method. No 'cell phone, no GPS, just a Michelin map of France. Became completely hooked in those two weeks. Oh, and it ran almost dry of oil in the centre of France in the August sunshine. Took 3 litres of oil to get a level in a 3 1/2 litre sump. Ran fine for another year.
Living my whole life in the mountains, what gets me excited is seeing the ocean. My go-to road trip is straight to Savanna, then hit A1A south. When I get as far south as it will take me, I circle back up the west coast of Florida before turning north for home at Panama City. I have done that three times now, taking about a week each time. But no, the mountains do not get old. At the end of those trips, I get just as excited to see those mountains appear in the distance, calling me back home. I also make it a point to enjoy the view when I can, as much as you safely can driving up and down my mountain. I have also never heard of a guy taking a girl on a date to one of these rock overlooks, and it not go well. Whether she's been there once or a hundred times, they still like that shit. As for what mountains are better? The Rockies are the tall ones and the Appalachian are the steep ones. But the best mountains are always the ones close enough to you for you to enjoy them. PS. My brother owns one of those RVs. It's sitting in my backyard needing a transmission, and a serious remodel. I think he wants $1,500 for it if you want another project. lol It would be a big project.
I enjoy watching your enthusiasm for getting out there and going. I've been doing it for over 45 years on many different bikes. My very first trip was from Idaho to Puget sound then all the way south to San Diego and up through death valley and.Yosimite back to Idaho all on a Triumph 650 Bonneville I paid 1200 for. Took 3 months, but me and my best friend did that entire ride on 2200 hundred dollars and 4 days planning lol. I still take off whenever I can and next week is Reno and street vibes. Gotta roll on that. Keep your knees in the breeze .my friend. It's a wonderful life.
I also bought a VTX1300 last year and took it on a 700 mile trip to see some friends I haven't seen in a while. Worth the trip! Although I lost both of my passenger floorboards along the way.
Awesome. I can't wait to take my first road trip. I may do that this month, but not very far. Maybe heading up state NY for the bike show on the 25th of this month in Lake George.
Last weekend my wife planned a last minute trip from Western NY to the Outer Banks in NC. We had 4 days, trailered 2 bikes down and back with our 3 kids. We got a sitter for the kids one of the days and we went riding the Outer Banks with a friend. I went again the second day without the wife. It was absolutely amazing. All we had a was a place to stay and no other real plans. Even if trailering and enjoying an new area on the bikes is what you have time go and do it! With our kids we never would have been able to go that far way without trailering. Love these videos and cannot wait until our kids are a little older and wife and I can just jump on the bikes, point them in a direction and go!
Simple trips are great. We have a group of people that go to Americade in Lake George every year. We take Thursday and Friday off. SO we leave Thursday and come home Sunday. Its great riding and always fun.
I live in central New York. We have lakes and valleys and mountains nearby and NO I never get tired of it! Sometimes I forget and don’t SEE IT but a couple weeks later… there it is!1😎🤘
No...it doesn't get old. I live in Virginia where we have the Blue Ridge mountains on one side of us and the Allegheny mountains on the other and the Blue Ridge Parkway in our backyard. If I came to Florida and saw the ocean, I'd "ooh and ahh" like any other tourist. But every time I walk outside and see these mountains, it never gets old, and I'm grateful to be able to see them daily. I hope you get to go back soon. Ride safely.
Well, I rather enjoy touring by motorcycle. Plus I have reason to justify owning snazzy waterproof adv gear. Plus I don’t have to deal with flying. Plus I can carry my weapon. Plus I get to meet people and chat at gas stations and restaurants.
I'd add now that you can meet and chat with cool people at airports, but I am from Europe and despise people who use and/or carry weapons, so I'll leave it at that.
@@TheUrbanEpicure I guess you aren't a biker. Flying is cheating. Why own a bike if you aren't going to ride it? If I owned a Pan America I would ride it everywhere.
Biker for 25 years. I ride my bike all the time, it's one of my favorite things to do, just not on boring, endless, uncomfortable road trips. I like to cut to the thrills.
Great video! Im in Wales, UK. Im 40yrs old. I bought my first bike back in March. Suzuki RF900. It’d been sat for 5yrs. I paid £300 for it. After a savage split from my wife after 17yrs I needed something to lift me back up off the ground!! Life has been really shit. Even having to fight to see my kids! It’s taken 6 months but I just got it inspected & it’s now on the road! Just waiting on my test date to get my license! I can’t wait to get out on adventures!! Thanks for sharing your lives with us! It’s a true inspiration.😊👊🏼
At 28:59 on the video you,looking McDowell North Carolina. Little Switzerland is a town and it does have a post office in a convenient store you should’ve stopped up and got some beer. My home town
Back in July i rode out from Buffalo NY out to Polo Ill to visit a buddys grave who was killed in combat in Afghanistan back in 2010. My 1st big boy trip and it was amazing trip and experience till i had to ride the 10 hour trip home in the down pouring rain!
The BEST video I’ve watched from you. I talk to people all the time that do just what you’re doing and they speak with the same enthusiasm you did here. It’s fall in Michigan and the colors up north will soon be at their peak, and I’ll be up there soaking them all in. Thank you.
THIS! This is what I've been trying to tell people! I did go a little different route as I did buy a big 2017 Harley Bagger, but she's taken me literally all over the country. I bought mine used in Cocoa Beach, FL from a Kawasaki/Honda for a song. I got my son to drive me down there and rode 950 miles home the next day. That bike had about 3,500 miles on it in June 2019 and I'm knocking on 75,000 miles now. I have a full-time job but those 600 mile round trip burger runs and 1,000 mile round trip rib runs add up! Too many people don't tour on their touring bikes, throw a tent in the saddlebag and see how far you actually can go on $100 worth of gas. The best part: I taught my son to ride on a Kawasaki Vulcan S when I brought home my Road Glide. He literally went from "How do I start this bike" to riding 20 miles to the next town in an afternoon, the kid is a natural. Last Spring he (22 years old) bought a 2008 Fat Bob with 15,000 miles on it and paid cash and Memorial Day weekend we got on the bikes with a tent and a general direction. We headed west and hit Roswell and Santa Fe, rode the Million Dollar Highway, crossed the continental divide and got all the way to Moab and Arches National Park before turning home through Albuquerque. The only thing he did to that bike was buy a mustache bar and some highway pegs for the superslab runs. We had weather from snow to desert to 300 miles of rain and had a blast. Most epic father/son trip which included an oil change in the parking lot of an auto parts store with wonderful mountain views. We did 3,000 miles those five days and we can't wait to do it all again. Just proves that you can have just as much fun on a few thousand dollars worth of bike as a 20k bike. Just ride! Love the videos, keep them coming!
