She grew up in Atlanta, Beijing and Hong Kong. She's a children's book illustrator. She's Asian-American. She (currently) has blue hair. And she's riding all over North America ... on a Vespa scooter. What would that be like?!
What drew me to interviewing Stephanie is her unusual background. Because of that - and because of what she's doing - she can offer an unusual perspective on America. She's a modern-day explorer that is both understated and ultra observant.
In this interview we explore her story - why she's doing this, what inspired her to do it in the first place, lessons learned from the road, and her top tips for others who might be interested in doing their own adventures.
For more information, see her website at 250SuperHero.com.
She grew up in Atlanta, Beijing and Hong Kong. She's a children's book illustrator. She's Asian-American. She (currently) has blue hair. And she's riding all over North America ... on a Vespa scooter. What would that be like?!
What drew me to interviewing Stephanie is her unusual background. Because of that - and because of what she's doing - she can offer an unusual perspective on America. She's a modern-day explorer that is both understated and ultra observant.
In this interview we explore her story - why she's doing this, what inspired her to do it in the first place, lessons learned from the road, and her top tips for others who might be interested in doing their own adventures.
For more information, see her website at 250SuperHero.com.
spk_1: 0:00
thigh. This is dark green with what really matters. Interviews and what I like doing is interviewing people who ffextraordinary stories and have great lessons about life, about business and what really matters in life. And today I'm really stoked to be interviewing Stephanie you now to give you a little bit of background about Stephanie. She is exploring the United States bye bye on two wheels. He's actually traveling around the country on a scooter, a 250 cc scooter. You don't like those things you see in the movies for in Italy and, Ah, there are a lot of people that like to travel around the country on motorcycles, and that's one thing. They've got big engines and lots of stories and all of that. But to do it on a scooter is, and this is in my mind something that is pretty extraordinary. Um, but beyond that, what I'm really intrigued with about Stephanie is is her perspective. She's Asian American, she she's multicultural. She grew up in both the United States and in China, in Beijing and Hong Kong, so she has a different perspective than many other people do in this country and she while she's travelling around. She's also working in the Children's book illustrator. She's been capturing drawings of what she sees, so we're gonna explore so much today about what really matters. One of the cool things about riding on a motorcycle is you can only take so much stuff, so you really have to get down to the essentials and nothing else. So without further ado, I'm gonna let Stephanie explain to us what she's doing and why. And then we'll deeper will do a deeper dive into, um, exploring how she got started in this. What life is like on the road. Um, kind of what the day to day, It's like sort of the bigger picture as you're traveling around the country. What's up? You know, how are you thinking? How are we planning on where you're going next on all of that? And also what lessons has she learned? What is she learned about herself? What she learned about others? What has she learned about this country? And lastly, will end with some tips and suggestions for others that may want to do something like this and follow their dreams. So Stephanie, welcome. First of all, huh? Hey, and, um, let's start with, boy. Where do we start With all this? Why don't you tell us what you're doing? It Give us Give us a nice 50,000 foot view of what you're doing, where you've been and all of that.
spk_1: 2:37
Oh, hi. I'm Stephanie. Ah, and I've been riding around North America for about three and 1/2 years. Now on my vest, Vogts to 50. So to 50 cc scooter. I've written 49 U S states. Um, for five Canadian provinces now, some of Canada and Baja Mexico. Um, and I think I've been coast to coast three times. Um, I work as a Children's book illustrator, so I usually I work as I go. And, um, right now I'm in Cambridge, Mass.
spk_0: 3:15
Cambridge, Massachusetts. Okay, so let us, um let's let's go back to how this all started telling. Give us some of your background that led to you. You're wanted to actually get on a scooter and travel around the country and exploring for that. By the way, For those of you that can't see, there is a video of this. But if you're just listening to the podcast Ah, let me explain as I look at Stephanie. She's in her late twenties, early thirties. Um, she has blue hair. She's at she. She's Asian American. She has blue hair. Um, it's intriguing. Like it's not what you would expect when you're when you think of adventure, motorcyclist. So, um, anyway, with let's go back,
spk_1: 4:02
it takes people off guard sometimes. Oh, I'm first of all to see, like, a vest, but with so much luggage on it roll up anywhere. It looks a little ridiculous. So and then, like, if I take my helmet off, it hasn't always been blue. This is a recent blue um, but it was usually like red and black. Or you think it was purple
spk_0: 4:23
colors. Lots of different colors
spk_1: 4:26
right again is ah, when you can't carry very much? Um, it's like I wear the same thing every single day. Pretty much same gear. So this is one thing that I can change up.
spk_0: 4:39
Okay, So Okay, so let's dive into how you got into this. Where'd you grow up? You mentioned? Um
spk_1: 4:45
um I grew up. I was born in America. I grew up in Atlanta and then moved to Beijing. When we're I think was 98 or nine, um, and then to Hong Kong, where my parents are originally from. So I only got back to the U S for college, for university. I went thio New York and even then, like New York is so, um, it hasn't gravity about it, so people tend not to leave New York. So I had a very narrow vision of America in a narrow understanding of America. New York is not like the rest of America. Um, and so that it was part of when I when the extended motorcycle travel bug bit me and I knew that, you know, I just sounded like something I wanted to do. Um, I figured, exploring the country that I'm supposed to be from that I know nothing about, um that would be a good place to start. I mean, America is huge. It's it's huge land, mass loss of different cultures and, um, just geographically diverse to it. It's beautiful. So and a lot of I think a lot of Americans take it for granted, and they don't think of their own country as, like a place worth exploring. Or maybe not enough. I don't know, not worth enough, I don't know. But so that's how it was born to, like, just We'll start here and then it kind of just grew into Canada and Mexico because friends in Canada and I've heard good things about Ah,
spk_0: 6:17
ride around the country.
spk_1: 6:23
It didn't really start with a scooter, although it I think it was always small. Displacement was interesting to me because I did. I had an old Kawasaki. I had a 1983 Kawasaki 5 50 It was very excited to get this motorbike so I could, like, hit the freeway and, like, go somewhere and very quickly realized that I was blasting past everything. And I think when I picked the vehicle to go on, you know, the big one with, um it was partly I didn't really trust myself to be able to slow down on a larger bike and actually take my time. And also a lot of people might feel actually, I've been asked, like, Why didn't you take the motorcycle? It's obvious choice. Um, and I picked the bike that I mean, I'm the one that's going to be sitting on this for thousands of miles. I just pick the one I like fighting the most scooter, and it was my GTs. It's a very comfortable bike. It's a sleeper. The small community of people who have discovered that the GTs is like the Cadillac of scooters. It's cushy. It's like sitting at your dining room table and twist. Still
spk_0: 7:38
intrigued with this This exploration people tell you that you're actually taking action on me. A lot of people like to explore, but not very many people, especially women, take off so on a scooter to go ride all over the country. So you really had a strong desire in there to do this. Ah, what what?
