It’s been three weeks since I returned home.

I still can’t believe how much fun I had

…how much I enjoyed riding alone, on the open road, for days at a time

…how much variety I saw in geography and climate

…how many mental blocks and challenges I overcame

…how much I improved as a rider

…how much confidence I gained

…how much I learned about myself

If I could do it all over again, there is almost nothing I would change. Though I don’t like always sticking to a tight schedule, it worked very well for a trip like this.

My only regret is a small one – I was a little too focused on the destinations, and didn’t take enough time to stop and truly enjoy what was around me.

Next time, I’ll make my max days a tiny bit shorter. I really would have liked to spend more then 40 minutes sitting on the beach by the ocean, but my schedule for the day made any more time then that impossible.

For the first time since I started riding three years ago, I feel like a “real” rider. While most people on the forums I frequent have done trips far longer and more difficult then this one, the fact remains that a vast majority of bike riders will never venture out like this.

For better or worse, I feel like this trip legitimized me as a rider, and for that and so much more, it’s an adventure that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

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My bike, a 2008 Suzuki GSX650F, was an amazing companion throughout the trip. Always firing right up every morning, raring to go, she was comfortable, plenty quick, and a barrel of fun for the entire journey.

A problem with handlebar positioning was the only fly in the ointment, leaving me with a left shoulder problem that is only now beginning to clear up, three weeks later.

I honestly can’t imagine a better bike for this ride. It provided an absolutely perfect balance of touring capabilities, and sporting fun. If you’re looking for a bike that will handle this kind of riding, I can wholeheartedly recommend the GSX650F. She’s a winner and a keeper.