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I told everyone I wanted to travel across the country on my new motorcycle. I bought a 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager in late 2013. It was brand-spanking new—so new I had to take the bubble wrap off the lights.I had test-ridden a Voyager at the AMA International Women andMotorcycling Conference in Carson City, Nevada, a couple years ago and fell in love with the big bagger.I have a bad back injury, so I knew I needed a touring suspension to aid me in any kind of long distance riding.
The National Vulcan Riders and National Vulcan Baggers rally—a combined event for both groups—was held in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in July 2015. I’d heard that Arkansas was a fantastic place to ride and it was beckoning me to come. It was a lengthy ride from Arizona, but that little voice inside me said, “Kim, you’ve been talking about doing this for so long. If you don’t do it now, you’ll regret it.”
I traveled from Phoenix to Tucumcari, New Mexico, the first day—637 miles. I continued the solo journey all the way to Arkansas and let the wind clear my mind and the sun bathe me in warmth and light.
I stayed off the interstate, instead sticking with historic Route 66.I discovered ancient New Mexico lava fields and quaint roadside oddities like giant dinosaurs and Indian figures, Native American jewelry stands, gorgeous rock formations, and nostalgic Route 66 truck stops.Tucumcari itself was an oddity with numerous old buildings standing empty and crumbling like ancient ruins of the 1950s and ’60s.
Motoring through Texas the second day, I met a group of male riders at a truck stop. Their Harley-Davidsons were lined up and decked out in bullwhips and apehangers.I noticed one of the bikers had a Marine Corps patch on his vest, so I stuck out my hand to shake his and thanked him for his service.We shared great conversation, and it turned out that many of the club members were veterans. As a disabled veteran and former Navy combat photographer, it was easy for me to strike up conversation and share stories with them. I rode 384 miles with them to Edmund, Oklahoma.
After visiting an old friend for the night, I pointed myself toward Eureka Springs and began the final 248 miles to my destination. The roads to Eureka Springs were twisty, and the scenery was breathtaking. When I arrived, I was gladly received by two of my Pheonix club members, Hornet and John.
The rides over the next couple days were unforgettable. Teri Conrad, editor of Riders of Kawasakis (ROK) Accelerate magazine at the time, suggested a ride to Jasper, Arkansas. The route was called the “Jasper Disaster.” She told us the famous Ozark Cafe was there, and the road was a very twisty—a challenge to ride even for experienced riders. The ride sounded like a great idea, and I was up to the challenge.
I traversed the Ozarks with my friends, riding through valleys and little towns, passing lakes and rivers, crossing bridges, and navigating through farmland, finally arriving in Jasper. Adrenaline coursed though my veins. It was one of the most memorable rides of my life. The return ride to Eureka Springs was just as amazing, and the view of the Ozark Grand Canyon is one that I’ll never forget.
On the final night, participants gathered for the rally banquet dinner and I had a great time talking with Vulcan riders from all over the United States and Canada. I was also lucky enough to win a raffle prize—a Kawasaki Vulcan leather jacket and a motorcycle cover!
I learned a number of lessons on my first cross-country trip. Here are my top three.
1. I learned to speak up and be friendly with strangers in safe places as you never know what you might have in common, other than a mutual love for motorcycles.
2. I also realized the importance of rekindling friendships even though I thought too much time had passed by.
3. My biggest realization was not to fear the unknown road ahead of me, but to change my mindset and see life as a new, discoverable adventure instead of a risk.
Now that I’ve done a cross-country trip, I say, “Go for it!” Stop talking, start planning, and get on your bikes and ride! It’s amazing what you can discover about yourself when you take the leap of faith and just go for it.
Do you have a story to share? Please send it to us, but read these submission guidelines first.