Hey Shadetree! what a timely video. I enjoyed it very much. I just returned from my first road trip. I had never been more than 300 miles on a bike and never been on an overnight trip. Until now. I just returned from a 22 day road trip across the U.S. I rode my 2010 Electra Glide from Virginia to Reno, Nevada and back. I camped out some nights and slept in low cost motels other nights. I ate at restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores. I got soaked in rain storms on two occasions, I saw a lot of beautiful scenery, I met a lot of interesting people and I HAD THE MOST FUN I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!! Keep the great videos coming and keep inspiring people to get out there and ride!
I am definitely living vicariously through you Shadetree Surgeon! Thank you so much for your great videos! Not only for videos, but introducing us to the amazing people that you meet along the way! Best to you and Cheyleesi, please both of you stay safe out there!
Note to Chey on the aches and pains up to the 3-day mark; after that you get numb and it stops hurting. Next thing you know you become road hard and ordinary people start to flinch from your steely-eyed gaze. You find you don't give a rats behind what people think of you you're just contemplating your water, beef jerky and trail mix supply. Never pass a gas station in the desert.
I cashed in my ticket and rode the entire length of the BRP just last week. Took five days driveway to driveway, from north Atlanta, 1,431-miles. We rode to Little Switzerland and rode "The Diamondback" Hwy-226A, then headed north to the northern terminus of the BRP at Mile Post-0 near Afton, VA. Then we rode through the western Virginia countryside, made it up to Tazewell, VA and rode "The Back Bone of The Dragon" Hwy-16. Then we rode to Clyde, NC north of Lake Junaluska, NC and rode "The Rattler" Hwy-209 to Hot Springs, NC. From Hot Springs, NC we rode south to Robbinsville, NC and Deal's Gap. Weather moved in and we had to leave Robbinsville one day earlier than planned to return to north Atlanta to dodge rain from the hurricane coming north off the Gulf of Mexico. We had freedom. No clocks, no timetable to speak of. Spectacular scenery off the BRP, Mt. Mitchell, Grandfather Mtn., and fresh air! There was virtually no traffic on the BRP. We had the BRP generally to ourselves., with the exception of some deer, wild turkeys and one young black bear cub that decided it owned the center line of the BRP just north of Grandfather Mtn. Heck of an experience! We spent about $9.00 per day on gas, $35.00 per day on food / beverages and averaged about $130 per day for lodging. You do need to pay very close attention to where you get off the BRP for gas, food and lodging. It's not like the interstate where you get off and find gas/food/lodging at the end of the exit ramp. You have to research and plan pit stops according to what may or may not be available on various Mile Posts along the BRP. ShadeTree is absolutely correct, get out there and enjoy life! Riding the BRP was the second best therapy I've ever experienced. Riding the bike in general is the best therapy I've ever experienced.
Trips don't have to be a long distance away. I took my Lady to Falls Park in Sioux Falls, SD from our home in Schleswig, IA. 167 miles and we rode closer to 200 getting there on back roads. To see her face as we pulled into the park wasn't possible on the bike but once we walked around, I knew the trip was great for her. A hotel after getting rained on for the first night netted us an even more spectacular view of the falls the next day. The power of water was breath taking after the rains. My second surprise was a little depression in Eastern South Dakota. We rode our 06 Goldwing into the Palisades State Park. The bridge my children and I used to drive across for rock climbing and canoeing was closed. My Lady and I parked the bike and I got to see her face as we cleared the trees coming down the hill to the bridge. When she saw the red rock walls and "creek/river?", It made the whole trip worthwhile. Less then 400 miles in three days and we have a hundred pictures to remember a weekend escape before a butt chilling ride home. Thank Goodness for rain gear that doubles as wind break and heated seats. I ride if it's 40 degrees and clear roads but this was her first frosty ride. She never cared when she thought about the views we shared together. Get out there and ride alone or with someone you care about and experience the joys of nature from a bike. Nothing compares! Josh and Chey, Thank You for sharing you all are in my prayers Hoka Hey
Nice adventure! Seems like a ton of fun. Just an idea for Chey- maybe her pains come from standing on the ground and hiking her leg over the scooter to get on? I'm an old man with arthritis... And have gotten on my scooter using the "cowboy mount" method for years... While the bike is on the stand, grab both grips, left foot on the left peg, stand up and then slide the right leg over... No more pains. Have a blast and keep the greasy side down!
My wife and I rode the Tail of the Dragon, Back of the Dragon, and 50 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway last month. We are from PA near Pittsburgh, and we had a great time! You are right! TAKE THE TRIP!!
I'm in Montana, 300-500 miles doesn't even get me out of the state, unless I go south, and Wyoming is ............ I do have one of the best roads in America 60 miles away from me. The Beartooth highway is so amazing, but I've ridden it so many times that it gets old.
Every year I get together with some family member, usually about 4-6 of us in total and we take a weekend bike trip some where. This past weekend, we were in Lake George. It was the calm before the storm, as we were leaving on Sunday, there were trucks pulling in to set up their booths for Americade. We were not allowed to ride the demo bikes, but we did get a chance to see the demo bikes from Honda and Indian. They were setting up in the parking lot of our hotel. But you are right, don't wait for tomorrow as it is never promised. Take the trips now, enjoy life, explore while you can.
As a dude who lives in the mountains I take your enthusiasm for finding beauty in a road that looks like every road around me, to not take them for granted. Sometimes familiarity doesn’t breed contempt, but an ungrateful indifference.
Absolutely loved the message of this video! Just go ride for Christ sake. My wife and I have rode as far as 670 miles to have lunch. We just returned from a 9 day 4100 mile trip from our home in Iowa to Oregon (just wanted to see Crater Lake) and Washington. Did not have one hotel reservation, just rode till we felt like stopping. JUST GO PEOPLE!
Just got back from a 9 day, ~4000 mile solo trip from San Antonio to Rushmore, Deadwood, stopped for a shave and a haircut in Gillette, then to Cody, Yellowstone, Jackson, Moab, Albuquerque and back home. All at better than 50MPG on a 22 year old Road King. No definite destination in mind, but if I got somewhere, that was fine. Met some great people along the way and lived on Slim Jims and water most of the trip. Now I have about 1TB of video to sort through. Sorting the video will take longer than the ride.
Nice video. Everything you said also applies to taking a ride in the car or truck to somewhere new. Doesn't have to be a motorcycle because the trip and seeing things on the trip is the joy of it. Take Care.
Dude! I live very close to Little Switzerland and ride those roads all the time. I NEVER get tired of riding the mountain roads no matter how many times I've been on them.
What we do at least 1 once a month take weekend Road-Trip we just got back from TN . But next we doing a 12 days Road-Trip. Coming to Tampa next month going be the wife's longest single day of riding.
