Powers-Levy - The Great Northwest Motorcycle Adventure
My 100 Day Motorcycle Adventure - Rani Levy
CHAPTER 1 - DISASTER, OR AN OPPORTUNITY?
The covid-19 pandemic destroyed my tour company. For more than 30 years I brought thousands of people on special tours I organized, mostly to Israel, Turkey, Greece & Jordan. By Spring 2020 my business has been wiped out. I knew then, it will be at least 2023 or 04', before large institutional groups start travelling again internationally. I didn't really know what to do about all that, but I knew what I always wanted to do - and never made time for...
CHAPTER 2 - BYE!
When I boarded the flight from Tel-Aviv to Newark, people thought I lost my mind. It was something you just don't do, back then in June 2020. Ben-Gurion Airport was empty. Not a soul. I really started to doubt a flight to Newark will leave from this empty place in two hours. Suddenly a nice United Airlines agent showed up and checked-in all 6 passengers. There were more crew members than passengers on that flight.
Over the years I landed or connected at Newark Airport more than 100 times. Always chaotic, making way amongst insane crowds and full flights. But now, silence. Not a soul. Newark airport, empty. The flight to Seattle, empty. When I got to "Baggage Claim" at SEATAC airport, I was alone waiting for my luggage.
Two hours after I landed in Seattle I opened up my tiny storage unit and pulled out my 2014 VSTROM1000. The bike, with hardly 4,000 miles on it, practically new. If I got to ride it 5 days a year, it was a celebration. Buying this bike to begin with was done in haste back then in 2015..., and I didn't get to use it as much as I thought I will when I bought it. But suddenly, it all made sense.
When I embarked on this trip I thought "Ahhh, 7 to 10 days, max!". After all, I never rode for more than 3 consecutive days and I thought a whole week, day after day, will be enough.
After about 6 days on the bike, I was addicted. I just couldn't get enough of it. On the 7th day of riding I called home and said I'm extending my trip indefinitely. I left Seattle and rode the ONP area and travelled the spectacular HWY20 all the way to Spokane. In Winthrop, WA, I set up a tent and slept by a river for the first time in maybe... 15 years. It felt so amazing. Later on, I travelled breathtaking parts of Idaho, Montana and Utah. The Cedar City area, Moab - and the stunning parks around it..., all incredibly gorgeous places.
To wear the same shirt for three days, and not care. To be up on my feet all day and till late at night, and not care. To be thirsty, hungry, very hot or freezing cold - sometimes all on the same day, and not care. What a feeling of freedom, and a scent of nature that gets under your skin more and more each day.
On day 26 (!!!) of the trip, I parked my bike at a friends' house in San-Francisco. I serviced the bike at a local dealership, put new tires, and went back home.
CHAPTER 3 - I THINK I AM SICK 😊
During this trip I rode about 7,000 miles, in 26 days. I returned home to a 14 day quarantine on my sweet balcony. A long rest was forced on me and gradually I started reflecting on my amazing experiences more and more. As the weeks went by, I started realizing what a huge journey I just came back from.
During the months after my return the virus had burst. It turned out I have been a carrier but I didn't know it. Suddenly I started to have those annoying 'ticks' in my left foot, as asking to switch gears on my bike. Occasionally, my right hand wrist would make imaginary moves as in squeezing of the throttle, even when I was taking a shower. One day I was stuck in a car in heavy traffic in Munich, and I could swear that while I was waiting for a green light, I suddenly saw a huge Elk and a Black Bear in front of me, sitting in a beautiful pond by a waterfall. I could not stop thinking about the great outdoors, and the joy of being on a bike for days, day after day. By late 2021 it was already certain - I am sick, and I am in critical condition! 😊
CHAPTER 4 - YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE !
In July last year I flew out again straight to my friends' house in San-Francisco. This time everything felt more confident. I already knew what 26 days on a bike feel like and decided to ride for about 4-5 weeks.
The meeting with my VSTROM 1000 was very different this time. A feeling of hugs and kisses and true joy to see him again. I connected the battery and he started in one gentle press on the ignition. Even after many months covered in the back yard, he was ready to go in a second. Last time I had no feelings towards him..., "it's just a bike", I thought. But now, I was really happy to see him. All shiny and ready for the task. So muscular and fit. Young, yet experienced. And so he greeted me too, with a loving smile, like a faithful dog that hasn't seen his master for sometime.
