Riding with Purpose and other news...

I continue to struggle to get it together! I am contemplating some tough decisions regarding work, decisions that will either free me up significantly and leave me with the time I need to get some projectS underway; or, decisions that will restrict my ability to do some of the things I love doing. Either way, I’ve got to make some changes...

I have embarked on a couple of documentary photography projects, which I’m planning to use as a entry to teaching visual sociology. The first project involves documentary style photographs of grandparents rearing grandchildren. I will spend some time with them, conduct interviews and put the narratives and images together. The second project is motorcycle related! It focuses on photographing and interviewing women solo riders. I would travel around to meet the women and spend time engaged in ethnographic, “interviews as conversations.” The women must be solo riders and hopefully they are LD (long distance) riders too. I am quite excited about both of these projects.

I also have a third project in mind and would like the readers feedback on it. I have been thinking about riding with purpose. I am finishing up a book by Nicholas D. Kristof and his wife, Sheryl WuDunn, called Half the Sky. I recommend it to anyone. But prepare to be transformed. It is not an easy read but it is a necessary one in my opinion. Half the Sky is about many things; mostly, it is about human being’s inhumanity to each other. In some ways, it is a depressing read, but the book is replete with hope. It deals with violence against women, infanticide, human trafficiking, children bought and sold into sexual slavery, acid burnings of women by scorned men. The book doesn’t just document horror stories; it balances out the horror by including amazing stories of human triumph and survival over adversity. It’s a book of action too. It lists aide organizations, charities, foundations, and programs whose great humanitarian works too often operate on slim budgets stretched to the max. The question, “What can I do?” is fully answered in this book.

The book has so moved me that I have decided to do some purposeful riding this season. This is nothing novel. Motorcycle groups do charity rides all the time. Walks, runs, bikes and hikes for breast cancer are not uncommon. Many diseases have given birth to clever organized physical exertion. I recall one of the stories of a woman living in a rural area of India or Africa who because she was far from a hospital, had to ride on a motorcycle to get to a hospital. Under normal situations, I can’t imagine a motorcycle ride that isn’t fun. But I’ve given birth. The thought of riding a motorcycle in the middle of labor makes my brain hurt as I write this. But for these woman the bike was a welcome sight. (Motorcycle transport in healthcare)

So,

Here are three of my ideas: 1) Ride to purchase a small cc motorcycle. In some countries the easiest and least expensive way for healthcare workers to get to rural areas is via two wheels. Many women never receive prenatal care because they are unable to get to a clinic/hospital. A motorcycle will allow healthcare to come to them. (Motorcycle transport)

Ride to purchase a motorcycle ambulance. I didn’t even know such vehicles existed. I can’t imagine these being very comfortable either if you’re in active labor but it is clearly better than nothing--and it’s all relative. 3) The work of hospitals that repair obstetric fistulas needs help. Fistulas often turn women into pariahs when left unrepaired. Shunned by their communities and families, women with fistulas can die unnecessarily. Most fistulas are the result of obstructed childbirth, which is highly related to 1) and 2). (More motorcycle transport)

I have some ideas about how I can make these work, but I’m open to reader suggestions as I can probably only pull off funding one of these ideas. I’m also receptive to partnerships that include other’s doing a charity ride, so to speak, to support/donate to the charity I select. More to come... (Still more motorcycle transport)

Travels tips from Whitehorse Press

Hot off the press, from Whitehorse Press--a major motorcycle publisher and retailer--is The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Travel: Tips, Technology, Advanced Techniques by Dale Coyner. I’m reading it now and will finish before August 3, when I depart for my Lake Superior Circle Tour. I saw this book and didn’t think I needed it. I feel I’ve gotten the three “Ps” down pat: preparation/planning, packing, and patience. Last year, I remember that someone emailed me and said they had been following my preps and enjoyed my stories but he felt that I “plan too much” and that I should just get on with the trip. I’ll admit to a touch of anal retentiveness when it comes to trip planning. We do what works for us. He’s sounds like the type who enjoys hopping on his iron horse and taking off into the sunrise. I like spontaneity too. But as a female, there are some things I need to consider that he might not because he is male. I’m not being sexist here. I believe both genders face similar challenges but let’s be honest. Statistically, men assault women far more than the reverse. Some men, if they think they can get away with it, are always up to exerting power over the less powerful.