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I ride a Kawasaki Super Sherpa 250 dual sport and did a solo trip from Indiana to Colorado. I returned home with my husband hauling the bike on a trailer due to a time constraint. The trip was amazing even though I lost my wallet with all my identification, credit cards, and all but $27.60. It made for a challenge but I got by with the kindness of strangers.Two years later I completed a solo round trip from Indiana to Colorado and Wyoming. I learned from my previous trip and separated necessary funds and ID into different pockets. Again, the trip was amazing. It’s been two years since my last big trip and I’m ready to go again, I’m just not sure where I’m headed.
At 57 I’m taking my first solo trip in two weeks. Leaving from Cypress, TX, and not knowing which route I will take. In no particular order I plan to visit cousins in Sulphur and New Orleans, LA, visit my best friend’s grave site and her mother in Tuscaloosa, AL, visit my brother and his family in Brentwood, TN, ride Tail of the Dragon, and hopefully take some pictures, which I’m real bad at doing. Hopefully, I will see parts of Arkansas, too.
Have a great trip, Pam! Do you best to snap some pictures, so you can look back at them and relive the ride for years to come.
My husband has the exact same Voyager year and color. Wow, I am amazed that you ride that heavy bike. My husband dropped his right at the dealership as he was picking up the brand new bike. He still has a problem with his arm from straining to hold it up. He complains all the time how heavy it is but said it was the best riding one he has owned. I refuse to ride on it with him because he can’t handle the weight. I had a Harley Softail Deluxe but now I ride a Can-Am Spyder RT.
Love to hear about women riders. I am going to be 67 in a couple months. I am planning my ride from Arizona to Iowa for my 50th class reunion next year. I am planning no freeways and looking for sights to see along the way. Can hardly wait.
Hi Kim! Thanks for sharing this story. I’ve been back and forth so much in my head about doing a long distance cross-country type trip solo. It doesn’t help that friends/family are in my head saying I’m crazy for thinking it too. I ride solo almost all the time and want to travel so much more on my motorcycle. You’ve definitely inspired me! Thanks!
I am 59 and wanted to do a cross-country before 60. I will be leaving in about two weeks from Calif. I cannot believe it is here after planning for the last six months. I am hoping to meet up with some of the Sisters’ Centennial Ride on my way back west. I have to say I am battling some of the fears of the unknown but I know that once I get going that should pass. Weather is also a concern, but I need to take it one day at a time, right?The stories on this site along with historical women riders has definitely inspired me. I will be taking that inspiration with me.Away I go. and hope to see some of you out there! The Coral Mustang.
Kim, I have to say that your story made my morning. First, I too ride a Kawasaki touring bike and I’ve never seen another woman on one so that was what originally captured my attention. Second, I’ve been mulling over a solo trip from Colorado to Minnesota, but kept making excuses for not going. Your story has re-energized me to take a chance. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Your story is so inspiring. I love that you did solo touring on your big bike. I’ve always wanted to do long trips, but my long trips will be either on my Suzuki Gixxer 750 or my Yamaha FZ6R. There’s nothing quite like adventure on the back of a motorcycle.
Fantastic! You are so right … don’t be afraid, just do it! Congratulations on your wonderful trip! Your memories will last forever.
I loved Kim’s story of riding solo to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, from Arizona. I especially liked that she had the courage to do this with a bad back and being 50-plus years old.I’m 71 years old and still ride (Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer) but am hesitant to ride long distances and overnight alone — would love to ride with even just one person.My body stiffens up after riding about one hour, so I do not ride in a group for long distances. Don’t want to ask group to stop for my stretch breaks every hr.I so admire women who have conquered their fears and did it anyway.Congrats to Kim.
Inspiring story. I do want to be brave and do the same but my fear is, well the nasty types out there. But really I guess the hardest thing is a smaller bike and having big panniers, etc. A standard Bonneville is hardly a touring bike but I love my Bonnie. Have been looking at tiny cargo trailers as I have lowered my bike so I can tippy toe the ground. A whole 5 feet tall. Did you have any bike troubles or flat tire or anything? Hit wild storms? Ha, ha, all of those I fear. Maybe at a mere four years older I too should be brave and just head out.
Kat,You might be inspired by this woman who did a solo tour of the U.S. on her Bonneville. You can read her story here.