"Such rubbish", I spoke to myself. Personification of a motorcycle always seemed to me like a pretty dumb thing to do. Especially when they are given names of women. I mean, what is so feminine about a pile of steel with a leather seat??? If I ever give a name to my bike, I thought, it will not be a name of a woman. It will be a name of a horse. A black horse. A horse that is just like him, shiny black, strong yet humble and obedient. Just wanting to give and never asks for a thing. Quiet, confident and always wants to run wild. Both he and I know what he can do..., but he will do only what I tell him to.
This time was much more planned and professional. "YESS! I AM BACK" , I used to scream to myself inside the helmet. Back to the wilderness, the breathtaking views and living off of the bike day after day. I felt my proficiency is improving each day. My riding became so perfect, defensive, cautious and relaxing. Enjoying the power of the engine when obvious and safe to do, and not doing anything that will put me at risk, ever. Stopping frequently, breathing slowly and deeply. No rush, no worries.
One of my achievements were - not buying anything. At all! I realized I perfected my packing list so well, weeks on the bike and I literally don't ever stop to buy anything, except Gas and food.
The gear performed superbly. We already know at our age..., go with the best. Camping cot, mattress, pillow and a sleeping bag, a 1 person tent. A large tarp, flare gun, saw, working gloves, all kitchen utensils and cooking stuff, 2 small stoves, my favorite coffee and special pot for brewing, my great FUJI XT3 and 2 lenses, 25m' rope, 3 small camping lamps and 2 flashlights, emergency food and water for 24 hours that I never touch, "commando" knife, iPad, spare iPhone, chargers and power bank, trash bags, cutting board, shaving kit, a couple shirts, a pair of shorts and sandals. I even had one dress shirt and dress shoes, in case I am going out at night somewhere or visiting someone's house. And of course, special maps I carried with me, of the most scenic roads in the Northwest. This became an amazing asset that will take me on unforgettably gorgeous routes. All those 'goodies', were neatly stored in 3 Givi "Trekker" aluminum panniers, and also, a 90L duffle bag which I strapped on the seat behind me.
On this (second) trip I ended up riding 15,000 miles, and it ended up lasting 72 days. I spent a total of 22 nights in a tent and the rest in hotels, motels, small inns or someone's backyard.
CHAPTER 5 - "AMMMERICA..." - SUCH A BEAUTIFUL LAND
I was fortunate to have traveled to many countries. I have been to the USA and Canada a hundred times. I visited Mexico, Cuba, India, Thailand, Mexico, Guatemala, Uganda and Benin, and countless times in most countries in Europe. I can say without hesitation: As far as 'Genesis' type scenery, huge trees and endless forestry, unimaginable geological phenomenon, vast mountains and trillions of Gallons an hour flowing everywhere around you... there is no, just no-second, to the breathtaking views of Northwestern United States. Almost unfair... 😊
If you had to rate the world's prettiest roads, a third of them, are in the Northwest. If you had to list the 20 most beautiful National Parks on the planet, half of them, are in the Northwestern USA. The impossible canyons of Utah, The Cascades of Washington State, incredible history in Idaho and gigantic bears and all types of deer. 50 meter high trees, is Northern California. The largest hot air Balloon Festival, is in Albuquerque New-Mexico. A coffee shop that sells guns and carrot cake, incredible Mexican food. Old, abandoned 19 century Goldmines - turned into bicycle trails of dozens of miles. Beautiful and well maintained trails everywhere, long, or short, easy or moderate, but so pretty when you get to the end of the trail or reach a summit, a pond or a waterfall - you just want to sit there for the rest of your life. This is how beautiful some of them were.