spk_1: 8:04
Probably a combination of things At the time. I was living in Providence at the time, and I think I had slipped into a very comfortable groove. And it was, you know, it's It's I do believe that it's good to be outside of your comfort zone, and that's the challenge is outside of your comfort zone. That's how you grow. So that was part of like that move against complacency that, like this would be this would be a big way to do it. It was also very fortunate that um I work in books, I work in publishing, and I had handed in, I think two books, like before my plans departure. So this was a career that I could take with me. This was always meant to be a mobile career. I just never imagined that it would be like trying to work out of a messed up. But I figure it out. Um, I think that's a large large part of it. I was ready for a big change, and I had read I had read a lot of Reid reports, um, from other people who, uh, tour just like extended extended travel. And it's just it sounded like something I wanted to do. So So there's a lot more to it. It's like me at least a year and 1/2 almost two years before of just planning and paring down. So this for something
spk_0: 9:31
short and there's that really intrigues me, is the urge to grow to keep pushing against the edge. I don't think those were your words, but it's, I think, it paraphrasing. So describe that. And where do you think you got that from our your Are your folks similar? Are your parents, um, explorers. I mean, they sounds like you've lived in different place.
spk_1: 9:58
Yes, we did travel a lot growing up, which I think I credit my parents do for really, um, Madox expanding me and my sisters worldview very early. So when we moved to, uh, when we moved to Beijing, um, we took as a family, we took every opportunity every like, spring break or Christmas or whatever to travel somewhere new. And that was hugely formative for me. Um, I didn't We continue this through it while we lived in Beijing, explored a lot of Asia. Um, Hong Kong, obviously a family in Singapore, and we would I think I've visited a lot of Southeast Asia. Ah, lot of Asia, as I've been fortunate enough to see growing up, Um, and that's actually part of a
spk_0: 10:47
traveling exploring have always been a part of your central to who you are. Your experience growing up?
spk_1: 10:59
Yeah, I think so. I might have taken some of that for granted. Growing up like I just assume everyone else has, like, travels six. I don't know. Okay,
spk_0: 11:12
so let's fast forward now. Thio some to New York. You're You said you were just You went to school in New York. He studied
spk_1: 11:26
studied communication design. Um well,
spk_0: 11:31
go ahead.
spk_1: 11:32
Oh, I studied communication design in hopes that it would, uh uh, in hopes of a freelance career so that
spk_0: 11:41
it is Did you mention publishing Children's books? You have a keep going on that? You've got this career that works for you, Mobile Lee. So this service isn't drinking. You have visual design background too, right? It's part of that communication. So you kind of visually designed your trip? It sounds like it's like, OK, five, I'm going to do this,
spk_1: 12:55
right, But you can do that very quickly. I think, Um, I think, uh, BMW Club actually has, like, rides. Then it's like, Oh, you visit the Four Corners. I deliberately set it up so that yes, there are four corners, but I wanted to take the longest way around to the four corners, which I think I certainly succeeded. I think I've reached the third corner in three months and then took another 11 months before I was finally like Okay,
spk_0: 13:24
okay. Let's So I should find another part that I've drawn towards that cart. This desire to go slow instead of fast. You mentioned you had a 5 50 bike. And you I said, You know, I don't want to just go screaming down the highway and, like, click off the corners I want to slow down and explore. So talk about that from the interior perspective. What is that? Where do you find that? What drives you to want to do that? Verses. Um, you know, just full throttle down the highway to the next point.
spk_1: 14:05
I guess part of that is in reaction to, like, a lot of times. If you are, let's say you want to go on a motorcycle trip. You might be confined to a long weekend, a weekend or a long weekend. So bye bye. Those constraints. You kind of have to kind of have to go fast. You have to. If you wantto say all these things that you want to see, you're kind of rushing a little bit. I feel very fortunate. Very lucky that I have a career that I could take with me so I can make my own schedule and that I certainly want to take my time. Then I feel like leaving a lot of room for? For for you to get anywhere. Um, that's that's leaving a lot of room for any of the any of that road magic to start happening. Like chance encounters with people that you end up. Um, you know, if you have all afternoon to talk, then you can talk all afternoon or you end up staying with them. Or um uh, it's it's also just much more relaxing, too. Just say here. So when you were growing up, Theo 5200
spk_0: 15:20
miles, you sort of like that. Anyway, is that sort of a Nate to you to go a little bit more slowly and take in things a little bit more than just rush from point to point? Do you sort of deep dive into things? And
spk_1: 15:38
actually, as as a kid growing up, I'm not sure if that was, I think it might be more in response to, um um adult pace, actually. So
spk_0: 15:50
you have a strong curiosity
spk_1: 15:51
going, going, going
spk_0: 15:54
Describe that this this desire to explore um yeah, can you Can you talk about the feeling of that? Where does it touch you inside when you What do you feel when you think of exploring. Do you feel joy? Do you feel alive? Nous? Do you feel, um, exhilaration? What do you No. What I mean?
spk_1: 16:23
Oh, yeah. Maybe curiosity is is essential for, uh, exploration.
spk_0: 16:31
What's your relationship with it? That's what I'm curious about. I want to hear what, here Would you feel? What, you because I I believe so. Here's why I'm coming at it from this angle. I really believe that for the most part, we're actually driven, not by what we think, but by what we feel. We're somatic beings were body centered and in a sense, I kind of think we make decisions at a gut level without even being aware of it. And then the brain comes along with some sort of story to sort of justify what you already have made a decision about. So I'm curious to go underneath the layers of Yeah, I was curious and more into what I was feeling is, um I just have this strong desire like it might Yeah, my own experiences. I have this. I'm so happy when I'm on the road and exploring it. The new places, the new visions, the new just seeing things that a different perspective. It's so eye opening for me in it. Satisfy some. Go ahead.
spk_1: 17:41
Yeah. Again, if you're in a rut that can get you out of your rut. Um, his very satisfying. I I suppose you wouldn't do it if it wasn't satisfying. Um, but it I don't know. I don't know how to describe that, but as a feeling like us, um, when you're exploring its I suppose I don't really think of it
spk_0: 18:07
that way on your face. When you're doing it, let's no. Hey,
spk_1: 18:18
it's definitely It's a It's a wonderful feeling to be going somewhere new to be going. So at least knew for mayor. Ah, yeah, I kind of put myself mentally in that place right now. Unfortunately, it's a little cold outside right now, so I haven't haven't been able to, um, go exploring it. What's going on? I just I would like
spk_0: 18:42
What is your day to day like when you're on the bike? Okay. You're going. How long do you actually travel for, like in a stretch? How many days or months or
spk_1: 18:56
so? This is, uh I actually stay put for a long time. Like for stretches at a time um, I think there was someone who was kind of like, Oh, have you ever done like an iron? But just
spk_0: 19:08
for those that are just
spk_1: 19:10
I'm not really
spk_0: 19:11
what is it?
spk_1: 19:16
Iron, but is because 1000 miles
spk_0: 19:20
in 24 hours,
spk_1: 19:21
four hours or
spk_0: 19:22
1536.