Physically, most women cannot easily drop a man. Without a little “something extra,” to help me, I am no competition for the average male. The chances of a lone man being confronted by evildoers are less than that of a lone woman being confronted. Riff-raff prefer easy targets and unfortunately, children, women, the disabled, and elderly are perceived as easy marks. (Notice to all riff-raff men: I never leave home without something to protect myself. I will use it. Moreover, I will fight to the death if forced to defend myself). And, don’t get me started on some folks' archaic cross-racial dispositions and behavior! I won’t elaborate here but trust me, some folks are still living and thinking like it was 1955. Thus, there are things and issues that I, because of who I represent to others, need to be cognizant of before I head out. Hopping on my iron horse without being deeply prepared is downright irresponsible. We all have our crosses to bear.

Back to the new book. When I saw it, I figured it would be a good read. Besides, I’ve been impressed with other Whitehorse Press publications, such as, Mark Zimmerman’s, The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance: Tips & Techniques to Keep Your Motorcycle in Top Conditions; Ron Ayers’ Against the Wind: A Rider’s Account of the Incredible Iron Butt Rally and his, Going the Extra Mile: Insider Tips for Long-Distance Motorcycling and Endurance Rallies. Like these titles, Conyer’s Travel book is exhaustively research and fun to read. Section III on “Outfitting Your Bike,” is cutting edge with info on mounts, adhering cameras to your motorcycle and using camcorders, entertainment and communication systems (e.g., satellite radio) to accompany your on your trip. The chapter on “Cockpit Instruments” is worth the price, particularly if you’re a novice when it comes to navigation devices. Tons of product information and clear instructions, for example, on soldering and modifying one’s ride before heading out.

I will say more about this book as I continue to read it. For those about ready to take their first trip or for those seasoned travelers who want to streamline their packing and planning, don’t wait on my review: get this book now!

Sunday Rides any day of the week!

Someone brought Barbara Barber’s book, Sunday Rides on Two Wheels: Motorcycling in Southern Wisconsin, to my attention and I’m glad because chances are I might not have discovered it on my own. Barber’s motorcycle rides remind her of the Sunday family automobile outings of her childhood. For Barber, why not have Sunday rides any day of the week—not on four wheels but on two? How else can one fully feel the wind on her face? No more sticking her neck out of a car window in search of that summer breeze.

Barber’s book is compact; it is 178 pages and spiral bound. Black and white photos sprinkled throughout the book capture some attractive sights along the routes. In the back of the book, one finds two pages of county, park, and commerce information, including pertinent phone numbers and website addresses. In addition, for the biker’s peace of mind, the books lists six pages of contact information for motorcycle dealerships in the region. The author has beautifully anticipated the resource needs to travel comfortably here.

I like almost everything about this book. The one thing I don’t like is minor—and I hesitate to mention it. First, the things I like: I like Barber’s simplicity. The book is straightforward; the language is clear and accessible. Barber divides southern Wisconsin into five sections: Glacier Country; Kettle Moraine: Driftless Area; Coulee Country; and, Baraboo Hills & Beyond. In each one, she outlines a full range of multi-distance rides in turn-by-turn level details. I haven’t tried any of the routes yet or checked them against Google maps, for example, but it appears that Barber has done her homework. She demystifies the region and the routes. You’d have to try hard to get lost. This is a huge plus! As a female riding solo, this is exactly the type of guide you want as a riding companion. (Sidebar: I know men get lost too and would benefit from such a guide too--and they can feel overwhelmed (maybe even scared) at being lost. BUT they at least have a fighting chance should anyone try to hassle them. People out to do wrong are less likely to attack a man they think might give them trouble—nut cases want it easy, they look for victims they perceive as weak. To such people, women and children fit this category most).