The moment I finished an unpaved trail in the middle of nowhere, 103 miles long and without falling! The stop I made on top a beautiful forest route and suddenly two black bears stared at me from 30 meters..., leaving my heart racing like crazy before disappearing back in the woods. The anonymous gentleman who paid for my breakfast and left without saying a word, because he heard I was from Israel. The great guy who hosted me in his tiny home and told me about his 15 years in prison for cocking meth. 😲 And on and on and on..., just like that. Incredible encounters and experiences, day after day after day. And all this nestled in wide open spaces everywhere, incredible roads, spotless clean trails and campgrounds, and very friendly people. You just stop aside for a moment to zip up your coat or look at your map, and immediately someone will stop and offer help. Quiet and peace in campgrounds. No music, no yelling or drunk people. Often in some campgrounds, the next tent next to mine was half a kilometer away... Many motorcycle riders, small groups, large groups, women only, guys only, gay only and anything in between. Motorcycle heaven.
When I returned home from this second, long trip. I was in complete euphoria. I feel blessed and fortunate way and beyond and so thankful I had the privilege to enjoy riding a motorcycle in such an epic way.
My first trip, was 26 days. My second trip, was 72 days.
In total, In a few months I got to ride over 31,000 Kms in 100 days on the road .
CHAPTER 6 - SAFETY AND ENDLESS RULES
During the first two days of my first trip I was not organized too well and too many little mishaps started to mount. I freaked out from a few of them, and decided to just STOP, and start all over. I decided to sit in a small hotel for a day and write all my "RULES" that can never, ever be broken. I have a new game now and it's called: "Nothing should happen to me!". And a game, as we know, has rules. I started to write them down. I started creating the safety rules I should never break no matter what. Keep in mind that in many areas I was out of cellular reception and huge distances between services. Each move had to be carefully checked out for gas and road conditions. No error for mistake in those places. I'll share a few of those rules:
* Every morning starts with a quick coffee and 5-8 minutes of a a few push-ups and
some stretching exercises. (Even when camping).
* After a quick breakfast and folding up everything, a thorough walk around around the
bike, following a strict list of what to check. Make sure all my gear is neatly packed,
pockets zipped, and everything is tucked away nice and tight.
* Another few minutes of meditation about the route for today, picture a relaxed steady
riding pace, and reminding myself that my only mission today, is to arrive safely at my
destination.
* Read about the places I stop for lunch. I had incredible experiences thanks to this rule.
* Always decide where I spend the night by 2PM, and always be there 2 hours before
sunset. NEVER ride at night! Riding at night on a long trip like that is very dangerous and
for many reasons.
* Always carry 2 phones with me. Never use navigation if not absolutely needed. No music
no ear buds, no gadgets. Eyes on the road, hands on the handlebar.
* Whenever I leave the bike, I take my "DOOMSDAY" backpack with me. This where I
have everything I need to survive 24 hours, if when I come back to the bike it is gone..., or
nicely going up in flames front of my eyes for whatever reason. In that backpack was 2
bottles of water 2 energy bars, a Flare gun, Wallet, Passport, drivers license, and a picture
of how the bike looked when I left it. Nothing like that ever happened. But I knew if it
would, I'm well prepared. It gave me such peace, not to care about the bike when I leave
it.
* Never "just daydream". Whenever alone in the campsite or hotel - be purposeful. During
my many lonely nights I made myself a rule to dedicate the evening to something, or
someone. Not just stare at the fire, but dedicate the night to a friend, to the future of
mankind, to someone I lost, another item to my "bucket list", or my family. And not
only think about it, but do something about it later. Those were the most precious
hours.
* Physiology: Practice good maintenance. Good sleep, drink a lot of water, a balanced
nutrition, and feel good and strong - all the time. Not drinking, not smoking.
All those rules came up from my military experiences, the Cessna 172 checklist, and 35 of years riding motorcycles. I decided to approach this as a "regime" I have to keep "religiously", or I am not worthy of this trip. This is how I felt. If I don't bother to check the air pressure every morning on a trip like that - I am not worthy of riding a bike. Respect for what you are doing is key. The elements. My mind. My body, my power. Neglecting one of those rules, may be the mistake that will 'get me'..., my danger or the catastrophe I could have prevented.
During those trips I replaced once the 90L duffle bag I had. The zipper popped out and I had to get another one. One time I dropped my expensive sports glasses into a little creek at the Columbia River Gorge. It felt so cool to get back to the bike, and pull out the spare glasses I had with me. One day one of the 3 straps holding the duffle bag got torn. I felt so professional pulling out another new ROK strap, and solving the problem immediately.