spk_1: 19:26
So it's crazy. Understand? I actually go really slow, and I like to poke around. Um, and I tend to stay in one place for a while on it's partly because I just enjoy, like, if I if I have the chance, I would love to stay in a place for, like a week, two weeks And that would be like starting amount of time just to get a feel for, um, the daily life there. Um, I think when I had finally reached the West Coast 2014 I stayed in the Bay Area, bouncing around the bay, but in the Bay Area for five months, people were starting to ask like, So are you living there now? Um, and it's just eso day today is it's It's different, depending on whether I'm actively covering distance or if I hear back from my editor and I need to work, and then I start looking for a place to work, and then it's kind of like a normal workday. You show up and you have stuff to do. Um, we're days on the road. It's it's very refreshing because the problems that you deal with are very they're just their immediate. It's kind of like, Well, I'm low on guests And so I need to get guess I am hungry or need to pee. So I need to find a place to or use the restroom. So there's definitely a simplicity to the road. That is, um, I mean, I think that appeals to a lot of motorcyclists. Uh, you're not worried about, um, these larger, more nebulous issues you're just worried about? What's the road condition? Will it rain?
spk_0: 21:07
So it kind of brings you right here right now sort of thing, which is
spk_1: 21:16
Yeah, it keeps you in the moment, which is It's very refreshing.
spk_0: 21:20
Very Zen, you know?
spk_1: 21:22
Yeah, it's It is like meditation. I think a lot of times I do think of being on the bike and get into this lovely this state. That is kind of like a meditation where you are focused. You are paying attention to traffic road conditions. Um, everything around you, You're taking it in. Um, but you're also No, you're not. You're not, uh, you're not worried about things that aren't immediately affecting. You are definitely in the moment.
spk_0: 21:56
So I'm intrigued with this, Um, you're riding along. You're exploring your going from town to town, state to state, and then all of a sudden, you find you Let's say you get a job request, or you just, um,
spk_1: 22:14
in the city I like.
spk_0: 22:15
Yeah. How do you know what happens then? Do you find a place to live? Do you go to Airbnb? He's Do you check Craigslist, Do you?
spk_1: 22:26
The envy is, um, a pretty good resource for when I want to stay in one place for ah week or longer. It's before I had left. I knew that this would be like a pretty big lifestyle change. And originally, I had only planned to ride for, like, four months. Um, it was not originally part of the plan to still be still be travel, I guess. Still be writing. Um, they're just kind of I didn't find a reason to stop, So, um, I didn't realize how much, Uh, how much energy it would take. Thio. Just like the logistics of finding places to stay all the time. Um, and a lot of times I love like it's fantastic. I have friends all over the U. S now, um and I love meeting people on, and I love seeing like, a little piece of other people's lives when when I'm invited to stay with people. Um, But then there's also like if you do this constantly there, there's a time that I need to charge. And I find that Airbnb is often the best bet because you can get, like, a weekly rate and just kind of lay low for a little while. And also, like I stay with family around around the US quite a bit. Um, on Cambridge, I'm at my boyfriend's so very lucky to have people over, so you know, I'll do when I go overseas friends, Hopefully.
spk_0: 24:07
So speaking of relationships, how does that work out when you're traveling a lot of the time on a scooter all over the country?
spk_1: 24:16
Yeah, long distance is ah is tough. It's always stuff,
spk_0: 24:22
but you are doing it, though What are some of your secrets to that.
spk_1: 24:27
I don't know. I think Fred, my boyfriend is a very understanding. I think he met me in the context of travel, So, uh, he kind of already knew that I I want to go places and that I have, um at least right now, so far, I have, ah, career that will let me do that. So and it's fantastic. He actually, uh, he joined me on his G l. It's a ride from Austin to Vegas for a scooter rally. I think we took about two weeks to do it. Um, and the road to people that way. Um, and he flies out to meet me. It's great. I don't know that I'm any tips for that. Let's find someone who understands e nd. I feel like that's generally a good idea.
spk_0: 25:22
Yeah, they're not trying to make you something other than who you are. Um, Okay, so you settle into place, you work for a while, and then all of a sudden you realize it's time to move on again. What? What informs you? Go ahead.
spk_1: 25:41
I'm not sure I feel like that. Maybe it comes back to that curiosity. Um like I I can I already have a niche for, um I've written around North America a lot. Maybe I should try. Another continent of North America was natural for me because it's just one huge landmass. It's You can do this overland. Ah, so now I guess I'm considering shipping with bikes in there are buying bike locally.
spk_0: 26:14
Like where? South America. Africa?
spk_1: 26:17
America. Sounds like a great place for motorcyclists right now. Um, Europe is interesting to me. I haven't really explored it very much and a vest, but would be right at home there now that my bike is now, Now, my bike is getting on in smiles, so availability of spare parts is something to be considered.
spk_0: 26:41
You could also go to Italy and just buy one right at the source. Um okay, So what have you learned? What have you observed about the United States about America in your travels and, uh, describe this partially from that perspective of, you know, being being American, but also being Asian And, um, seeing it through, I think a unique perspective. What have you noticed that you like about America? What have you would have been some of your best experiences. What have been some of your more challenging experiences?
spk_1: 27:22
Difficult. Um, America is very delivers. Ah, even like their pockets that are very homogenized. But as a whole, I mean, I can see why the country is so divided Currently, it's just because people, um people come from a lot of different backgrounds, and, uh, it is it's a diverse place. Uh, generally good, uh, life lessons taking away from this, um, people are generally good and generally want to help you as a traveler. Um, always, always. I mean, hospitality is always it's I've had good experiences. Um, how is it?
spk_0: 28:21
Let's I Okay, let let me put a, um a situation that I'm sure is coming up. You're you're traveling through the south. Let's say Arkansas, Mississippi or Alabama, you know, some place down there? You show up on this scooter. Let's say it. A smaller community, maybe 1,002,000, 3000 people pretty conservative down there, you show up, you pull your helmet off your Asian American, you have blue hair, you're on a scooter and you're just traveling solo. What do people make of you? What is the response?