I've been riding for a few years now and always wanted to ride far but never had the confidence in myself or my motorcycle. This summer myself and two great friends went on a three day road trip to some beautiful country and now I have an unrelenting blood lust to tear ass on foreign road for days on end and making bad impressions wherever I roam!
I did something similar in 2018 a guy I work with was talking about riding to sturgis I had at that point not owned a bike in ten years. I told him I’m going to buy the cheapest like I can find and go with you. $2000 layer I had a 2004 klr650 with 40.000 miles on it and I went to sturgis. This was the second time in my life that I rode up there. It was one of the best times ever. Cheap motorcycles are great. Got home and traded it for a 2004 super glide plus $1000 now I’m riding a $3000 Harley. Lol
I've always wanted to go on a long rode trip on my bike but always came up with excuses why I couldn't. Inspired by some of your spontaneous trips, I finally decided to just do it. I took off from work and toured the country laying down about 8,500 miles in 24 days through 26 states. I went from Texas to Tybee Island, GA. I then headed west across the US to Rialto Beach in Washington state. It was then back home to Texas. it was a solo trip and one of the best experiences of my life. I will never forget it and now I can't wait to go on another adventure.
I just got back from my first multi-state 2,000+ mile motorcycle trip. I have a '97 Honda Shadow ACE VT1100 with 63,000 miles on the clock. At the last minute my friend asked if I wanted to ride with him to Oregon. "Sure, let's go" I said. It was boiling hot when we started in Sandy Eggo. Freezing and wet in Oregon. Mild temperatures in Nevada. And boiling hot when we got back to Sandy Eggo. I did not bring proper cold weather gloves and at one point I tried to use two socks (and plastic bags as an added wind barrier) as glove warmers. It didn't work and my fingers still froze. But I wouldn't trade that adventure for anything in the world. There were miles and miles or riding down HWY 395 that me and my companion were the only living creatures on the planet and some of the landscapes we saw were truly alien in a Sci-Fi sort of way. So, good on 'ya Shadetree. I can't wait for my next adventure.
Hey Josh you don't have to tell me the BLP is a fantastic ride. Left my house in Cleveland Ga.on the way up to NYC and decided to take the parkway. Beautiful views, even the deer will just stand there and look at you just a few feet away. Can't wait to go back. Ya'll stay safe out there.
Have done it. Not on the cheapest bike, but on a FJR1300a. My last trip was 7835 miles. From Atlanta, Ga. , to Peoria, Il. , to Rapid city, SD. , to Bozeman, Mt. , to Kalispel, MT. , to Okanogan, WA. , to Seattle, to Astoria, OR. , to Eugene, Or., Crescent City, CA. to Santa Rosa, CA. , to Carpenteria, CA. , througho L.A. , and back with stops in Phoenix, Albuquerque, Amarillo, Little Rock, and then Atlanta. I did all this at the tender young age of 56 , and wasn't even tired out afterwards. Ready to go again.
Mr. Josh, thank you! This video was a major catalyst for me to start riding. Shortly after watching, I signed up for a basic riding class and bought an 01 shadow 750 ACE at 46 yrs old. Fast fwd a year later & I am on a Harley low rider, loving life on 2 wheels… please keep doing what you do! Peace & Blessings to you & yours as we wrap up 2022 🤙🏽🤘🏽🙏🏼
Dude, your speech to get people out there and tour on a bike was spot on! It was soulful like a sermon. Hats off to Brother Shadetree, the Deacon of motorcycling! Now please excuse me, I need to go ride.
I live outside Seattle. I can see the Olympics and the Cascade mountains most days (depending on weather). Never gets old to me. Yesterday I saw snow on top of the mountains. That made my day. Looks like a fun trip. I started trips because of the pandemic. I used to wait until I had a riding buddy, screw that. I did three long trips this year by myself. From Seattle down to the Redwood trees in California. Just because I always wanted to see them.
I have done lots of long overnight rides this summer. And it has been a first for me as well. The hardest thing for me has been editing all the video to get it up on UA-cam. One of the best summers i have had in a long time.
On Saturday, I got up and decided to ride to northern Wisconsin, to visit an old friend. Only 4 1/2 hrs each way, but did it all on back country roads, so took a bit longer. I haven't done a trip like that in almost 20 years, and it was exactly what I needed.
That is about to happen on my new to me Road King. Got a couple of buddies I'd love to tag along. But I'm getting fed up waiting for the stars to align in their worlds while I'm missing out. Sometimes you have to be the Lone Wolf and as you and Hunter S. Thompson both said "Buy the ticket, take the ride."
I live in Colombia (South America). Were we drive through Mountains on a daily bases and you never get borde of them. If you want to experience great mountain driving come to South America, you'll see every weather, nature, elevations and more.
"Do you drive through, and not see it?" Yep. Commuted into Central London for 30 years. Past Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, every day for the last 15. Never visited either of them. 20 miles out of town, and it's all "new".
All my friends talk about when they retire then I'm going to....... No , just do it NOW! I bought an old softail classic A FAKE HARLEY! And I ride the shit out of it. I have 2 grand in it. Shadetree this is why I love your channel because you are right. You only live once man. LIVE!
In June our couple friends, my wife and I rode from Pittsburgh area to a cabin in Asheville, NC rode into Gatlinburg, TN. Then rode to Spartanburg, SC down to Hilton Head (not motorcycle friendly). To Savannah, GA then back home and went to a motorcycle rally the next day. 1890 miles in 4 days.
I do live here. I use the BRP as a commute home most days on the bike. I have learned not take it for granted. UA-cam has helped with that! I now know how lucky I am to be able to ride here every day. I have a 2010 Goldwing, it's plenty sporty!!! The problem I have, I want to do a lot more traveling by bike, but leaving here to go somewhere else feels almost like a let down!! Great video!!!
My nephew just rode 300 miles from Indiana to my house in Western Pennsylvania. His 1st road trip on a bike. We are planning a trip next year to ride all the way around Lake Michigan.
I paid 3k for my VTX1300. I bought it on a Sunday morning. The next Thursday afternoon I took it 8 hours from northern Louisiana to Grand Isle. The southernmost point in LA. I had my endorsement, and insurance, but the new tags hadn't come in yet, so I punched out 350 miles with a dead tag on a bike that I had only ridden maybe 20 miles on when I had only ridden maybe 5000 miles on a bike ever with my longest trip being about 2.5 or 3 hours from home base.
Since, I have put about 5k into the bike in annual repairs. I don't work on bikes. And almost 20k miles on that one bike. Plus close to 5k on just rental bikes.
#ilikebike
Jimmy is doing it right. Be like Jimmy.
@@shadetreesurgeon I tried to follow your lead and do my own work on my bike. Brakes, no problem. New sissy bar to hold a bigger pack, no problem. New custom ammo can bags, easy. Pull the tank to put a new carb on it, and drop the tank and dent the shit out of it, and then break every vacuum line on the carb as well as the intake boots. It is in the shop right now getting all dressed back up.