Despite of my disciplines which I went out of my way to keep, a couple of times I screwed up. On one day I got carried away and had to ride into the night. The result was almost deadly. I ran over a dead deer that was probably ran over and killed moments before I rode all over the poor thing. On another instance, I got to my destination freezing cold and hungry and so tired after 11 hours of riding. "NEVER RIDE AT NIGHT" was one of my rules, right? Both events ended "ok"..., but each one of them could have ended in a catastrophe. One morning when I loaded my cases I noticed that one of 4 mounts holding the right side case, is a bit too lose. "I'll fix it later today", I said to myself. Four hours later on a fast highway, I hit a bump on the road while at high speed on a slight curved highway. Suddenly, I noticed that right side GIVI TREKKER case - passing me on the road to the right of me..., then banging into the safety rail on the side. Luckily, there was no one around, and I mounted the case back, and fixed everything in the nearby town. "My rules are working", I though to myself..., but only if I follow them. I should have NEVER left the parking lot that morning, until that screw was tightened. I think I can write a book about how most accidents are known in advance and show right at our face as a warning - we chose to just ignore. Fascinating stuff. In Ketchum, Idaho I read about Hemmingway's lost suitcase. Incredible stuff, talking about safety and accidents. I highly recommend reading some of the many articles written about this.
CHAPTER 7 - THE EXPERIENCE ONLY GROWS.
I feel that during my 100 days on the bike I marked the best 100 days anyone can ride in North America. You can not fit a prettier and more serene view than what I did, anywhere else in the USA, Plain and simple. Gushing waters, dark forests, abundance of wildlife and top notch infrastructure everywhere. Without intending to sound arrogant, I feel I have done what most bikers always dream about. My self imposed relaxed riding regime, pretty good planning and endless rules, made the trip fun, comfortable and safe.
CHAPTER 8 - YES, HE DESERVES TO HAVE A NAME!
And YES! He deserves it! Stupid or not, that's how I felt. One night I sat on my folding chair at the campground and looked at him. The fire flames reflecting gently on the black, shiny gas tank. I dedicated tonight's fire camp to him - my faithful VSTROM 1000.
I reflected on all the twisty roads, high mountains, the Oregon Heat wave (118F !!), thousands of "stop N' goes", several ABS interventions - and he is always there for me. Humble, obedient, accurate and even quite handsome. And the main thing? Never asks for anything.., he just wants to run free, like a horse. A black, loyal and strong horse.
His name will be "TORONADO", (Zoro's horse). Now, I am dumb like the others. My motorcycle has a name, and he deserves it!
CHAPTER 9 - "SO WHAT NOW?"
As I shared earlier, each evening was dedicated to something, or someone. As the weeks went by and I got closer towards what felt like the end of this trip, I started to think more and more about... "what's next"?
After all these insane experiences, after months of me and Toronado carving the most epic rides America has to offer - what do I do next? What could be MORE ? MORE WHAT? More Days? More Miles? No matter how hard I thought about what "BIGGER" adventure I can now do after all this, the SMALLER everything felt.
And then came the answer!
I don't want anything that is "MORE", or "BIGGER". I don't need a longer tour. What suddenly came to me as the ultimate thing I can ever do with all this - was:
SHARE THIS WITH OTHERS!
I made two big decisions as for me next adventure:
1. Next time, I will not be alone. I will get 6-8 guys to go on an amazing journey with me,
in the most magical routes I have ridden.
2. It will be a tour of 27 days. I'm gonna take the 100 days I rode and mix them up with the
200 days my buddy Ron Powers rode, and together, we'll make the best 27 day route
anyone can ever ride in North America.
We may not take you to the most "famous" (or crowded..) National Parks. But we will take you through the prettiest roads, unique campsites, dozens of cute little spots, and day after day, immerse in some of the most beautiful scenery in Northwestern America. Hidden Gems, with quality company of a select group of guys..., guys who like People, Nature and motorcycles - and in that order... 😊
CHAPTER 10 - WHAT AN AWESOME DREAM
"Next time, I will not be alone". That, was what I was looking for. Something that is not bigger or longer or more dangerous - but something more relaxed, mature, respectful and deep. Respectful of the need to come back home safe, respect to the others in the group, and respect to the incredible creation of our universe. I know that sharing with others the joy of riding in spectacular landscapes, is a gift we don't only give others, but will be something incredibly rewarding for Ron and I.