spk_1: 28:51
People don't really know what to make of me. Very often, people don't know what to make of me like I was. I I was saying earlier. It's like the Vespa itself looks so ridiculous. You don't often see a vespa that has so much luggage on it that that's equipped for long hauls. Um, and then I I have seen it never occurred to me that, um, traveling solo as a woman would be so unusual. Like I came to it merely because I didn't know anyone else. So how else am I supposed to do this? Um, so, uh, generally, it's generally it's it's a positive response, like maybe slightly confused. Um, but always positive
spk_0: 29:42
to a diner, for example. Okay. And you get some food, you go to a restaurant and you got your motorcycle gear on Baywatch. Pull up. He come in, Um, the good old boys air, they're hanging out on the counter, and maybe some. I don't know. I'm just trying to picture what it looks like. What unfolded
spk_1: 30:02
his money. It probably looks pretty funny. This'd
spk_0: 30:04
like made for a movie,
spk_1: 30:08
but I think I I think that's part of what I like about the Vespa it's It's a friendly vehicle like it's not really it's not threatening. Uh, you're probably not gonna be threatened by a vest. Um, and so when you catch people off guard like that, it makes it opens you up for conversation of, like, even if it starts, um, maybe slightly derisive of like, Hey, do you want me to, you know, tell you along on that O r. Um, like, how do you keep up, Um, and lots of questions like that. I've almost forgotten it. I've become kind of numb to it. Maybe, um Well, uh, well, especially and, um and I guess maybe look simple, man. And in parts of America, where it's like big Harley lands, Um, just you're looking for people. They're looking for very different things out of their bike. And so to roll up on a Vespa like, um, I went to Sturgis in 20 14. I am road to Sturgis and
spk_0: 31:17
just maybe explain what Sturgis is. Two people who don't know
spk_1: 31:21
is the largest motorcycle gathering in the United States.
spk_0: 31:26
Maybe the world,
spk_1: 31:28
maybe the world. Um, I'd have to look that up, but it is massive. It takes over a tiny on otherwise tiny tone in, Ah, South Dakota. Um, and it floods it like a 50 mile radius Just flooded with motorcycles.
spk_0: 31:45
Tens of thousands of motorcyclists. Right? And they're all on hard
spk_1: 31:49
ice. Yeah, there's a 95% Harley's, um, and you start seeing signs, like, 100 miles out of, like, welcome bikers. Um, and I wrote up on my Vespa. Um, and I mean, everyone is very welcoming. I mean, like, I Hey, I rode this Disturb this, Uh, but, uh, how did this is
spk_0: 32:16
by the big backers? How do they respond? It's like, Well, that's not a Harley. You know why we know
spk_1: 32:23
that is correct. Yeah, but people are always very welcoming. I think it's, um yeah, I'm not really competing. If I'm on a Vespa, maybe I'll put it that way. I also don't feels a lot of any of the usual, like biker chick stereotypes, like I don't I don't need to deal with that so much because I'm already on this. What's considered a toy to a lot of Americans? Um, we like it. It's a good bite for me. It's comfortable. It's, um it's capable. It's It gets 70 miles per gallon and you can do 70 miles per hour all day. But I don't want to anyway, like that's the thing. That's I think that's why it works so well for me. And it's it's great, too, because now that I have, I have more comfortable and how I like to travel. Uh, when I do take a bigger bike out, I'm I'm still poking around. Um, right, I go slow.
spk_0: 33:30
So I assume you're probably not taking the main highway. Spitzer more on the back roads.
spk_1: 33:36
If I can help it, that's that's how I prefer to travel. But it is really nice to have the auction, especially in the U. S. Because so much that it's just huge. Ah, and there's just a lot of ground to cover. It's great to have the option to hop on a freeway so that 2 50 size is a really nice compromise. Um, it was also born from I mean, that the Kawasaki was my first bike. I dropped it a number of times and I hated picking it up. It's a £480 bike and that's not luggage on it, so it definitely wanted a bike that I could comfortably pick up on my own. I think a lot of people of have mentioned that as, ah, criteria for choosing, uh, getting a bike.
spk_0: 34:26
So let's go back, maybe pick one of your most Ah, I don't know, great experiences like take us to a specific situation where you met some people. You come into a town and, like, What's it like? What do you know? Described one of those scenarios that really is one of your more fonder memories of
spk_1: 34:50
I think one of my one of one of my favorite kind of magical moments was in New Mexico. I think I plan to do maybe 150 miles that day and about 70 miles in, I pulled into, um Zoonie and saw a sign for tamales. Oh, yeah, this seems like a good tone. Good time for tamales. And it was in someone's house, like she just had made a blue corn tamales. And it was a dollar maybe, but I was invited into the kitchen and just like a tamale in someone's kitchen on the way out. Ah woman who would also stopped by tamales, was looked at May and looked at the bike, and I was like, Oh, where you're from. Where you going? You want to see something you've never seen before in your life? And I was like, Yes, Okay, of course. And, um so she welcomed me into her home. Um, and ah introduced me to her family, and it was hilarious because I think her son was kind of like dad. She brought another one, eh? So there was a president for this, Um, and that night, they were doing traditional dances in the old part of the all part of the town. I'm gonna get all of the words wrong right now. I'd have to look this up to know exactly what it was, but it's, uh, ceremonial dancing that, um
spk_0: 36:28
you're talking native American
spk_1: 36:29
Native American? Yeah. Zoonie dancing that you are not allowed to film there. Lots of signs in that town for, like, no photography, no video. Um, because they very much want to. This is this is a piece of them, that it's just for them. So it was very very. It was I was really an honor to be invited to. It was ah, like the old town square and to be able to witness. Um really, something that I had never seen before was magical. I think magical is the best word I have for it. Um, that's very difficult to describe. It was entirely, um, entirely thanks to her hospitality. And also because I had time. My didn't have to go anywhere. So sure, I'll stay up with your son till, like, one. AM What? Watch
spk_0: 37:34
Much dancing.
spk_1: 37:36
Yeah. And it's a talk to this. Diamond is dancing to it. It's It's Yeah,
spk_0: 37:43
um, let's switch up a little bit. And you could only take so much stuff on a scooter or a motorcycle. Anyway. So what do you take and what do you leave behind? And do you sort of have a systematic approach to this? Like, I've noticed when I motorcycle a lot, I had I did the cd t um, on the Continental divide. Right. I'm sorry, cdr Ah, I kind of broke it down into, like I had my office section. I had my laptop and electronics and, you know, sort of the work stuff. And then I had what I called sort of bedroom, which was the sleeping bag, tent pad and all of that. And then I had the kitchen, you know, which was cooking gear and food and water. And then I had sort of the garage, which was Yeah, I know all of that. And, um Then I guess the other piece I had was, you know, the motorcycle gear, which is mostly was wearing in the tank bag, which had, you know, kind of the basic stuff that I went to all the time. But I had a systematic approach like that and on a scooter and traveling like you do for longer periods of time. I mean, what do you take and what do you leave behind?
spk_1: 38:55
I think it is a similar type of system. Ah, you have your your sleeping arrangement. So I didn't Can't before I decided I wanted to do this. I only learned how to camp because I knew that this would be part of traveling by motorbike around the U. S. S O. I'm a very uncomfortable camper. I don't know how to help to put this. I mean, I'm a city person. Um, but, you know, I had the sleeping mat sleeping bag and ah, lightweight tent. Um, pretty basic camping stuff. going to fit this into larger systems. I did always have their two places to lock things on the best, but under the seat and, ah, top case, which I eventually replaced with a pelican case. Because Thea rectangular shape is most top cases air made to hold like a spare helmet. So they're around it. Ah, the rectangular shape of the pelican was much more suited to my work because my laptop is a rectangle. Um, I were like all of it all my electronics will fit better and be more secure in this pelican. I'm so my my pack is actually evolved quite a bit over time. I'm if you look in early photos of, like how I set off versus what the bike looks like now, First of all, the bike now is much uglier. Um, it's picked up a lot of damage, a lot of battle damage. But second, everyone packs differently. And, um, I think over the course of three ish years, things just they just started to settle, and they've settled pretty comfortably from me now.
