My 2015 Motorcycling Bucket List

I won’t bore you with my personal list of New Year’s Resolutions, like eating better, eating less, not eating so late, and many others that involve eating and working out. Instead I’ll just bore you with my list of motorcycling goals for 2015 - plus, you and I both know I’m not eating any better this year. This is my 2015 Motorcycling bucket list.

Ride Across The Country

We’ve all wanted to do it, but few have gotten around to making a coast-to-coast trip. It doesn’t seem so crazy sitting by your computer, but there are few things can generate that unique feeling of being alone, lost, late at night on a deserted highway, like a big road trip can.

READ MORE: What Was Your Favorite Moment in Motorcycling in 2014?

My childhood friend, Greg, has been studying transportation design at an art school in San Francisco, after moving from our home state of North Carolina. He had some issue with the California DMV (like every other California resident) resulting in him driving his truck back to NC, to be left at his parent’s house. This was in lieu of heavy registration fines, but it was really just an excuse to make the trip. Because when he’s ready to move home this year, he’ll only have his motorcycle.

Strapping everything he owns, which is literally an air mattress and Ikea desk (although he’ll trash the desk), to the back of his Triumph Speed Triple and hitting the road is something Greg has talked about for a couple years. Hopefully, if I can pressure him into letting me join him, then we’ll both finally do it.

I drove 40 West when I first moved to LA, taking turns sleeping and driving with my dad, but which route should Greg and I take heading East? This trip would also mean I need to get to work in the garage as I’ll probably take my personal bike.

Get Dirtier With an Adventure Bike

Recently we took two KLRs up through the canyons, down the highway and finally onto some limited dirt. I grew up on vintage trail and dirt bikes, but the heavy KLR (heavier than a dirt bike) along with much heavier bikes like a BMW GS, KTM Adventure and Triumph Tiger require a completely different way of riding.

My long absence from dirt has also hindered my riding technique. I found myself employing text-book don’ts, like using the front brake and sitting down at the wrong time. My sloppy riding habits ultimately resulted in me dropping the bike.

This year, I want to get back to my roots in the dirt... pun intended.

LA to Vegas the Hard Way

Photo courtesy of GoDesertRidingTours.com

I’ve wanted to do this for a long time now, in either a truck or motorcycle. Not so much the race, but mainly just experience the route itself. Daydreaming about tearing up the dirt and rocks every time I drive to Vegas. There are a couple different races and tours, like the Go Desert Riding Tours, but I don’t really care how I do it, I just want to experience this route.

After watching some of the coverage from the Barstow to Vegas rally, it has me itching even more.