I made the American Motorcyclist May 2011 issue cover…
…. and practically the centerfold too. :P
The good folks at the AMA contacted me a couple of months ago asking if I would write a 700 word piece for them about how to plan and execute a successful road trip. Since I know a couple of things about the topic, I agreed and sent in a write-up. The most difficult part was really trimming it down to the required word count seeing as I wanted to speak volumes about the subject. I think I managed to get it down to about 900 and they did the rest. I think they did a great job with the editing as they kept the essence of what I wanted to say, especially with respect to leaving your gadgets at home (sage advice that I’ve never actually taken) and having a good attitude while on the roadtrip (images of bawling my head off and coming to blows with my co-rider Sarah when stuck in the mud in Slana come to mind).
When they requested the article, they mentioned something about using some pictures from the photoshoot they had commissioned last year. I didn’t think much about it, until a friend pinged me on Friday saying something to the effect of – “Holy &^&@#^@, I came home from work and saw you on the cover of my AMA mag.” This being April 1st, I was going to reply with something to the tune of “Haha… yeah right, nice try.” until he sent me scanned images. Cue shock, delight, shock, surprise, shock, and then finally acceptance. Yes, there was a lot of shock involved and not a few thoughts of feeling like a complete tool and poseur seeing as I haven’t ridden a motorcycle in the past three months (it’s a hiatus!). Oh and the SV featured in it hasn’t run in 8 months since I got stranded on the US-Canada border. Looking at the magazine cover, I felt like I was looking at someone else that I knew way back, and not me! I know that I should just chill out and enjoy my 15 minutes of fame though. And maybe I will. I’m especially delighted with the inside photo accompanying the article, which was taken on a street close to where I live, with downtown Seattle in the background – my own beloved city! It’s a shame the Space Needle isn’t in it.
Yesterday evening, I finally got my own copy in the mail, along with a stack of free copies, same as they did last year, bless ’em. It’s too bad that they are subscription only (even if they do have a distribution of 250,000 or so), so most of my friends won’t be able to buy a copy on the newsstands and have to settle for PDFs. I’ll be able to send one to my mum though, who after last year’s article finally figured out that I don’t really ride a scooter. :)
Oh and I cannot wait for outraged letters to the editor start pouring in, about how they could feature a squid sans motorcycle jacket, pants, helmet or gloves. What can I say – vanity won out over setting a good example for today’s youth. ;)
Here are screenshots of the images and article:
Cover: Link to hi-res PDF
Page 1 – Link to hi-res PDF
Page 2 – Link to hi-res PDF
(Major thanks to Gary Meyering for sending those to me!)
WOOHOO!!!! You rock! That is so incredibly awesome. :) :) Can’t wait to get my copy and learn how to take a road trip. <3
@Carolyn: LOL… dork! :P
I seriously doubt that I know anything that you didn’t know five years before. ;)
Btw are you still at the same address that I mailed you those books at? I have a little something for you that I think you’ll enjoy. I just need to remember to go to the post office one of these days.
Ack, I just saw this! Hrm. I’m not sure if I’m at the same address. :D I’ll email it to you. :D
Received. Thanks! :)
Dear Baroness,
I’m currently living in Ljubljana and just stumbled across your blog on last years Euro trip. I was very impressed and thrilled to read of your exploits, since I do plan to attempt a little mountain exploration here on my Burgman 650. Your reports have supplied me with many tips I should keep in mind as I prepare. Not only was your writing enjoyable, informative and inspiring, but it was thrilling as well! Thanks for sharing!
Wishing you all the best!
RJ
Hey Richard,
I’m envious of you getting to live in Ljubljana. It is one of my favorite cities on the planet. And you are so close to the Slovenian and Italian Alps! I hope you get to visit the Dolomites soon.
If you have a blog, do share the link.
– Red
Hi Red!
Surprised to see a reply today, but it is very nice to see! Thank you! This gives me to chance to say again that you are one very impressive biker! I’m still reading sections of your blog trying to learn as much as I can. Thank you for all the details, the candor, and the fun of it all. I’m not used to blogs, or sites like this, but I had to tell you how happy I was to find another American who’s been here, shot the photos, rode the roads, and met the people. They are really friendly huh? I will be heading for the Kamnik range first, to get my feet wet, then maybe later the Italian mountains via Bovec. First, I must get my bike thru homologation, etc. And, don’t be envious. Just come back! (smile)
@Richard: No worries. I get comments emailed to me and try to respond quickly in case I forget. I’m excited to meet another rider who lives in Ljubljana. Want to give me your email address so we can talk more about the city? I don’t know if you’ve lived there a while and already know people, but I could probably try to link you with other riders there. You should also get on the couchsurfing motorcycling group. Great group of friendly, helpful people there.
I’m glad you like the blog. I feel bad about not updating it more frequently.
My apologies. I actually see your aol email address. I’ll send you email shortly. :) And I’ll delete your comment so that your email address isn’t out there for search engines to crawl.
I keep coming back to your account of Italy and the Dolomites. Reading between bouts of doing other tasks. Your writing is so clear and honest. Your observations so keen! And you are not alone in your awe of the scenery. Even here in Ljubljana, miles from the nearest peaks, when I look down a street and see those mountains off in the distance I’m still in awe, and can’t wait to get my bike running in that direction!!!!!! I think I may know exactly how you felt after doing those passes, and I can also identify with the agony you must have gone thru as you tried to make the decision, after the bus incident. I applaud your guts, and your persistence! Yes, please do write, so I can ask a few questions about the ride, and compliment your writing, probe your brain and generally fuel your ego for your next run. (smile)