Operation Moto Dog | A Quick Start Guide

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_image type=”none” src=”http://mallorypaige.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC08916.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h2″ accent=”true” class=”center-text “]Welcome to the Adventure![/x_custom_headline][x_text]Dear Readers, Riders & Adventurers,

Before Operation Moto Dog (OMD) I’d never driven a motorcycle, had little camping experience and no engine knowledge. All I had was a vision of the adventurer I wanted to become – a courageous motorcycle rider and woman of the wilds. The kind of person willing to take on a challenge in order to grow and learn.

Working with a small budget, I bought an old KLR650 and even older sidecar, took a welding class, learned metalworking, and attached the motorcycle and sidecar.

Three days later, I loaded up my sidekick and best friend, Baylor the Dog, named the motorcycle-sidecar Rufio, and hit the road for Alaska. Stubbornly, optimistically, determined to become the person I envisioned.

I was prepared for challenges as we rode North – and there were many. What I never imagined is the sincere goodness that exists on the road. That an entire community would come together and demonstrate social media at its best, that roadside saviors would come to the rescue in the middle of nowhere Yukon, that strangers would turn to friends and that so many people would come along for the adventure – sending support, encouragement and love from around world.

This changed everything. Morphed a simple Oregon to Alaska trip into a life-changing mission to visit all of North America – every US state, each Canadian province & Mexico. To collect stories of the goodness that exists across the continent and to inspire others to live their dreams. The journey is indeed the destination and I hope you come along for the ride.

And, if nothing else, I hope you remember…

You have a choice.
Every obstacle is an opportunity.
Choose Happy. Seek Adventure.

xo,
Mallory Danger Paige[/x_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h2″ accent=”true” class=”center-text “]Table of Contents[/x_custom_headline][x_text]The OMD Q&A
An ever growing list of questions about life on the road, motorcycle-sidecar, solo female travel and life with my best friend, Baylor the adorable sidecar dog. Read the Q&A>>[/x_text][x_text]Support OMD
Each day on the road I’m shown the infinite goodness that exists in this world, the deep kindness of humanity. Thank you for believing in us and supporting the OMD mission. Learn More about Supporting OMD>> [/x_text][x_text]Contact Us
I read every message we get and love hearing from you. Your stories and notes of encouragement keep us motivated to get back on the road each day. Contact Us>> [/x_text][x_text]Gratitude
I am eternally grateful for the friends, family and community that make me snort with laughter, push me to be my best and pick me up when I’m lying face down in the arena. I couldn’t do it without you. More Gratitude>> [/x_text][x_image type=”none” src=”http://mallorypaige.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC08874-e1452533865512.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h2″ accent=”true” class=”center-text “]Travelogue Favorites[/x_custom_headline][x_text class=”justify-text “]Rufio | A DIY KLR650 Sidecar Build
Scouring the country for a sidecar, researching, ignoring general opinion and creating Rufio on a small budget and tight time-frame. Read about building the motorcycle-sidecar>>

[/x_text][x_text]Day 1 | The Longest I’ve Ever Driven a Moto
Operation Moto Dog is officially live. Today marked both the longest and farthest I’ve ever driven a motorcycle. I have to say it’s quite different than my past bike experience – riding passenger and tooling around town on a Vespa…
Read Day 1>>[/x_text][x_text]Day 15 | Roadside Saviors
I don’t even flinch as the semi rumbles past. Just stand there in a cloud of dust, staring in disbelief. Wondering if I should vomit or cry. Deciding neither will do any good, I begin to pack essentials into my backpack…
Read Day 15>>[/x_text][x_text]Day 53 | Hopes & Pistons
Today was unlike any I’d imagined when planning this adventure. Months ago when I set the goal of getting to Alaska, I had no concept of a piston, could not have imagined that I’d swap one out, dig into an engine and fix a motorcycle. Stubborn determination and optimism led to…
Read Day 53>> [/x_text][x_text]Day 66 | Bouncing from Mistake to Mistake
I remind myself of this when I feel like a pinball bouncing from mistake to mistake. When my cheeks flush from embarrassment over the imperfect adventuring. When I wonder if I’m doing it all wrong, if I should just play it safe, throw in the towel, give it all up…
Read Day 66>> [/x_text][x_text]Day 72 | All that I Leave Behind
Now that I’m a part of a thriving community, in a town I adore, surrounded by an exceptionally inspiring, kind, hilarious friend-family it’s no longer an easy decision to go on a big adventure. I love the life I’ve built here. Could easily sink into the comfort of this daily existence. And yet, deep-down, I know I must go…
Read Day 72>> [/x_text][x_text]Day 150 | The Soggy Present & Comfort Filled Future
Pulling on the highway, my face shield begins to fog up. I try breathing less. Find it’s not a viable solution and pull off. Try to wipe it clean and dry as the rain beats down on us. Put the helmet back on. Watch as it fogs up immediately. I remember a pair of goggles I’ve been carrying around since the beginning…
Read Day 150>> [/x_text][x_text]Day 211 | A Dog Birthday – Baylor Turns 11!
Cake complete, we hang the banner. Setting out headbands, I can’t help but laugh. Oh man, I’m going full on into crazy dog lady territory this year. Baylor stares at the cake, grins up at me. You’re right. It’s totally worth it, bud…
Read Day 211>> [/x_text][x_image type=”none” src=”http://mallorypaige.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/IMG_5750.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section]