Why am I doing this?

I am a historian. I am a political scientist. I am an adventurer. I am a motorcyclist.

While these things do not define me, they provide an outlet for that which does define me
...a constant and unrelenting desire to know.

One approach to inquiry is founded in experiential learning--to do is to know.  I want to experience the political history and culture of the United States of America.  The world is an amazing place, with amazing people, but I can't explore that yet...what what I can explore is my own corner.  And I can do it in a way that gives me freedom...on two wheels.

This, my lonely blog, is intended to tell the story of American History a few miles--and a few smiles--at a time.  Sometimes with people I love; sometimes alone.  They both have their merit.

In many ways the travels are very much a pursuit of emptiness, not fulfillment.  The goal is to detach from the present and the expectations I have of myself or those of others.  To empty oneself of the weight that is carried.  Travel permits the shedding of daily routines and forces the traveler--when done right--to become the new center of the universe which moves around them and without them.  

The blog was inspired by my one of my favorite people on the planet, Jason Bragg.  It also helps that he rides too...