I also like how easy one can string together rides within one region, making for singular rides or multiple hookups. I’ve reached a destination before and then wandered aimlessly about looking for other fun roads. The search rarely incontinences me as I like to explore and I always have a map (sometimes GPS) with me. But my trial and error approach sometimes means I miss out on some dynamite roads that only an insider can pinpoint. Barber is that insider and her book eliminates guesswork while not inhibiting the roaming instinct.

Each chapter begins with some history of the area—more than enough to whet one’s appetite but not so much that you find yourself reaching for the highlighter. Wonder no more about the unique topography of the area and why southwestern Wisconsin looks dramatically different from southeastern Wisconsin. The answer? Glaciers! They pushed through the southeastern parts creating geological disparities that make for a compelling tale that in Barber’s hands is entertaining and informative. Barber devotes well-appreciated time to “Notes & Highlights” that deliver what it promises. These enlightening sections articulate the diversity of the landscape, reveal the best twisty roads, and underscore the must-see architecture in the area. We know where the best working farms exist and where not to aim our two wheels. The book outlines only paved roads but one can easily figure out the location of the unpaved roads from the text should they want to explore those.

In addition to turn-by-turn route directions, Barber has easy to follow, bold maps outlining each route in the five geographical sections. Don’t expect to find the level of detail on these maps that one associates with an atlas--for that, take out your basic Rand McNally. At the end of each section is a “For More Information” page with phone numbers, web addresses and a calendar of events for the area, which makes it simple to schedule—or not—a trip during certain time periods. It is not fun getting to a town only to learn that you’re blocked in all directions because of a parade. Glimpses of Barber’s wisdom are dispersed throughout the book and smartly placed inside boxes with block lettering text that makes the advice seem friendly and personal. Initially, I found myself drawn into all of these boxed musings and caveats before finally settling in to read the book. Her insights give the book a compelling, warm fuzzy feel.

So what is it I don’t like about the book? Well…I said it was minor. Here goes. The black and white photographs. I love black and white photography and have taken many such photographs myself. Often the pictures here are too dark to make out much detail. Only a very few capture the allure of black and white photography. While I appreciate the visuals from the routes, many of the photos lack clarity and eventually detract from the book’s general excellence. This is a tiny criticism that should not diminish the book’s overall charm. There is more than enough here to keep two wheeling rolling happily for a long time. Sunday Rides on Two Wheels…should be on the shelf of everyone who lives within 500 miles of Wisconsin—and any one else thinking about traveling to the region. And that’s my humble opinion!

New map and a new motorcycle to boot!

“Thanks” to those who sent me new “Sharon” cities to explore—I appreciate that and have expanded my list. Even the tongue-in-cheek “Sharon” in Russia intrigues me enough to want to visit. It immediately made me think of the adventure “Long Way ‘Round.” I saw myself on one of the new BMW 650s, making my way through Russia. I know it’s a dream but it could happen!

A friend from work understands my pain. She gave me a little toy motorcycle that now sits in front of my computer, where I slave away each day. Looking at it helps transport me along unexplored backroads whenever I need a break from my workaday routine, which I need frequently! And, talk about conspicuity! If I rode a motorcycle that brightly colored, cagers just might see me. Yeah, right! Best of all, the handlebar actually turns!


My love of maps stems from childhood, when I’d spin a small globe I had received as a gift and pick a place to daydream about. That led to maps; only now do I really understand them well.
As a child, I just like pouring over them and imagining what other kids in far off places were doing, that perhaps somewhere in Xinxiang, China another kid was pouring over a map wondering about a kid in Chicago. Sunday I treated myself to yet another atlas! It’s big, colorful, and replete with symbols, cross-references to other germane pages in the atlas, scenic drives and a bit of history about selected places. Well-worth the $16.95.