@UCYxS6Kmr8sFFhb0cZJbfcqQ I'm on my 3rd or 4th set of tires, and brakes. I paid to have the front fork tube rebuilt. I've paid twice to have the neck bearings done, and the carb rebuilt, and neither has been done yet. Hopefully, this shop is more reputable than the last two, and it actually gets done. A wasted $1500 trip that all I got was tires and fork seals when I paid for a full service, and neck bearings, and brakes. Then another $1000 trip for some fucking turn signals, and maybe neck bearings when I asked for tires, a service and a carb rebuild. Now, this one is $1500 for actually getting the carb rebuilt, a new front tire, checking the last guys work on the neck bearings, and a full service. I've had the bike since 2016, and it is a 2006 model that has been neglected its whole life, but it still runs. It ran when I took it in, but was leaking gas out the airbox.
What? Should I ride a harley? I don't like working on my bikes. I like riding them.
Hey! Another Louisiana dude. I'm in Thibodaux
@@Gibsonfan1989 lafayette here. I have a touring harley but love my 85' honda shadow.
Because of your videos I decided to buy a $1300 87 goldwing when I was 7 hours away visiting family. I rode it back home without a problem and only got lost once. Your videos led me to one of the best adventures of my life and i'm planning many more. I appreciate the whole brapstar team
That’s livin life, good to hear you dude that.
This past year and a half have been one depression-filled shit show for me. your videos are seriously the highlight of my weeks and offer the seldom laughs and good vibes that are making it bearable! Thanks for keeping it weird Josh and for inspiring those of us that need it!
Bro, don't suffer in silence and don't suffer alone. We have your back. Keep the rubber to the ground in the shiny side up!
"Things don't have to be perfect. Just go." Inspiring, man.
Damn straight!
What kind of Honda shadow do you have?
I just want the border to open so I can ride across it, dang it all. lol
Wow!!! Pissing off a flat rock on the side of a mountain!!! Priceless!!!!
Josh, this was one of my very favorite videos by you. I needed to hear your message at the end. I'm one of those folks who's been waiting for everything to be perfect to try this. I'm a worry wart...Chey's lucky to have you for an uncle. These trips are far scarier for a little 95lb woman on an old sportster. Men being along with us definitely make us feel safer if for nothing other than not having to worry about being abducted. Thanks for sharing this, it's inspiring!
Chey often worries about the same thing when she’s traveling alone
That's why I take self defense, and firearm classes, and always carry... but I still feel safer in numbers
I live in Ohio and a few years back I saw a 1982 CB900f for sale in Phoenix AZ. I bought it based on a few pictures and a video of it running. The next week I flew out and rode it 2000 miles home. It took about a week. I rode it back as it was other than replacing the tires and doing a quick oil change. That was one of the best weeks of my life.
"Tupperware glides" has me on stitches 😂
As an owner of a PC800 it was a giggle here also. We call them tupperware all the time.
I've owned 2 Goldwings. Found them a bit boring. The transmissions failed on both of them. Both were bought used, and both came with floorboards and heel and toe shifters, which I replaced with stock shifters and pegs. I was told that the previous owners probably used the heel and toe shifters for a footrest, putting pressure on the internal shifting mechanism and eventually causing damage.
Josh, about two years ago, just as this pandemic was starting, my wife and I booked with a motorcycle touring group that arranged for us to take our motorcycles on board the cruise ship and get off on various islands such as Antigua, St Kits, Barbados etc. It cost us a small fortune. It was worth every penny. We met some amazing fellow motorcyclists , rode on Caribbean islands I'd only ever seen on the internet. I purchased a Go-Pro before we left and mounted it to my bike. I look back now at those videos and realize, "holy shit, we actually did that" It was indeed a once in a lifetime experience.
Last week, I lost my job and have been feeling down. This video you just created has inspired me to go fill up the bike with fuel (It's about $4 bucks a gallon here in Ontario Canada) and maybe just go for a ride and forget about stuff for a while. Thanks.
super late reply but upload some of those videos man! would love to see it and that sounds like a hell of a trip
"Buy the ticket, take the ride." I'm assuming you've read some Hunter S. Thompson. Loved this video, one of your best ever. Shout out to Chey, she's a beast. Not sure if having children is in your future, but you'd make an amazing dad, and would love to see you document that journey for all of us to experience with you. Good times, keep it weird.
Hell yeah, brother. Having lived in Asheville for the last 21 years, i can promise you riding here never gets old. Especially once you get into the real actual mountain roads, the ones less traveled by tourists. Safe travels, homie, keep that rubber side down.
Lived in NC for 20 years, live in Virginia now. Never get tired of the beauty in the mountains.
Near Lynchburg here.
@@MostlyInteresting Just outside of Richmond here.
Staunton here
Blacksburg
My wife has never been a big fan of motorcycles but she was always drawn to the mighty Honda monkey and I told her life is to short just buy the monkey. We decided to take a little road trip from northwest Ohio to Kentucky and I, like you was very proud of her she was a trooper. Through extreme heat to pouring down rain she did it, her on the monkey and me on a klx250. We sure didn't break any land speed records but it was a great time. Tomorrow isn't promised to anyone so go.
Thank you Josh.
Thank you for the most "Shadetree Surgeon" video I've seen in a long time. The point of this video, is what I've known you to be and why I got hooked on you.. the underdog story, the underdog story void of the brands of the status quo of the cool brand.. you always stood for doing it with meaning, not money. Not brand.
Just passion. Just guts.
Thank you.
Been doing it all my life. I'm 62, started riding a dirt bike at age 8, got my first street bike and license at age 16, have owned over 50 bikes, about half of them bought brand new, and have ridden over a million miles. 49 states and parts of Mexico and Canada. I did (and still do) take care of my bikes though (I currently own 6) I maintain them and keep them repaired. I wouldn't have taken off on a trip like that without giving the bikes some basic maintenance and checking them over. A long motorcycle ride is still an adventure on a properly maintained bike. I also still ride off road on a 2001 KLR650 that I bought new, and shortly thereafter rode to Prudhoe Bay, AK and back to Phoenix, AZ, which is where I have lived all my life.
Living in Switzerland, the blue ridge parkway reminds me of the roads in the Black Forest in the south of Germany.
Thats so funny because Black mountain is in N. Carolina.
Really? Wow, cool to know, thanks.