spk_0: 40:50
Like what? And what do you take, you know, and close in. You've got your laptop. You got
spk_1: 40:57
it is. Yeah, I I do take my work stuff of so laptop, Um, spare batteries. I had a small drawing tablet, like the external type for, um, for minor editing and a larger s antique that I typically don't carry with me because it's bulky and a little delicate, so that will typically be shipped from place to place, depending on where I think I might be working. Um, so that is that That kind of sums up the office? Obviously, you have, like, spare parts and tools, Which again, is you just kind of dial that violin as you find, you know, a CZ. Things like extendable ratchet that that was a great find for me. Um and so you did all that in what other camping? A kitchen? I actually did not carry a kitchen, which surprises a lot of people. I carry a soft cooler, um, that I usually stock with yogurt boiled eggs, breakfast stuff. But, um, the soft cooler works well for me because I actually I really like eating. I love food. I love eating whatever is local. Whatever is around me. Um, sometimes it means I'm just eating like hamburgers for days. on EMS because that's what is most available. Um, and also what's most affordable and probably it's probably a pretty good area that, um but I just take all the leftovers and I jam it in my cooler. And that's how I continue to continue to live on my scooter without the aid of ah, camp Kitchen. Huh? That might change one day. I don't I'm not sure. Um,
spk_0: 42:45
but what about the wardrobe department?
spk_1: 42:48
The wardrobe is triggered because, um, I mean, I have to carry everything at all times. So I'm carrying everything from, ah, hot weather there to like my silk liners for cold weather, typically not doing a lot of writing when it's extremely cold. But it's nice to have that if you're doing like mountain passes down to a desert like you can go. I've gone through my entire, ah, the entire gamut of my wardrobe of my gear in a single day by going mountain to desert. Um, and I I think the longest I had gone between laundry was about a week, maybe just over a week. And it was It only worked because I went from somewhere hot to somewhere cold. So I just worked through my
spk_0: 43:41
trip of the rodeo.
spk_1: 43:44
Yeah, um, but otherwise it is very it is. You're limited in how much you can carry. So, um, you have to grow quick drying stuff. Uh, it's
spk_0: 43:55
synthetics. And how'd it go?
spk_1: 43:57
You know? Well, actually, this I am this Woody I've had for three years now I think it's a Marino Hoody that, um I hope this isn't too gross, but I've never washed this. And yet, somehow it's It's magically like it looks okay. It looks presentable. And it doesn't smell so far. It's definitely afraid it's It's I repaired it a number of times now, Um,
spk_0: 44:26
what brand is it?
spk_1: 44:28
This one is? Ah, it was a gift, actually. Um, it's triple lattes. It's a San Francisco based company. It's a very expensive I
spk_0: 44:40
just bought an Ibex Hoody. Marino.
spk_1: 44:43
It's very similar, but it's one of those things that I lived in this sweater for multiple mentors. This is just like, yeah, I basically lives in it and you live in most of your clothes. I was joking earlier how, like I'm like a cartoon character, it's you just wear the same outfit every day because I have some. I kind of enjoyed not having to think too much about what I'm gonna put on you Wake up and you check the weather and go. Oh, well, it's a little cold I'll put on a base layer. I've only don't want her to. So maybe I only have one that's clean. Um, And then you go about your day. Maybe that comes back to this. Is this life on the road?
spk_0: 45:30
I know one of the things you mentioned is you did a drawing per day for, I think, 450 days. We want to talk about that project. What was the inspiration? What?
spk_1: 45:41
Um, actually a specific book that inspired me to do that It's ah, Mo Willems who is ah more known for his Children's book illustrations for, like, don't let the pigeon drive a bus. Um, fantastic guys. Lots of fun. Ah, But before he became the Mo Willems that most families No. Ah, he took a year off and backpacked around the world and he did one drawing a day. Um e think of the book here somewhere. It's Ah, you can't You can't get a rickshaw in a monsoon um I love the double check that, Um, but that was basically it was one drawing a day to capture that feel of off slow travel of how likes one day might be completely packed. That like, let's say for me one day, I might just be like nose to the grindstone. 300 miles. I've just got a cover. Some distance. It's ah, desert. There's nothing here. And then the next day, maybe it's a city. So you're meeting lots of different people, and you have this very compressed experience. Then after that, maybe it's three days of just, um, you're arresting. Maybe you're waiting to hear back from an editor. Maybe you just need a little break. So all your Jewess State hit hang around the hostile and take a nap. Read a book. Um, that flexibility is it's It's fantastic when you when you can do that. Um, and I think Muslims captures it in his in his collection of illustrations. By doing one per day. You just pick one moment and it's a hard exercise. If you have a very full day and so many amazing things happen, it's hard to pick that just one
spk_0: 47:36
so How do you pick the one?
spk_1: 47:38
You just you just do it. You, um you I made a commitment to myself to do this. So it's it's actually, I think, the longest commitment that I've ever honored to myself. Um, like, people go on diets and maybe break diets in a week or whatever. Ah, but this is this was one that was very important to me. So I, uh, have one drawing for every single day until I reached that fourth corner.
spk_0: 48:09
And what did you So what are if you sort of go back and look at that whole collection of drawings? Are is there a pattern to them? Like, what are the most common drawings? What are, um I don't know. What do you see when you look at that body of Know that body?
spk_1: 48:26
Unfortunately, it's such a large body of work that it's hard Thio look at it all at once. I actually need to find a convenient way to to no present that in one visual entity or two, like pick out Ah, some highlights for for both sides of that type of experience, for for all of the days that are really full on all of the days that are quite peaceful and wrestle. Um,
spk_0: 48:56
describe your style of drawing. What do you Is it line drawing? Is it like water colors, Pastels or
spk_1: 49:04
what is your drawings? Uh, I they are usually done in pencil, and then I'll go over it in a brush pin. So they're all black and white. And, um, I have a number of different technical pens. So some microns, some brush pens, some like big, that brush pin so that you could get a nice long ride. Those ink drawings would be with the final.
spk_0: 49:28
So you start them is ah, is an analog products, so to speak, a real world product on panel on paper. And then you convert them to digital or what?
spk_1: 49:39
Uh, for all of the daily drawings, um, they are. I draw them in hardback sketchbook, and then I take a photo with my phone, um, improve the contrast a little bit and upload it from there. So all of the 400 plus drawings that are on my blogged, our photos of my sketchbook,
spk_0: 50:05
So do you retouch them once you transfer them from
spk_1: 50:09
Sago Online? I don't really have a good way to be touched them. Okay, So every all of the mistakes that you see, it was like when you see me, like, scribble out things. Yeah, that's because I couldn't touch it. I just like, cross it out. Um, I mean, some of these drawings are pretty messy. It's, uh I I'm very early on gave up the idea of being able to draw the day that I am experiencing this. This is definitely I need to set aside time to do this. And it's usually like two or three days after the fact I'll be drawing about two or three days ago. So there's a little bit of a leg. I think at one point the leg got to be like only weeks, maybe a month. I was quite behind, but, um, I I always took notes for what I thought I would like to draw. And so I always knew what I would like for that day.