To me a great way to spend the wait for spring is sit on the floor, surrounded by various maps (one map is never enough!) and see how each has chosen to represent data. While the major details are the same, it’s the micro details that make a map inviting. Some maps ignore the little places and sprinkle in a few to satisfy the average reader; some are so jammed with info that it appears that the goal of full disclosure reigned supreme over logic and clarity. Such maps are headache-inducing to follow and only sometimes interesting to look at from a distance. The tangled web of connections are obvious--and strangling. Still some maps record only the most populated places as if thumbing its nose at every place else.

Even with my GPS—not to mention Google.maps—I prefer a paper map as the definitive word on where to go and how to get there. When I became a little turned around while trying to follow the back roads to Kankakee River State Park, it was my map that I finally stopped to consult. It returned me to civilization. My GPS became little more than an expensive compass. I had vowed to master its features so that I can rely on it more but now I think I know enough to do what I want to do and get where I want to go. I love electronic gadgets; they are indispensable resources for most of what I need to do. But when I want to feel a place, see it spread out before me, to run my fingers along its lakes and tributaries and climb its mountains, it’s the tangible surface of a map that I desire most. My new one will easily keep me company not just until riding season starts, but for years to come.

The Going is tough...

Well, I said I wasn't going to be a wimp about the weather, that I was going to "just ride." Call me a wimp; I don't care. A number of things have kept me from that--the weather is but one. It's been on the cold side in the mornings, although this morning isn't too bad at 46 degrees. It's been damp and windy. Still, I could have ridden on a few of those days. But I think I deserve a pass if I'm physically depleted. It's never a good idea to ride when you're wiped out, right?

Notice the new logo to the right--Yes, I've joined the ranks of those frenzied, masochists who spend the month of November each year pumping out a minimum of 50,000 words to write a draft of a novel. Like thousands, I started penning words to paper on November 1 but didn't get around to being an official NaNoWriMo entrant until this past weekend, when I posted my two week word total.

Yesterday I reached the half-way point. My friend, Martha, from VA is also participating. In an email, she said, "...it is amazing what an unfettered brain can produce..." This truth has become my mantra. If you sit long enough, something will come if you get out of your way and let it happen. By 6:00 a.m., I usually am finished with my 2000 words a day goal. Actually, knocking on my wooden head, I am ahead of my goals and should post 50,000 before the month's end.

So, you see, I've not been a total slacker about riding. Been juggling a bit more than usual and by the end of the day it shows. Even on the day the winds were expected to reach 45 mph, I had good intentions and were it not for being blown home practically, I would have taken a bike ride that evening.

I do have some motorcycle news, well it's more a comment. I'm currently reading Riding with Rilke. The author, Ted Bishop, is a scholar who rides his Ducati from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to the University of Texas at Austin. Before starting the book, I wondered if people who like books and reading about books but who don't ride a motorcycle, would like this book. Similarly, would someone who rides a motorcycle but is not a fan of literature and literary pursuits, find the book interesting? Although I'm only mid-way through the book, it's a hard questions to answer since I don't fit either camp. I loves literary pursuits and I ride a motorcycle. Did Bishop write his book in hopes of attracting that audience? Did he even have a particular audience in mind?

I don't think it's true that anyone who rides a motorcycle will like this book. That's too bad, because it's really good. Bishop is an entertaining writer and tells a great tale. I can envision someone being uninterested in the literary figures he writes about, such as Virginia Woolf and not go beyond reading the back cover. That's unfortunate too because s/he would miss the wonderful, unexpected parallels Bishop makes between motorcycle riding and unearthing the esoteric information that invade scholars' brains. The Woolf papers give Bishop a reason to leave the towers of this academy and mount his Ducati and ride some scenic and not so scenic roads to TX. It is also just as much his desire to ride his Ducati that makes him venture out to examine Woolf's papers in the lone star state. Once you settle into the ride with Bishop, you don't care why he's heading to TX, you care only that he is. You go along with him to witness his adventures and become green with envy that you are not on those roads riding your own motorcycle.

More later...