Nothing beats the way how a beach town looks and smells at the end of summer are what dreams are made of, especially if you can hold the memory pre-2001
Did my first big solo trip this year on my road king, went from Michigan to South Dakota to Colorado and back to Michigan, it was epic and can’t wait until next year,
Love the videos man, 🍻
I'm doing a similar trip this spring/summer, doing Chicago to Yellowstone and back. Can't wait
For those not familiar - the Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles long - no traffic lights, no stop signs, no commercial traffic. It is a part of the National Park System. ‘Linear Parks.’ The BRP and Natchez Trace Parkway (444 miles) are both ‘amazing’ must-do riding experiences. Thanks Josh and Chevy for stepping out - thanks for the extra incentive to get me out of Florida!
You are morphing into a great missionary for the sport... keep it up!
I agree. I drive truck and listen to his videos while driving. It gets me anxious to get home and ride.
The end of this video struck several cords with me. The issue with new bikes is the expectation of them being perfect. What I love about old bikes is that you feel like you are getting away with something reserved for those with more privilege. But living life is for everyone. We deceive ourselves when we think we cannot partake in such liberating experiences...keep up the great work. Wonderful meeting you in Fort Worth this year.
Thanks for letting me "see" my mountain roads for the majesty they hold again. Thanks for all the great content as well.
Either out of coolant or stopped leaking. Now, that there's an adventure bike. I grew up in those mountains between TN, NC, GA. You do stop seeing it the same way you stop seeing the ocean. But when you go back after an absence it does capture you.
100% agree. I bought a bike online unseen. Keys, wallet, boarded the plane. no back pack, no helmet. bought helmet there and road back in just a Tshirt. 1,500 miles (2,400km) prairies, mountains and one big, shit eating grin... just do it. Life happens anywhere, any time, may as well happen doing something you enjoy.
I was out of the motorcycle community for 7 years. Finally got my first cruiser this spring. This will have to be my first long haul trip. Your review on the Road King is why I got one, and now your attitude on this ride is why it will have to be my first trip. Thank you 1,000x
Thanks to you I bought a 1980 Goldwing for $1980 and I was born in 1980. Currently touring the California and Oregon coast with friends and having the greatest time ever. Oil leaks, fuel leaks, no speedometer, other issues but it's all good times. Thanks Shadetree!
37:00 I had those same thoughts only being 5ft after seeing Chey ride and the inspiration ya'll give in your videos, I just purchased Yamaha R3 yesterday although i can only get my toes down. being able to ride my own bike has always been a dream i though was not reachable with my height Thanks for all you all do Shadetree. If you all ever make it to KY let me buy ya'll dinner and a beer. Safe travels!
5ft is no big deal, i am 5ft 2in....comming up on one million miles ridden
@@ericsimpson1176 that's good to know and of course as soon as I get my bike it rains no stop lol and not really riding before dont really wanna take that on yet
I was raised in the mountains of Oregon and couldn’t have cared less about the scenery. I moved to Florida 13 years ago and now when I visit my family in Oregon on vacation I’m always blown away by the scenery lol
I am really pissed I missed this premiere! In my opinion, one of the absolute best videos in a bit. Highly inspirational! Thank you for showing people the don't need a bunch of flow to just go.. I appreciate your content.
I'm 52 years old and to this day one of my motors ever was from the first street bike I owned, the 4 cylinder 83 v65 Magna.
When the time to say goodbye to this life nobody regrets the things they did,only the things they wished they had done. Just get out there and live life.
Recently got a $300, 1975, gl1000 from a fella at my church. It was his daily rider, but had sat under a tarp in his yard for 4 years, after he upgraded to a mid '80s Aspencade. Had to rebuild the carbs and other sundry projects, but I've learned a lot about it and it's back on the road. Got about $700 invested and it's a rider. 56,000 miles. It's a little late this year and I'm still building confidence with it on day trips, but next Spring we're doing Yellowstone baby! It's a little less than a thousand miles from where I'm at, and so far the bike has given me no reason to believe it's not up to the challenge. Great video! And awesome advise. Take Care.
Dude the videos like this and they build series’s you do are a freaking inspiration to me. I love them. You and Chey are awesome and one day I really hope I can make it to Tampa to meet y’all or even better run into y’all on the road somewhere. If you’re ever coming through Arkansas I’d love to know there are some great rides I’d love to show y’all!
I got my motorcycle endorsement in late July, and my friend and I decided to take a riding trip around Lake Michigan two weeks later on our Ninja 400s to celebrate. We rode from our homes in northern Indiana through Michigan, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, down through Wisconsin, and back to Indiana. 3 days, 1100 miles, and the adventure of a lifetime on a bike not meant for long distance. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Much like Chey, too, that was my first time riding more than 70 miles in one sitting, first time crossing state lines, first time motocamping. It definitely gave me a huge confidence boost and a new appreciation for motorcycles.
It’s so great you got to experience this with Chey! Congrats Chey it’s great you went on a long trip had fun and enjoyed yourself. Wind therapy as they call it. You deserve it.
I drive a truck for a living and I've seen a lot of this country but I must say my favorite way to see it is on 2 wheels. Buy the damn bike, take the damn trip, and live your life while ya got it. Great video Shadetree, can't wait to see part 2.✌😎
watching yours and Chey's vlogs and million dollar bogans vlogs has inspired me to get my bike license. so me and 3 of my mates are all going to do our course and start doing road trips around australia. should be a lot of fun. if i can get over there ill have to shout you a beer mate.
Remember my first trip to France in 1984. On a beat up Z650C, with 45000 miles on it. $500 or so. Two throw-over saddlebags, and a tote bag on a rack. Set off for France, and looked for a hotel every evening around five pm. Arrived on the Spanish border after four day, stayed for a week, then rode home by the same method. No 'cell phone, no GPS, just a Michelin map of France. Became completely hooked in those two weeks. Oh, and it ran almost dry of oil in the centre of France in the August sunshine. Took 3 litres of oil to get a level in a 3 1/2 litre sump. Ran fine for another year.
Living my whole life in the mountains, what gets me excited is seeing the ocean. My go-to road trip is straight to Savanna, then hit A1A south. When I get as far south as it will take me, I circle back up the west coast of Florida before turning north for home at Panama City. I have done that three times now, taking about a week each time.
But no, the mountains do not get old. At the end of those trips, I get just as excited to see those mountains appear in the distance, calling me back home. I also make it a point to enjoy the view when I can, as much as you safely can driving up and down my mountain. I have also never heard of a guy taking a girl on a date to one of these rock overlooks, and it not go well. Whether she's been there once or a hundred times, they still like that shit.
As for what mountains are better? The Rockies are the tall ones and the Appalachian are the steep ones. But the best mountains are always the ones close enough to you for you to enjoy them.
PS. My brother owns one of those RVs. It's sitting in my backyard needing a transmission, and a serious remodel. I think he wants $1,500 for it if you want another project. lol It would be a big project.