spk_0: 51:05
What did you learn about yourself in those 450 days of drawing after drawing after drawing that kind of commitment, what did it illuminate within you? What you learn about yourself? How did you grow? How did you
spk_1: 51:25
through arts, Um,
spk_0: 51:29
through the art of that process, too, that daily commitment to something that it was important to you, the documentation, the capturing, the drawing you
spk_1: 51:40
it was definitely important to me. But also, um, sharing it online was the other major component. It wouldn't be the same if I couldn't share this online. And part of that comes from ah, the ride reports that inspired me That, like, gave me that that itch to go out and explore, and that made it possible for me. Write reports that have information, Um, about how you might go about doing this. Um, So putting my experiences online, I hope to inspire other people, or at least to make it possible. Liketo have hopefully other people think like, Oh, well, if she's managed this than maybe I can. So there was always going to be an interactive element. That is it. These were not drawings that I wanted just to like keeping my own personal journal. I
spk_0: 52:38
So I'm gonna expand on s. So what? I think what you're kind of saying is you're both an explorer and a messenger or a a doctor. You know, your documentary er, and you're documenting your own adventure. But you're also sharing this to what inspire, too.
spk_1: 52:58
I hope so. Yeah, it to inspire anyone that thinks that they might want to try something like that. Maybe not to such an extreme scale. You really don't have Thio pack up your life and give up your apartment, which is which is what I did. And partly why I'm still going is just like, Well, I kind of already got rid of the apartment, and that's a lot of stuff, so I might as well, there's no reason to stop so but you can do this on a smaller scale. You
spk_0: 53:33
circle in this there is her full cycle. You go and explore, but then you share it, and obviously you get feedback from that. So it's a size to be a I guess I'm I'm projecting into this and you stop me if I'm wrong on this. But I used to be am I was a photojournalist and they worked at newspapers where I'd go out and I lived in a small town Sun Valley, Idaho, where I worked on a number of papers, and when I lived there, I got into outdoor recreation. And I would go on these mountaineering adventures and ice climbing and white water kayaking and things like that. And I would take my camera lawn, especially ski mountaineering. I really like that. And there was such a there was the thrill of being on the edge, you know, going out there and exploring these mountainous areas and kind of being out there where not a lot of people go or doing something that not everybody's doing. And then to go capture that, too, and bring that back and then share the beauty of what I found with others and part of what moated motivated me. To do that and go back to the somatic feeling of this was a completed AM. If I could use two words to describe myself, it would be Explorer and messenger, and in fact, that's kind of relevant to what we're doing here. I'm curious about your story. We're exploring your story and then sharing it right, and it completes a cycle in me that just feels right. It's like if I don't do that sharing component, it's It is
spk_1: 55:13
this. Yeah, feels incomplete. I can identify with that, Um, that was. It's definitely. And it's partly because, um, I feel like maybe this is my way of giving back a bit. Um, because I got so much out of the other other ride report. Well, here's Here's my contribution to the pile. Maybe it will help someone else.
spk_0: 55:39
Uh huh. Okay, let's go on to big takeaways. Big lessons you've learned in all of this travel about you, About life.
spk_1: 55:50
Um, thankfully, people seem mostly good if you are very afraid of travel, because I don't know, there bad people are. I'm not entirely sure. Um, I think most people are generally good. Um, other large takeaways. I don't want to sound too, uh, hippie to be about this, but things will generally work out. Um, if, uh, do I explain this? It's one of those, like, I think, uh, before I left, I would be nervous about things like about things like, um, what will I do if my bike breaks down a flat tire? Whatever. And there's a very obvious, rational process to that. Well, if it's a flat than you fix a flat, you have the kit. You have it on your bike, you'll figure it out If you really can't do this, you also have You can look for a tow. Um, so there's, uh there's a very It doesn't necessarily allay your fear, though, because you still have this, like, nervousness. Um, how do I bring this back around its eye to it generally? Generally, it will work out, though, when you do break down Ah, you will figure it out and you can have a lot more basin. You're so
spk_0: 57:25
yeah, So there's the word. So have you've learned to have deeper faith in yourself through this and that people, things will work out if he if you what do you have to kind of latte goat of a certain amount of control and just go?
spk_1: 57:49
I think so. Definitely a part of travel. I think this is being vulnerable. So if you are completely invulnerable, you're almost a little closed off to a number of new experiences, even like experiences like having people help you. If you don't need any help on, you don't have a chance to meet a lot of people. Um, for better for worse. Sometimes it's like when you are, uh, unless they run out of gas or whatever if when someone shows up with gas, then you wouldn't have met that person if you hadn't run into some trouble. Um, and a lot of times have otherwise what? When ships come out of that or just, like, a really a good conversation or just like, that's that's I think meeting people is like a lot of what brings meaning to just otherwise, what would be an endless number of miles that you just cover ground? Um, so being vulnerable is definitely, um, you should allow yourself to be vulnerable. It is okay to be vulnerable and actually, uh, can invite a lot of new fantastic experiences. Okay, Um, what else do you think? Um, then large, large life lessons.
spk_0: 59:21
Yeah. You write the letter back to yourself 10 years ago, and actually, that would be a good question. You're gonna write a letter back to yourself 10 years ago before you started this. When did you start doing this? How long ago?
spk_1: 59:34
Ah, I left Rhode Island in 2014. So
spk_0: 59:37
it's only been three and 1/2 years. Okay?
spk_1: 59:39
Yeah, but I've actually only been riding. When did I start writing? 2000 and 10. So seven years.
spk_0: 59:47
Okay, so let's say you could write a letter back to yourself 10 years seven years ago, and you could write down the three most important things to impart to yourself that you didn't know then that you know, now that's your west. You knew from this perspective from 27.
spk_1: 1:0:05
OK, it will be okay. It's, uh it's it is worth pursuing the things that, um you feel strongly about and it will be okay.
spk_0: 1:0:21
It will be okay.
spk_1: 1:0:23
Yeah,
spk_0: 1:0:25
expand on that.
spk_1: 1:0:33
Um, see, that is difficult, because I think a lot of ah, lot of needing a lot of reason that people don't set out to leave their comfort zone is out of fear. Um, and fear of the unknown is that's a perfectly understandable fear. Um, but ah, thinking back, it is hard for me to pinpoint. What, exactly? Like I wouldn't be able to describe exactly what it is that I am afraid off. And I think that is when I knew that this is not necessarily irrational fear. Um, and this is something that perhaps it's worth digging into.
