We Never Ride Alone

[@mmcguire5687]

Ah, the martial arts philosopher was strong in you with this one! I too travel the roads of Canada and the US…alone. But I’m ok with that. I go as fast or as slow as I want, eat when I want, stop and start when I want. And when I stop for gas, I always use that time to walk around, and stretch my legs. Almost always, someone will come up to me and commence a conversation. And so…I’m not alone.

[@j24548]

I feel riding alone is the most enjoyable way to ride long distances. I am a very social person with a lot of friends, but there is something about riding in remote areas alone. I believe it is a way to get very close to God. The feeling strikes a very deep chord. Also traveling for several days and never seeing someone you know is a very unique feeling and enhances your life. Try it, it's powerful. Ask folks how long they've gone without seeing someone they know. You will be surprised how few people have ever experience being "alone" .

[@maikbollhorn4874]

Hit the nail on the head. 62, you inspired me to ride to Alaska next year. We not dead yet!

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Well said. I too was out on the road this year for 23,000 km/14,300 miles and although I was alone 90% of the time, I never felt alone. I had the generousity of strangers and subscribers help me make it through some misadventures and I appreciated even the small acts of simple conversaton at stops. Always good to be reminded that we are not really alone.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks! Watched you ride in the hurricane...looked like fun 😊

[@OldGuyonaBike]

@@LivingOffTheSlab Still better than a day in the office.

[@SergS-o7e]

thank you for an insightful video, i related to a lot of it. take care

[@DJPTEXAS]

God is always with us......

[@brucem8129]

Extremes are tough. The mind drifts, I always called it road droll. Good video.

[@oscartamez5209]

Thanks for another open insightful video Craig. I enjoy, respect and admire your reflections about life. Keep it up.

[@Disposalist]

Some great philosophy there. I like to think I've come to similar thoughts. I try to be considerate and thoughtful, but live my own life and not worry about things I can't do anything about. Giving people a pass is a big one. You never know what they are going through. I was just thinking the other day that it often appears the roads are full of inconsiderate idiots, but really the fact that millions of humans can move tons of steel around each other in general accord is quite an amazing accomplishment. Add in all the support folks and manufacturing and whatnot, as you say, and the whole thing is an incredible testament to the cooperative nature of humans.

[@zakialherz1201]

I had few months early this year without motorcycle, my old one died, the new one I bought was on back order. Those no-motorcycle months were depressing time for me! I put tons of miles on the new motorcycle: it is my mean to going places, events, hikes, touring, work, errands, etc. in short, my motorcycle is the gateway for freedom, living, and having great time both alone and in company of others.

[@jhask64]

Nice. That’s why I have three motorcycles. One “horse” is never enough if you depend on them like you and I.

[@iainmackinnon9620]

Keep the videos coming … so inspiring… from down under in NZ

[@jamesbonner5989]

Enjoyable and insightful video, thanks.

[@Jeffrey-t5y]

It’s true you were not alone. But you’re not old either. Not really, you are too young at heart for that!

[@timothymoles1608]

Thank you for your great videos. Your insights are spot on usually with something I am dealing with lol - thanks for the common sense wisdom. Hope to see you out there one day!

[@NorCal-refrigeration]

One of your best videos 🤘⚡️🤘✨✨✨✨

[@rinyvisser1142]

Thank you Craig for these very wise words! We humans are a social species. During vacations my wife and I have met several travellers who were alone. Mostly those people are very nice and interested in other people and their stories.

[@johnsikes5404]

We can be someone else's inspiration to live there best life by taking a few minutes to converse with others at fuel stops-eating establishments-lodging. I always like to find out about other travelers "call to adventure" (not just the one's on motorcycles). And maybe it makes us more thankful at the same time.

[@johnstevens7571]

Another good video Craig.

[@dermichelauer5642]

Good to stop and think every once in a while. Thanks

[@alainmichaud6747]

Should have been Old and on the road again , but the your title was good . Good Philosophy and great video thank

[@davidtobergte8037]

Great perspective. Thanks.