I enjoy watching your enthusiasm for getting out there and going. I've been doing it for over 45 years on many different bikes. My very first trip was from Idaho to Puget sound then all the way south to San Diego and up through death valley and.Yosimite back to Idaho all on a Triumph 650 Bonneville I paid 1200 for. Took 3 months, but me and my best friend did that entire ride on 2200 hundred dollars and 4 days planning lol. I still take off whenever I can and next week is Reno and street vibes. Gotta roll on that. Keep your knees in the breeze .my friend. It's a wonderful life.
"Can you smoke pot here?" "You can smoke pot anywhere... they might not like it"
You actually can smoke pot in AZ. Legally. But I gave that up after high school, a long long time ago.
I also bought a VTX1300 last year and took it on a 700 mile trip to see some friends I haven't seen in a while. Worth the trip! Although I lost both of my passenger floorboards along the way.
Awesome. I can't wait to take my first road trip. I may do that this month, but not very far. Maybe heading up state NY for the bike show on the 25th of this month in Lake George.
That’s awesome!
@@shadetreesurgeon Thanks bud ✌
Last weekend my wife planned a last minute trip from Western NY to the Outer Banks in NC. We had 4 days, trailered 2 bikes down and back with our 3 kids. We got a sitter for the kids one of the days and we went riding the Outer Banks with a friend. I went again the second day without the wife. It was absolutely amazing. All we had a was a place to stay and no other real plans. Even if trailering and enjoying an new area on the bikes is what you have time go and do it! With our kids we never would have been able to go that far way without trailering.
Love these videos and cannot wait until our kids are a little older and wife and I can just jump on the bikes, point them in a direction and go!
Hell yeah man ! Day 7 of having the Rona and ST post a 40 minute video ! Thank you man, I was going stir crazy.
Simple trips are great. We have a group of people that go to Americade in Lake George every year. We take Thursday and Friday off. SO we leave Thursday and come home Sunday. Its great riding and always fun.
I'm hyped to see how you like the st1100 on a long trip.
I love mine on short trips but with the stock seat I think a long haul would be a back breaker.
@@stevenreynolds2327 Then you need to start train your back. Or you are going to have problems with your back in some years. That is not fun.
@@Gismo3333 Um, I failed to mention, I am 61 years old. I have a Vulcan Voyager for the long rides and the 2 up rides.
I live in central New York. We have lakes and valleys and mountains nearby and NO I never get tired of it! Sometimes I forget and don’t SEE IT but a couple weeks later… there it is!1😎🤘
A lot can be said for the spontaneous road trip. ShadeTree just did. Massive 🎩-Tip Josh.
No...it doesn't get old. I live in Virginia where we have the Blue Ridge mountains on one side of us and the Allegheny mountains on the other and the Blue Ridge Parkway in our backyard. If I came to Florida and saw the ocean, I'd "ooh and ahh" like any other tourist. But every time I walk outside and see these mountains, it never gets old, and I'm grateful to be able to see them daily. I hope you get to go back soon. Ride safely.
This should be a good one. At the end of this month I’m doing 4,000 miles on my pan America.
Why? Fly to that cool destination that you plan on riding the Pan America to, and rent a bike there.
Well, I rather enjoy touring by motorcycle. Plus I have reason to justify owning snazzy waterproof adv gear. Plus I don’t have to deal with flying. Plus I can carry my weapon. Plus I get to meet people and chat at gas stations and restaurants.
I'd add now that you can meet and chat with cool people at airports, but I am from Europe and despise people who use and/or carry weapons, so I'll leave it at that.
@@TheUrbanEpicure I guess you aren't a biker. Flying is cheating. Why own a bike if you aren't going to ride it? If I owned a Pan America I would ride it everywhere.
Biker for 25 years. I ride my bike all the time, it's one of my favorite things to do, just not on boring, endless, uncomfortable road trips. I like to cut to the thrills.
Great video!
Im in Wales, UK.
Im 40yrs old.
I bought my first bike back in March. Suzuki RF900. It’d been sat for 5yrs. I paid £300 for it.
After a savage split from my wife after 17yrs I needed something to lift me back up off the ground!! Life has been really shit. Even having to fight to see my kids!
It’s taken 6 months but I just got it inspected & it’s now on the road! Just waiting on my test date to get my license!
I can’t wait to get out on adventures!!
Thanks for sharing your lives with us! It’s a true inspiration.😊👊🏼
Can’t wait to make my trip happen. Thank you so much for the motivation sir!!!!
At 28:59 on the video you,looking McDowell North Carolina. Little Switzerland is a town and it does have a post office in a convenient store you should’ve stopped up and got some beer. My home town
Chey needs a shirt that says “Everyone knows my height and weight.”
And age 🤣
Chey: specifications and capacities
Back in July i rode out from Buffalo NY out to Polo Ill to visit a buddys grave who was killed in combat in Afghanistan back in 2010. My 1st big boy trip and it was amazing trip and experience till i had to ride the 10 hour trip home in the down pouring rain!
44 minutes of content hell yeah!
The BEST video I’ve watched from you. I talk to people all the time that do just what you’re doing and they speak with the same enthusiasm you did here. It’s fall in Michigan and the colors up north will soon be at their peak, and I’ll be up there soaking them all in. Thank you.
We need a “dad jeans supreme” sticker next.
THIS! This is what I've been trying to tell people! I did go a little different route as I did buy a big 2017 Harley Bagger, but she's taken me literally all over the country. I bought mine used in Cocoa Beach, FL from a Kawasaki/Honda for a song. I got my son to drive me down there and rode 950 miles home the next day. That bike had about 3,500 miles on it in June 2019 and I'm knocking on 75,000 miles now. I have a full-time job but those 600 mile round trip burger runs and 1,000 mile round trip rib runs add up! Too many people don't tour on their touring bikes, throw a tent in the saddlebag and see how far you actually can go on $100 worth of gas.
The best part: I taught my son to ride on a Kawasaki Vulcan S when I brought home my Road Glide. He literally went from "How do I start this bike" to riding 20 miles to the next town in an afternoon, the kid is a natural. Last Spring he (22 years old) bought a 2008 Fat Bob with 15,000 miles on it and paid cash and Memorial Day weekend we got on the bikes with a tent and a general direction. We headed west and hit Roswell and Santa Fe, rode the Million Dollar Highway, crossed the continental divide and got all the way to Moab and Arches National Park before turning home through Albuquerque. The only thing he did to that bike was buy a mustache bar and some highway pegs for the superslab runs. We had weather from snow to desert to 300 miles of rain and had a blast. Most epic father/son trip which included an oil change in the parking lot of an auto parts store with wonderful mountain views. We did 3,000 miles those five days and we can't wait to do it all again. Just proves that you can have just as much fun on a few thousand dollars worth of bike as a 20k bike.
Just ride!
Love the videos, keep them coming!
This video was extremely motivating!
