I have been debating what to post next. I was wondering if talking about the origins of the ride would be a good thing, or maybe I should share some more reflections on human trafficking and slavery. In the end though, I decided that it was a good idea to do a brief posting on the planned route. Brief, mainly because the map view tells most of the story. What the map does not show is that I have decided to alternate between camping and sleeping at cheap motels or cabins. One of the main reasons for that is that I have never really done the motorcycle camping thing, and I am trying to not over commit at this point. However, I am looking forward to pitching a tent, setting up the little stove, and preparing a simple meal at night, along with coffee in the mornings. Just a couple of days ago, I actually received in the mail a small expresso maker, and I practiced pitching the tent in the living room. An air mattress and a mess kit are on the way.
Another thing that the map does not show is the wide range of temperatures I will be facing. There are places, like Heron Lake in New Mexico, where the night temperatures will drop into the 40’s. On the other hand, the night temperatures in Death Valley are in the mid to upper 80’s. I will go from the vast planes of Texas, through the beautiful forests of Northern New Mexico, to the red rock formations of Utah, and into the sands of the Southern California deserts. I am anxiously awaiting the start of the trip, and at the same time, in need for prayer, since as the days count down, the anxiety that comes with an undertaking like this, is starting to creep in.
The motorcycle continues to be prepared too. I have upgraded the hand protectors from plastic to aluminum, a new battery and new tires were installed recently, and wiring for the GPS was run too. I have almost finished painting the panniers in white, to reflect the heat, and look forward to Adelina painting on them some appropriate artistic touches that emphasize the reason for this trip.
At this point though, the thing that strikes me the most is how willing people have been to throw in their support behind what this trip stands for. Chains Breaking Chains is not about riding a motorcycle for a long time. It is about driving home the message that in our day, people can stand together and declare that slavery is unacceptable and that each of us can make a difference by focusing our passions. I am so blessed by the support that some many have already expressed.