I can't wait to see us arrive at our camping site, taking our helmets off with a big smile, and helping out to make dinner. What a joy. To walk a trail together and pull out our coffee kit for everyone. To go out to a little diner somewhere and enjoy a beer and share our life stories. Or making it to the summit of "Smith Rock" in Oregon, and not wanting to ever go back down...
No other "trip" on the market offers such a comprehensive and long experience. Almost a whole month of pure bliss..., the fantasy of anyone who ever rode a motorcycle. We are not a "tour", we are an EXPEDITION, a group of 6-8 guys who got together to turn their life long dream to an epic reality. We will indulge in nature, friendships and great bikes, in the prettiest roads on the planet - no less. We'll get a few guys together who accept these two important principals:
* We ride daily as a group, and according to all traffic rules. This is not the trip for speeding
and driving carelessly. We ride a solid and safe pace, as a group, all the time. We may
reach some nice speeds in many places where safe and obvious..., but other than that our
riding will be defensive, dynamic, aware and proficient. (Group riding practices will be
discussed and shared several times before the tour leaves). We come to ride safe, to enjoy
the wind, to make frequent stops, to "smell the flowers" as they say, and also, learn to
know and enjoy the new friends we all just made.
** The second thing - BE NICE!. Be nice even if something went a little wrong, or it's just
not your best day. Be kind, and share your stories, your wisdom and experiences with
the others in the group. Bring yourself to the group with a musical instrument, a special
story, group dynamics or a game. Or tell us about your work or your family. All this by
a quiet and magical fire pit, or an evening at a park, or at one of the AbnB we'll stay in.
This is not the typical "motorcycle tour". It is month long journey that combines quite a few nights under the stars, great company and epic roads. It is perfect for the type of people who live for unique, unusual experiences.
CHAPTER 11 - COME WITH US!
If you like what you read and feel you'd love to be a part of this amazing trip, please contact us soon.
You may text RANI LEVY, mobile: + 972 50 5240809 , or email: ranal@netvision.net.il
Things you may want to know... :
* This tour is made for all people who have a motorcycle license for a bike larger than a
500CC. Even if you didn't ride for a few years, if you feel confident enough to get on a
good bike and ride for days, most likely you'll be ok. We will recommend several practice
and certification ideas for less experienced riders, that will help them prepare well for
this kind of trip.
* To keep a unique atmosphere and a good riding cluster, we will limit this trip to 6 to 8
participants.
* The the tour will be 27 days long and will start and end in San-Francisco, or Seattle, USA.
* The price will be finalized soon. It will include:
A brand new motorcycle rental, motorcycle Insurance and USA "tags", Gas, Generous
breakfasts and dinners each day, all new and name brand RIDING GEAR, 20 nights in
Hotels in a single (private) hotel room. We will also spend about 7-10 nights in a private
tent in select campgrounds. A "Chase Truck" with a driver and all gear waiting for us
everywhere, emergency bag, ICE BOXES, and so much more. (Price will be available
soon).
A little about Ron Powers (54) and Rani Levy (57):
Ron lives near Tacoma Washington USA. Ron has been a high ranking fire-fighter officer at the Tacoma Fire Department for many years, and rides a HONDA Africa-Twin 1100. Ron has ridden over 50,000 miles across America in the past 2 years, sleeping mostly in small motels and camping out.
Rani lives in Israel, near Tel-Aviv. Rani has been involved in bringing professional interest group on specialty tours from the USA, to mostly - Turkey Greece and Israel. During the pandemic, Rani rode over 30,000 miles across the USA on a Suzuki VSTROM 1000, and in Israel Rani rides a 2022 Moto Guzzi V85tt.
Both of us are married with grown up children, and both of us love riding motorcycles in wild open spaces, and have been riding all types of bikes for many years.
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