Hey Shadetree! what a timely video. I enjoyed it very much.
I just returned from my first road trip. I had never been more than 300 miles on a bike and never been on an overnight trip. Until now. I just returned from a 22 day road trip across the U.S. I rode my 2010 Electra Glide from Virginia to Reno, Nevada and back. I camped out some nights and slept in low cost motels other nights. I ate at restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores. I got soaked in rain storms on two occasions, I saw a lot of beautiful scenery, I met a lot of interesting people and I HAD THE MOST FUN I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!!
Keep the great videos coming and keep inspiring people to get out there and ride!
Avast me hearties !
It's talk like a pirate day aaaarrgh ☠️ 🥃
Anyway hope I can make it
Working till 17, this starts at 17:30
Will be hurrying home
I am definitely living vicariously through you Shadetree Surgeon! Thank you so much for your great videos! Not only for videos, but introducing us to the amazing people that you meet along the way! Best to you and Cheyleesi, please both of you stay safe out there!
Note to Chey on the aches and pains up to the 3-day mark; after that you get numb and it stops hurting. Next thing you know you become road hard and ordinary people start to flinch from your steely-eyed gaze. You find you don't give a rats behind what people think of you you're just contemplating your water, beef jerky and trail mix supply.
Never pass a gas station in the desert.
This entire post is 100% truth.
I cashed in my ticket and rode the entire length of the BRP just last week. Took five days driveway to driveway, from north Atlanta, 1,431-miles. We rode to Little Switzerland and rode "The Diamondback" Hwy-226A, then headed north to the northern terminus of the BRP at Mile Post-0 near Afton, VA. Then we rode through the western Virginia countryside, made it up to Tazewell, VA and rode "The Back Bone of The Dragon" Hwy-16. Then we rode to Clyde, NC north of Lake Junaluska, NC and rode "The Rattler" Hwy-209 to Hot Springs, NC. From Hot Springs, NC we rode south to Robbinsville, NC and Deal's Gap. Weather moved in and we had to leave Robbinsville one day earlier than planned to return to north Atlanta to dodge rain from the hurricane coming north off the Gulf of Mexico. We had freedom. No clocks, no timetable to speak of. Spectacular scenery off the BRP, Mt. Mitchell, Grandfather Mtn., and fresh air! There was virtually no traffic on the BRP. We had the BRP generally to ourselves., with the exception of some deer, wild turkeys and one young black bear cub that decided it owned the center line of the BRP just north of Grandfather Mtn. Heck of an experience! We spent about $9.00 per day on gas, $35.00 per day on food / beverages and averaged about $130 per day for lodging. You do need to pay very close attention to where you get off the BRP for gas, food and lodging. It's not like the interstate where you get off and find gas/food/lodging at the end of the exit ramp. You have to research and plan pit stops according to what may or may not be available on various Mile Posts along the BRP. ShadeTree is absolutely correct, get out there and enjoy life! Riding the BRP was the second best therapy I've ever experienced. Riding the bike in general is the best therapy I've ever experienced.
Trips don't have to be a long distance away. I took my Lady to Falls Park in Sioux Falls, SD from our home in Schleswig, IA. 167 miles and we rode closer to 200 getting there on back roads. To see her face as we pulled into the park wasn't possible on the bike but once we walked around, I knew the trip was great for her. A hotel after getting rained on for the first night netted us an even more spectacular view of the falls the next day. The power of water was breath taking after the rains.
My second surprise was a little depression in Eastern South Dakota. We rode our 06 Goldwing into the Palisades State Park. The bridge my children and I used to drive across for rock climbing and canoeing was closed. My Lady and I parked the bike and I got to see her face as we cleared the trees coming down the hill to the bridge. When she saw the red rock walls and "creek/river?", It made the whole trip worthwhile.
Less then 400 miles in three days and we have a hundred pictures to remember a weekend escape before a butt chilling ride home. Thank Goodness for rain gear that doubles as wind break and heated seats. I ride if it's 40 degrees and clear roads but this was her first frosty ride. She never cared when she thought about the views we shared together.
Get out there and ride alone or with someone you care about and experience the joys of nature from a bike. Nothing compares!
Josh and Chey, Thank You for sharing
you all are in my prayers
Hoka Hey
Nice adventure! Seems like a ton of fun.
Just an idea for Chey- maybe her pains come from standing on the ground and hiking her leg over the scooter to get on?
I'm an old man with arthritis... And have gotten on my scooter using the "cowboy mount" method for years... While the bike is on the stand, grab both grips, left foot on the left peg, stand up and then slide the right leg over... No more pains.
Have a blast and keep the greasy side down!
My wife and I rode the Tail of the Dragon, Back of the Dragon, and 50 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway last month. We are from PA near Pittsburgh, and we had a great time! You are right! TAKE THE TRIP!!
I'm in Montana, 300-500 miles doesn't even get me out of the state, unless I go south, and Wyoming is ............ I do have one of the best roads in America 60 miles away from me. The Beartooth highway is so amazing, but I've ridden it so many times that it gets old.
Every year I get together with some family member, usually about 4-6 of us in total and we take a weekend bike trip some where. This past weekend, we were in Lake George. It was the calm before the storm, as we were leaving on Sunday, there were trucks pulling in to set up their booths for Americade. We were not allowed to ride the demo bikes, but we did get a chance to see the demo bikes from Honda and Indian. They were setting up in the parking lot of our hotel.
But you are right, don't wait for tomorrow as it is never promised. Take the trips now, enjoy life, explore while you can.
Josh , I really love your carefree philosophy on riding. Watching your stream one morning, so motivating-I was ready to ride - in my pajamas!!!
As a dude who lives in the mountains I take your enthusiasm for finding beauty in a road that looks like every road around me, to not take them for granted. Sometimes familiarity doesn’t breed contempt, but an ungrateful indifference.
Absolutely loved the message of this video! Just go ride for Christ sake. My wife and I have rode as far as 670 miles to have lunch. We just returned from a 9 day 4100 mile trip from our home in Iowa to Oregon (just wanted to see Crater Lake) and Washington. Did not have one hotel reservation, just rode till we felt like stopping. JUST GO PEOPLE!
Just got back from a 9 day, ~4000 mile solo trip from San Antonio to Rushmore, Deadwood, stopped for a shave and a haircut in Gillette, then to Cody, Yellowstone, Jackson, Moab, Albuquerque and back home. All at better than 50MPG on a 22 year old Road King. No definite destination in mind, but if I got somewhere, that was fine. Met some great people along the way and lived on Slim Jims and water most of the trip. Now I have about 1TB of video to sort through. Sorting the video will take longer than the ride.