[@irishpete5472]

Yet another insightful video Craig 🙂

[@jslawsby_W5GI]

Another great video! Thanks!

[@SophisticatedBob]

Great vid.

[@markboudette8380]

Well presented topic Craig. I've battled "curmudgeoness" in the past, but have managed to keep it bay the last few years. I plastered a big smiley face to back of my helmet to remind myself to breath and relax, and most importantly, appreciate how lucky I am to be a senior and still able to enjoy motorcycling. Question; was the middle segment of footage in this video Custer State Park in South Dakota? Thx, Mark

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Good eye, it was Iron Mountain Road.

[@markboudette8380]

@@LivingOffTheSlab Thx Craig, I was through that area years ago on an RV trip with my folks, but wasn't sure if my recollection was accurate. It's definitely an area I hope to ride, as part of trips I have planned for out west.

[@4940markhutchins]

We’ll put, as usual. Couple of observations: During the westward pioneer movement, you get a glimpse of everyday life without this infrastructure. They accomplished great things and had to be self-reliant, but they lived and were constrained by very limited means that are nearly unthinkable to live by in our day. My career was spent architecting and implementing large-scale ERP and supply chain management software systems. I saw the global infrastructure and commerce systems, but I wouldn’t call these suppliers heroes- each part exists for its own sake, and we benefit from their goods and services by paying money we earned contributing to other parts of the system. And like you said, all it takes is a ride on your motorcycle to experience this. Lots of abuses and attempted monopolies such as Amazon and Blackrock, but Adam Smith was still on to something.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

For sure previous generations were much hardier people the we are , they had to be. I was not focusing on the corporations that supply all stuff we consume. More so, I was thinking of the guy/gal working on the production line, driving the long haul truck, or making my breakfast on the road. These are my heros.

[@trd4d]

However, when you are 100 miles from civilization with a flat tire, the chef is not going to save the day.

[@tagoooU]

No man is an island....

[@Lt_Tragg]

You argued the beauty of capitalism and why it works so well to have the liberty to pursue it in just a few succinct minutes. Well done.

[@rinyvisser1142]

In general I agree with this. But too many people in the USA are poor, because of the harsh capitalism in your country. In the north western European countries we almost made an end to poverty, because of our labour laws and social system. Many Americans seem to believe that Europeans live in some kind of socialist dictatorship, but we (I am Dutch) are as free as every other American citizen. The only price we pay are somewhat higher taxes.

[@Lt_Tragg]

@ @ I get it. But the cost of those taxes is what defines one’s degree of liberty I believe and to what extent one can pursue (their) freedom. Eg. In addition to m/c distance touring, I own and operate a small vintage plane. Were I paying 1/2 or more my income to the state, no way that pursuit would be happening. (My flying contributes to said economy Craig illustrates). Less government - more freedom. That said, true, many need a nanny state safety net to help care for themselves - unable alone. Call me selfish for not wanting to redistribute my resources to them. Freedom to choose. Btw, my sis in law is from Groningen. She enjoys the US much more than Netherlands but relishes her freedom to travel to her home country and beyond very much-:)

[@rinyvisser1142]

@@Lt_Tragg When you pay 50% tax you have more than enough money to fly your own airplane, even in a country like the Netherlands with it's high fuel prices. With taxes we pay the police, the armed forces, the fire brigade and a well maintained infrastructure, good health care for every citizen and provide a decent life for the great majority of the people. And children from poor families can go to university if they have the capacities. I don't call it a nanny state, it's justice for all, with all it's flaws because my country is not perfect of course.

[@Lt_Tragg]

@ none are perfect…..of course.

[@harleyjetdriver1957]

Brother, there will always be jealousy from people who wish not to pursue their own dreams. (Naysayers who said you were not really alone) Galatians 5:19-21 and in the traditional Seven Deadly Sins, we find the sin of envy and jealousy. Keep squeezing your own lemon!!