A week without motorcycling, oh my!

I really wanted to ride out to Arizona to attend Overland Expo, but the weather just wasn’t cooperating for leaving the Midwest. Of course, once out here, the weather is fine, just fine. Perfect for riding.

Having a need to sit on a motorcycle, I went window shopping. Well, not window shopping, I actually went inside and sat on a few. The BMW shop is nice, but not exactly what I’m looking for. But, I found exactly what I was looking for at Arizona Superbike and more. Just inside the door sat one of the new Triumph Tiger 800s, a white one.

The salesman, Greg, was quite helpful. The first thing he said was, “Throw a leg over it.” So I did. Comfortable. It sits just a little taller than my V-Strom. The Tiger 800XC would sit just a little taller due to its off-road nature. Everything I’ve read is that this bike is the next big one. Just like the V-Strom 650 has been for the past five years.

Another couple had questions about a different bike, and Greg stepped away. I wandered around the showroom, looking at the rest of the offerings. I turned around a divider wall into another area and my heart stopped. There in front of me were three Moto Guzzi V7 Classics—black, white and one in the Café version green. I took a picture with the camera phone, but the quality was not good, nor the angle. So I grabbed a photo from the Moto Guzzi web site.

I have had thoughts before about flying to Arizona, buying a bike and riding it home. Having ridden the route twice before, it would be easy if the bike had a proper break-in. The dealer told me how I could do that. That’s tempting.

See you on the highway.

Brent

Empty ball fields where the pros used to play

The Arizona Diamondbacks used to have a training facility in Tucson. I had visited on several occasions to photograph. However, the Diamondbacks built a new training facility in Scottsdale, and the ball fields, although very well kept, seem silent.

With my travels to Arizona, I stopped at the training facility to reminisce and photograph.

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Brent

The bags are packed for Overland Expo

The bags are packed, and as usual, it’s probably more gear than I really need to take. Tomorrow, I’ll head out for Amado, Arizona, and the 3rd annual Overland Expo, where adventurers are gathering to learn from each other, April 1-3.

When the adventure is over, I’ll post an article. If you want to follow along, the only way to stay informed is to subscribe to the Studio News. I am giving my subscribers the first updates to the stories in return for their faithful following.

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Brent

Travel begins with a solid Travelosophy

The latest Studio News has been issued, discussing travelosophy—the philosophy of travel, where all good travels begin. Rather than repeating myself, read the Studio News. AND, don’t forget to subscribe because the next issue of the Studio News, is a Sojourn Chronicles Special Report exclusively for Studio News subscribers. It’s all about travel and adventure. It’s free … the subscription, that is.

See you on the highway.

Brent

The first full day of Spring

The temperature increases dramatically from yesterday as a warm front rises from the south. Mostly light clouds pass overhead in a light breeze.

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The mid afternoon brings darker skies and distant sounds like big trucks passing on the highway, but there are no trucks. Finally, the crack and rumble gives away the ominous presence of thunderstorms.

The wind picks up as the rain begins and then pours. Pea-sized hail slams against the house and onto the patio. Lightning illuminates the skyline.

Almost as quickly as it came, the storm passes and sunshine is peaking through.

Brent