OMD Travelogue – Day 11
[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=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_counter num_start=”0″ num_end=”30″ num_speed=”1500″ num_prefix=”” num_suffix=”” num_color=”#2ecc71″ text_above=”Rode for” text_below=”Minutes” text_color=””][x_gap size=”45px” class=”x-hide-xl x-hide-lg x-hide-md “][/x_column][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_counter num_start=”0″ num_end=”10″ num_speed=”1500″ num_prefix=”” num_suffix=”” num_color=”#3498db” text_above=”Covered” text_below=”Miles” text_color=””][/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_text]Get a new chain.
That was on a pre-departure to-do list at one point. Talking to a KLR guy at the Cave we both agreed that it definitely needed one. Yep, we nodded as I added it to my to-do list.
And then other lists took over. Learn to weld, research sidecar mounting, go to the steel yard, design, make cardboard mockups, fabricate the metal reality, attach the sidecar to the bike. Somewhere in there “get a new chain” was forgotten.
And I’m so glad it was. Had I done that, had everything gone as I’d originally planned I would’ve just blown through the town of Prince George. Perhaps stopping for fuel, but nothing else.
And it would’ve been a shame to miss out on this truly amazing community.
I met Lisa and Sue while I was diagnosing problems and they told me about their community Facebook group. When I needed help sourcing parts I posted a call for connections and advice. Instantly people started sharing and replying. I got more than 35 comments. People, complete strangers, offered a place to stay, tools, garages, work spaces, a ride, a kayak for the day, a car loan, food, drink, playmates for Baylor – pretty much anything I needed.
It was, quite honestly, one of the most inspiring things I’ve experienced. A powerful example of social media being used for good, creating community and providing support.
With their help, I was able to source my parts and get on my way. On a mission to get to Alaska, I wasn’t able to meet most of these wonderful people in person, but their positivity added important fuel to my adventure stoke.
To each of you that said hello, offered assistance, gave a kind word, supported the adventure – thank you. We hope to make it back to Prince George in the near future. And when we do, we’ll have a Hell Yeah Prince George worthy celebration!
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In 2002, I attempted a rare for the time trip, from Alaska to Georgia , on a restored 1959 Russian sidecar rig. Just like you, I discovered that nothing going as planned was a blessing in disguise, and I met some of the most wonderful people. I received help from many great people along the way, some who had nothing to do with sidecars, motorcycles, or Russian bikes. It was the people I met that made the trip great. If you are ever in Crestview, FL, look me up. JT
Congratulations on your big adventure! I look forward to our paths crossing in Florida so I can hear stories from the road – as I’m sure you have many. And you couldn’t be more right, all of the obstacles have lead to the best parts of this adventure.
Best of luck with everything! Must say you got spirit girl, living a life most only dream of. I have dreamed of this for so long now, but dreamed away the chance now my health is not the best. Don’t take me wrong not over the hill but health problems hit me in my younger years. But you get out there and enjoy. Most of all be careful and stay safe, live your life and hope you have many many awesome miles out there…….
Thank you, Randy! So grateful to have your support!