Nice video. Everything you said also applies to taking a ride in the car or truck to somewhere new. Doesn't have to be a motorcycle because the trip and seeing things on the trip is the joy of it. Take Care.
dude, grew up riding Bear Mountain AKA the GOAT trail and rt. 218 in NY. Now back in the area and 50 years later, NEVER GETS OLD!!!
Dude! I live very close to Little Switzerland and ride those roads all the time. I NEVER get tired of riding the mountain roads no matter how many times I've been on them.
What we do at least 1 once a month take weekend Road-Trip we just got back from TN . But next we doing a 12 days Road-Trip. Coming to Tampa next month going be the wife's longest single day of riding.
I've been riding for a few years now and always wanted to ride far but never had the confidence in myself or my motorcycle. This summer myself and two great friends went on a three day road trip to some beautiful country and now I have an unrelenting blood lust to tear ass on foreign road for days on end and making bad impressions wherever I roam!
I did something similar in 2018 a guy I work with was talking about riding to sturgis I had at that point not owned a bike in ten years. I told him I’m going to buy the cheapest like I can find and go with you. $2000 layer I had a 2004 klr650 with 40.000 miles on it and I went to sturgis. This was the second time in my life that I rode up there. It was one of the best times ever. Cheap motorcycles are great. Got home and traded it for a 2004 super glide plus $1000 now I’m riding a $3000 Harley. Lol
I've always wanted to go on a long rode trip on my bike but always came up with excuses why I couldn't. Inspired by some of your spontaneous trips, I finally decided to just do it. I took off from work and toured the country laying down about 8,500 miles in 24 days through 26 states. I went from Texas to Tybee Island, GA. I then headed west across the US to Rialto Beach in Washington state. It was then back home to Texas. it was a solo trip and one of the best experiences of my life. I will never forget it and now I can't wait to go on another adventure.
Truly living the dream
The points you talk about during your ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway makes this one of your best videos to date,
I just got back from my first multi-state 2,000+ mile motorcycle trip. I have a '97 Honda Shadow ACE VT1100 with 63,000 miles on the clock. At the last minute my friend asked if I wanted to ride with him to Oregon. "Sure, let's go" I said. It was boiling hot when we started in Sandy Eggo. Freezing and wet in Oregon. Mild temperatures in Nevada. And boiling hot when we got back to Sandy Eggo. I did not bring proper cold weather gloves and at one point I tried to use two socks (and plastic bags as an added wind barrier) as glove warmers. It didn't work and my fingers still froze. But I wouldn't trade that adventure for anything in the world. There were miles and miles or riding down HWY 395 that me and my companion were the only living creatures on the planet and some of the landscapes we saw were truly alien in a Sci-Fi sort of way. So, good on 'ya Shadetree. I can't wait for my next adventure.
Hey Josh you don't have to tell me the BLP is a fantastic ride. Left my house in Cleveland Ga.on the way up to NYC and decided to take the parkway. Beautiful views, even the deer will just stand there and look at you just a few feet away. Can't wait to go back. Ya'll stay safe out there.
My wife and I did Route 66 from CA to Chicago on Suzuki Burgmans. What a great time we had🇺🇸👍🏻😎 Ride safe my friend!
Have done it. Not on the cheapest bike, but on a FJR1300a. My last trip was 7835 miles. From Atlanta, Ga. , to Peoria, Il. , to Rapid city, SD. , to Bozeman, Mt. , to Kalispel, MT. , to Okanogan, WA. , to Seattle, to Astoria, OR. , to Eugene, Or., Crescent City, CA. to Santa Rosa, CA. , to Carpenteria, CA. , througho L.A. , and back with stops in Phoenix, Albuquerque, Amarillo, Little Rock, and then Atlanta. I did all this at the tender young age of 56 , and wasn't even tired out afterwards. Ready to go again.
Mr. Josh, thank you! This video was a major catalyst for me to start riding. Shortly after watching, I signed up for a basic riding class and bought an 01 shadow 750 ACE at 46 yrs old. Fast fwd a year later & I am on a Harley low rider, loving life on 2 wheels… please keep doing what you do! Peace & Blessings to you & yours as we wrap up 2022 🤙🏽🤘🏽🙏🏼
Dude, your speech to get people out there and tour on a bike was spot on! It was soulful like a sermon. Hats off to Brother Shadetree, the Deacon of motorcycling! Now please excuse me, I need to go ride.
I live outside Seattle. I can see the Olympics and the Cascade mountains most days (depending on weather). Never gets old to me. Yesterday I saw snow on top of the mountains. That made my day. Looks like a fun trip.
I started trips because of the pandemic. I used to wait until I had a riding buddy, screw that. I did three long trips this year by myself. From Seattle down to the Redwood trees in California. Just because I always wanted to see them.
I have done lots of long overnight rides this summer. And it has been a first for me as well. The hardest thing for me has been editing all the video to get it up on UA-cam. One of the best summers i have had in a long time.
On Saturday, I got up and decided to ride to northern Wisconsin, to visit an old friend. Only 4 1/2 hrs each way, but did it all on back country roads, so took a bit longer. I haven't done a trip like that in almost 20 years, and it was exactly what I needed.
That is about to happen on my new to me Road King. Got a couple of buddies I'd love to tag along. But I'm getting fed up waiting for the stars to align in their worlds while I'm missing out. Sometimes you have to be the Lone Wolf and as you and Hunter S. Thompson both said "Buy the ticket, take the ride."
I live in Colombia (South America). Were we drive through Mountains on a daily bases and you never get borde of them. If you want to experience great mountain driving come to South America, you'll see every weather, nature, elevations and more.
"Do you drive through, and not see it?" Yep. Commuted into Central London for 30 years. Past Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, every day for the last 15. Never visited either of them. 20 miles out of town, and it's all "new".
All my friends talk about when they retire then I'm going to....... No , just do it NOW! I bought an old softail classic A FAKE HARLEY! And I ride the shit out of it. I have 2 grand in it. Shadetree this is why I love your channel because you are right. You only live once man. LIVE!
In June our couple friends, my wife and I rode from Pittsburgh area to a cabin in Asheville, NC rode into Gatlinburg, TN. Then rode to Spartanburg, SC down to Hilton Head (not motorcycle friendly). To Savannah, GA then back home and went to a motorcycle rally the next day. 1890 miles in 4 days.
Awesome video !!! Knees In The Breeze...Ain't nothing better !!!
I do live here. I use the BRP as a commute home most days on the bike. I have learned not take it for granted. UA-cam has helped with that! I now know how lucky I am to be able to ride here every day. I have a 2010 Goldwing, it's plenty sporty!!! The problem I have, I want to do a lot more traveling by bike, but leaving here to go somewhere else feels almost like a let down!! Great video!!!
My nephew just rode 300 miles from Indiana to my house in Western Pennsylvania. His 1st road trip on a bike. We are planning a trip next year to ride all the way around Lake Michigan.