spk_0: 1:1:20
Okay, so that's one thing you'd write back yourself. It will be okay. What else.
spk_1: 1:1:27
I mean, it's kind of like you have to have a picture of what? What would it look like if it was not okay? Andi, I couldn't have a picture of that so clearly it should be okay. Uh, what else, um, larger lifeless is Yeah, you like It will be okay. Is that good? Because
spk_0: 1:1:52
they got a big one.
spk_1: 1:1:53
Every the other skills, um, you can learn them along the way. And I think that's another but pretty important thing to to just be able to trust that you're capable of learning as you go. Um, things like, um, I was not mechanically inclined when I left. Uh, that my family is definitely there. They're not car people there. They don't wrench on things. So I have no background, no background in camping, no background in tooling on my bike. Like other people were still doing my oil changes before I left. Um, and these were things that I knew that I would feel much more comfortable if I had some ability. And, um so I went on some camping trips and I learned howto work on my bike. Just start from, like, very basic to wait now, which is three and 1/2 years later that I am considering doing an engine swap on my Vespa, which is something that I certainly would not have considered when I wouldn't have thought that would be something I would think of doing when I first started, um, and those air all skills that I picked up along the way out of necessity to afford to keep bringing this to visit the dealers. So I'm thankful for all of the all of the people who have helped me learn
spk_0: 1:3:24
so to summarize that it sounds like you don't need to have everything figured out when you take off. I mean,
spk_1: 1:3:31
yes, I think that's a very good way to put it. It's, um I think someone else has mentioned that you'll never be ready, and you should do it anyway. And I think that's precisely that. That that means true for me. Um, I have never felt ready even today. Like when I'm setting off for, um, kind of a big trip. Um, like, uh, I recently went on an all women's motorcycle tour of Pakistan. Ah, that is a pretty That's pretty out there for a lot of people. A lot of people would balk at the idea of even visiting Pakistan, Not to mention doing it on a motorbike. Not to mention doing it in a group of with a group of women. Um, so that's, you know, I was I was nervous for a lot of reasons. Um, but, um, I don't know. It brings me some peace to remind myself. It's like, Oh, well, I'll never be ready for that. I will get there and I'll figure it out. And so for anyone else who is thinking of starting out, I think that's good. Advice is just you won't be ready. You'll never be ready. If you wait until you're ready, you'll never go. So just do it anyway. I mean, obviously take the precautions to, like, Don't don't go about this completely blindly. Um, at least know how to operate a motor bike if you plan on writing around the country on a bike. Um, but aside from that, like the other, the emotional insecurity of like, I don't know if I'm cut out for this or if I'm ready for it. Um, I think you can ignore that. Just go ahead and do it. You'll find that you'll be ready when you're confronted with ah confronted with the issues that you're facing and it's it's a wonderful thing to be to be challenged like that, Um because that's that's what keeps you in the moment. That's That's how that's when you know that you're engaged, you'll never be ready.
spk_0: 1:5:37
And any other big takeaways big, big ones?
spk_1: 1:5:42
Holmes. I'm sure I'll think of something ones. This is like in five hours I could have said this pity thing.
spk_0: 1:5:52
Let's go. Let's go to another question Then how have it? How is all of this experienced changed? You,
spk_1: 1:5:59
um, I am. I think I'm much more laid back. In a way, um, I I think I do have a greater sense of faith that things will work out and that I don't need to plan things down to a t. Um, because I do tend to like to have a plan, and I still understand. I know myself well enough that it's difficult for me to ah, just be turned loose in the same way that like if you handed me a blank sheet of paper and told me to draw something that is a terrible thing to do to me. Um, I really hate it because it's it's completely blank. Uh, I work much better within parameters. So this is why I chose four corners. Given that I'm like, Okay, we've got, like, a framework here. That doesn't mean I'm gonna take the shortest path to awful corners very clearly. I took, um I kept GPS tracks for everywhere that my bike has gone since leaving Rhode Island. I have a GPS track for it, and you can plot it all on one map. And it looks like, Have you ever take if you've ever unraveled knitting, you've got all those like squiggly lines. They plot this like, red map on North America, and it's just like someone took a ball of yarn. This all squiggles drops it on the map. It looks ridiculous. There's some, like, really hilarious dead ends two of like, Oh, I went to Des Moines and that was pretty good and then just went back. So there's like, it's a little line poking out there, Um, and a lot of other places where it's just like the Northeast is also its densely populated. So the Northeast is just like one huge snarl of red, but also California up and down the coast. There's just that whole thing is I've done that several several times. I'm very lucky to be able to read the Pacific Coast Highway many times.
spk_0: 1:8:03
Mmm. It's beautiful, isn't it?
spk_1: 1:8:06
Yeah. So it gives you a sense of just like this great visual sense of how much territory, how much ground, Um, you've covered. And I think that's that's a little rewarding for me. Hey, today it's hard to get a sense of what you're doing sometimes, Um, especially when you're like, if you're around other people who, um, this is a little out there to like, you know, pack up your life, hair down your belongings and then go ride for months and months. Years? Um, so it's nice to be able to have this one map. That's like, Well, here's here's one visual representation of what I've gotten up to and why. Listen. Yeah, maybe not. Why?
spk_0: 1:8:52
Okay, let's, um let's go back to the main title of this. This what really matters in life to you Now?
spk_1: 1:9:01
Question. That's a tough question for anyone.
spk_0: 1:9:04
Yeah. No, I never said it was gonna be an easy interview, but I think these air really core questions that
spk_1: 1:9:15
are core questions. Um, I want to say people like, uh, relationships with people really give meaning to, um, meaning to a lot of travel, because that's really aside from just the geography and the road that you're moving along, its people that, um, brings you introduces you to a different culture. Oh, are people who, um, might help you? Or that maybe you might inspire, um, people that you formed friendships with and then, like, maybe hang onto those friendships for many years to come. So connecting, connecting with people. Yeah. Okay.
spk_0: 1:10:15
What else? Biggest life lessons here. Like
spk_1: 1:10:21
that. Like life lessons? Yeah, actually,
spk_0: 1:10:24
let's go down to this one, too, because I think this is so this is such a big part of motorcycle riding is what do you need? What do you not need? You know, when you you've learned to really pare it down to what matters and
spk_1: 1:10:39
stuff, right?
