Okay, you know what a rhetorical question is, right? Oh, actually, that’s one there: it’s me asking you a question when I already know the answer. So…the title of this post? That’s another rhetorical question. You see, I already know you can do this Adventure Riding thing.
I’ve been out there. A lot.
When I was a private wilderness guide and Outward Bound instructor, I guided adults and teenagers tackling challenging month-long canoe trips, dog-sledding treks in temperatures as low as -47o C, rock climbing, white water kayaking, hiking, camping, sea kayaking, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing….
A real diversity of trips, with an even greater diversity of participants.
But virtually all the people I’ve guided in the wilderness – and there have been hundreds – had two things in common:
1. They didn’t think they could overcome the challenges they encountered.
2. They overcame the challenges they encountered.
It’s one of the reasons I loved my job: I got to see people overcome their fears and limitations. Every day.
I witnessed the transformation when my clients and students realized their limitations were mostly self-imposed. Given the motivation to challenge those limitations, they were able to accomplish more than they ever dreamed.
I take my hat off to all of them.
And I take my hat off to you.
Because, if you’re reading this, you have the motivation to get on your bike and leave the pavement far behind.
You just need someone with experience to get you started.
Join me for an introductory dirt ride or training session!
My profession and my passion have given me decades of experience in outdoor travel and survival and riding motorcycles off-road.
So, seriously, who better to lay out all the details of this adventure thing?
Whoa! Is that another rhetorical question? I didn’t even do that on purpose.
Hi Kevin – Tim shared your blog with me and I’ve just taken a first look. My biking career ended at 12 years old when my Honda 70 quit. Although loads of fun as a kid, I’ve never returned to motorcycling. The speed, the smell, the noise, the machinery … not for me. So, I took a look at your blog out of curiousity, not expecting to get much out of it. I was wrong. I really enjoy the tone and imagery you capture so well through your keyboard and camera. Just lovely! And although I may not get the bike part, I totally get the journeys that your bike and your determination open for you, and admire your intention to nudge others to join in the adventure. Looking forward to more reads. Shirley
Thanks, Shirley! You’ve already got an adventure on your hands, anyways, putting up with Tim — er, I mean, sailing around the Atlantic. For my subscribers, check out the scary madness (I’m a desert person): Ariose Notes.