Thursday, October 22, 2009

Summer of 2009




Hey folks
Lots to catch up on. This year has been both challenging, with the world recession, but was also one helluva a good time on 2 wheels.
The Planet Tour did its kick off without any corporate sponsorship. Over the summer I managed to do shows for charity in Calgary,AB, Grande Prairie AB, Birken Lakeside Resort BC, Vancouver BC and Nelson BC. As well, I did a long term test of living off the motorcycle with 2 comic buddies. From Birken Lakeside Resort (55 km north of Whistler BC) we departed on June 7 and followed the coast all the way to the Mexican border.
On the way we saw some amazing roads and met some very interesting people. I now have a love affair for California Highway 1 that begins in Legget CA. The first 22 miles to the coast is absolutely one of the most amazing roads in the world and you would swear it was built by riders.
Continuous turns, switchbacks and chicanes; many of which are banked for maximum cornering fun yet you rarely get out of second gear, thus reducing some of the risk should you make a mistake. It is motorcycle mecca and every rider owes it themselves to ride it at least once. The surreal glow of diffused lighting that fought its way through the giant redwood canopy above, gives it a dream like appearance as you giggle inside your helmet as the next corner approaches.
The trip proved one thing that was important; living off a motorcycle was feasible for extended periods of time. 27 days in total and 20 of those were camping even in the cooler than seasonable temperatures we encountered. I never felt more at home. through it all we had a chance to ride beautiful coastline roads, ride on a beach, see the giant redwoods and do one thing I have always wanted to do- ride in the desert! A 600 mile (960 km) detour took us out to see the rare Joshua Tree in the Joshua Tree National Forest and experience 106 F (41C)temps. The hottest of the trip.
Currently I am preparing my demo video for the upcoming Planet Tour web-TV show. Stay tuned!
For more info on the tour visit the website
Ride safe!
Daryl