Every summer, my husband and I take a motorcycle trip and visit new places.
We pack as much as we can into the saddle bags and explore various areas of the country. A couple of years ago, we travelled from the east to the west coast and back again. We spent nearly two months on the road and had a great time. Traveling by Harley is very different than riding in a car. We take mostly back roads and really experience the changing landscapes. Our goal is not so much the destination but to enjoy the journey. We have a tent that collapses down to a small size and we sometimes camp along the way. However, after a long day of riding, I look forward to the amenities of a hotel. I enjoy a hot shower, soft bed and the ability to adjust the thermostat. Riding on the motorcycle, we are at the mercy of the weather. There’s no access to heating or cooling and we’re often sweaty, cold or wet from rain. For safety, it’s necessary to wear long pants. While we have clothing that is designed to resist the weather, it’s not the same as air conditioning and heating. Being able to raise or lower a thermostat and enjoy the perfect temperature makes for a better night’s sleep. We wake up refreshed and ready to get back on the bike for another day. We vary between very basic hotels and the nicer options that include laundry, fitness center and swimming pool. It’s nice to have some luxuries at our disposal, but as long as there’s heating, cooling, hot water and a decent bed, I’m happy.