spk_0: 1:10:41
Um and I don't mean what's your clothing list? But what what are the things you really need to live a, um,
spk_1: 1:10:49
meaningful life? Yeah. Yeah, I think that is. Ah, Motorcycle. is actually a very good tool for that because it does force you to, um, to look at what's in your life and way. What is important to you and the things that are important to you are the ones that you'll take with you. Um, I think for a lot of extended overland travelers, you'll find that stuff is usually not high on that list. Material possession is you, kind of. You kind of realize you don't need very much of that. It's great when you have the right stuff, like I definitely want my warm weather like my warmest year. If I'm doing a mountain pass in Colorado. So the right stuff, it's It's about finding the right the right. I don't know the right things, the right, uh, maybe even the right people. And like when you when you meet influential people and like you might meet them for just, you know, a day in afternoon and that particular interaction with that person will have such an impact on you that you you carry that with you for for a long time, even though you might have only spent like, you know, a couple hours chatting with this one or two people. Um, so again, we're coming back to the connection? Yeah, I don't know. Yeah. Oh, no. I mean, obviously, the motorcycle is not the only tool that helps, too. Filter that down. And really, it's just kind of like a focusing lens, because it limits you and again, like I I actually, uh I feel like I thrive under that kind of limitation. It's It's better for me to like. Let's start with a smaller bike where I'm not just gonna bless through everything. All right, let's start with a bike where I can't carry a lot of I can't carry everything. Um, let's start with the United States. That's a pretty big, big area. But it's good to like we'll start there and then grow from there.
spk_0: 1:13:23
Okay, Another one that I think you mentioned. This could be a fun exploration. Is magic allow for magic?
spk_1: 1:13:29
Yeah, definitely. Definitely. Leave room for magic. That that it would be I don't want to say it would be a boring trip if you plan a motorcycle get away. And, uh, everything goes according to plan. It doesn't sound very exciting. Thio could be maybe for someone else that would be like the perfect trips. Um, but I would recommend to always leave room for a mishap. Um, for a misadventure. Um, and often that makes for the best experiences. Or at least like a very good story, as long as you're not coming to, like a terrible harm.
spk_0: 1:14:18
Uh, okay,
spk_1: 1:14:19
leave room for leave room for magic.
spk_0: 1:14:22
Um, final question questions. Somebody else that wants to do this or is thinking about it especially. Well, this could apply to men and women. But since you're see, you know, since you're a woman that's traveled around Yeah, you're female. That's done this whole adventure thing. What tips would you have for others that are thinking about doing it? Like, what's,
spk_1: 1:14:49
um, a an extended motorcycle trip?
spk_0: 1:14:53
Um, so we could break that down into two parts. One would be the extended motorcycle trip, but another would be just something big you don't like. This is big. Doing a motorcycle venture is big, but they may They may have their own. Maybe to hike the Pacific Crest Trail or two, you know, go visit some country like that they've never been to in there. They've never left their state before even their town.
spk_1: 1:15:17
Definitely. Um, I think, um and I'm sure a lot of other people have said this, but picking a date is really a good way to start. Just commit to a date. And, like, tell family and friends like this is this is this is it, um otherwise, it's very easy to just, like, keep putting it off. Um, so pick a date. I think I'm That would be a great place to start. And I gotta pick a realistic date. Maybe not like tomorrow. If you don't have a driver's license and you want to write a jeep around the world or something, So do some research. Ah, into how long it would take to be about ready to go again. You'll never really be ready, but about ready and then pick a date and stick to it. Um, again, that comes back to will never really be ready. But I still don't see already a lot of times Look for any sort of big endeavor. It's ah, or even a small endeavors of like, Oh, I've totally written around New Hampshire before, and still, it's like, OK, little bit. Little bit nervous. Um but having a date to stick to and to work against, to plan against that date. Eyes, I think I found it very helpful.
spk_0: 1:16:47
Okay, so having a date and committing to it. What else?
spk_1: 1:16:51
Um, being okay with, ah, fear or nervousness. Um, because that is completely normal. If you're going somewhere outside of your comfort zone, I think it's pretty natural that you'd be nervous or a little fearful, or like, have some anxiety over it. Um,
spk_0: 1:17:19
and how can they do that? What's the process? Or do you have any tips on how to do that
spk_1: 1:17:24
for? We're overcoming that O R. Yeah.
spk_0: 1:17:28
We're just accepting it or, you know, working on getting on the other side of it.
spk_1: 1:17:34
I feel like accepting it is probably the best The best response to that, Um, I think for me, maybe recognizing that if I couldn't describe what exactly my worst case scenario is Ah, then I don't really have Ah, it's It's not a very rational fear than if I have come up with like, Oh, this is, you know, this would be the worst. Um, like, I have broken down in the rain or whatever. Um, and there's no one around to help me. And then she, like, think about that. And like exactly what I do there and to realize that, Yeah, I could probably figure something out. Um, if it is, if it's life threatening, it's kind of like, Well, obviously don't go into the desert without water. Like, don't don't be foolish, but definitely don't succumb to fear just because you're experiencing some fear
spk_0: 1:18:32
so kind of face, but except the fear. Face the fear and do it anyway. Or, um,
spk_1: 1:18:38
do it anyway. Um, yeah, I think, uh, maybe people underestimate how often I am. Ah, afraid. Maybe afraid is not the right word for it. Uh, but, you know, I I do get nervous before setting off. Apprehensive. Apprehensive, maybe. Yeah, there's still, like, a little bundle of butterflies a little. And that's part of what's so exciting about it is that, you know, it still has gets a bit of a response. Um, and I think that I don't know if I don't know if I want that to go away. I think that's part of the process. So knowing that and knowing that that doesn't mean that you know this is a terrible idea. And you shouldn't do this knowing that just having some of those butterflies is actually a good thing. Um, maybe that's helpful for some people.
spk_0: 1:19:37
Okay. And anything else,
spk_1: 1:19:41
um, who are tips for other people who are considering long haul longer since I quit. And I think I think a lot of times you'll pick up skills as you go. So having faith in having faith in yourself, trusting yourself to be capable goes a long way. And that's a difficult thing. That's a very difficult thing to internalize. Uh,
spk_0: 1:20:20
okay. Um, so people want to learn more about you. Where can they go on the Web to learn more about this?
spk_1: 1:20:28
I have, um my block is at 2 50 superhero dot com. So that will have all of my daily drawings all 430 year whatever I had some comics to about the the process before I took off. So some of the paring down is like the getting ready, I guess. Um, so there's a lot of drawings there, and I also continue to do, um, photo journal posts. So they're still updates from my latest travels up to Alaska
spk_0: 1:21:06
and Where can they see that?
spk_1: 1:21:07
Ah, all of that is that 2 50 superhero dot com.
spk_0: 1:21:10
Okay, so that's the best place to go to.
spk_1: 1:21:13
Probably, Yeah. If you're interested in my professional where you can just look up my name Stephanie, you, um, and Stephanie, you dot com is my portfolio site. Um, or you can just, like, type it into ends on and all of the books with my name on it will show up.
spk_0: 1:21:30
Okay. Stephanie's Thank you so much for your time. And, um Wow, this is exciting. I really enjoy this exploration. I will post some links. Hopefully wherever, Ah, this will be visible on my own website. What really matters? Interviews dot com and ah, there should be podcast notes and things like that. Thank you for your time. And do you know, allowing us to have a look into this? A peek into this life of yours that is really intriguing. It's firing, chatting with me. I hope I managed to answer some of your questions. I think he answered a lot of thanks for joining me on this podcast. You can listen to this and all my other podcasts and also see the video versions of them have what really matters. Interviews dot com