The only thing holding you back is you.

Total Miles = Approximately 3,500
Top Speed = No idea
Tanks of gas = Approximately 2 per day
# of Restaurants during trip = 2
# of nights in a hotel during trip = 1
Things I need to add to the bike = Voltmeter
Would I do it again = can I leave now?


This trip can be summed up as fantastic. It took many twists and turns along the way but it taught me lot about me, my bike and people.

About me…

I really like independence. I can honestly say that I did not get lonely once and enjoyed the challenge of having to do it by myself. Yes, there were times I got nervous and had to push to ride across northern Maine, go over the Confederation Bridge into PEI, or figure out how to get a 850 lbs bike out of the water and mud of a camp site. As the trip progressed however, I became more and more confident. It was more a mental exercise than physical. If there is any downside to this trip it is that I learnt how much I enjoyed riding solo.

About the bike…

This trip was completed on a 2007 Honda Gold Wing. Wonderful bike and built for this type of ride. At one of my stops I was asked about the bike; “it can go a lot longer in a day than I can” was my reply. It just goes. The 1800 cc, V6 engine if very smooth whether you are traveling through the back roads of St Johns or cruising the highway. The low center of gravity makes it very maneuverable. The one thing I would change would be the range of the gas tank. While it is nice to get off every 100 miles or so a 240 mile range some times leaves you thinking about gas more than you would like.

About people…

If I had to pick one thing about this trip that I enjoyed the most it would have to be the people I met along the way. I read a book on touring before I left and there was a chapter on riding as a group or individually. The book talked about how much more approachable you are individually. This is so true. I was overwhelmed by the interest and generosity of the people while I was on the road. The gas station guy leaving the lights on for me, the history lesson of St. Johns, the offers of dinners, the advice about the (lack of) gas stations on a certain route all contributed to the success of the trip.

I have been asked many times how I was able to take the time to do this trip. Two people made it possible. Cathy – “you have two weeks, enjoy” and Henry – vacation request approved. Some people have said they wish they could do it, or wished they would have the guts to try and my answer is always the same:

The only thing holding you back is you.