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Imagine an adventure that pushes your limits—a journey of six weeks enduring relentless 100-degree heat, grueling 10-hour days, and the continuous abuse of both body and gear. Showers? Rare. Meals? Repetitive and bland. Nights? Spent sleeping on the ground, exposed to the elements, no matter the weather. Does that sound brutal? Challenging? Intriguing?
Now, let me sell you a different adventure. Imagine six weeks spent with one of your best friends, exploring hidden corners of America, places most people only ever see in pictures. A challenge that only a few hundred riders take on each year, filled with moments of pure exhilaration and accomplishment. Picture yourself swimming in pristine lakes and streams, cooking meals over an open fire, and sleeping beneath a blanket of stars in some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country.
Now, what if I told you both experiences are one and the same? That the struggle and the beauty go hand in hand, forging a journey unlike any other. Let’s talk about the TransAmerica Trail.
The TransAmerica Trail (TAT) is the ultimate cross-country motorcycle adventure, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in North Carolina to the Pacific Coast in Oregon. Designed primarily for dual-sport motorcycles, the trail covers over 5,000 miles of diverse terrain, including mountain trails, sandy deserts, dense forests, and remote backcountry routes. The TAT is a self-guided adventure, allowing riders to experience the thrill of off-pavement travel while exploring hidden gems across the country. Whether you’re an experienced motorcyclist or a newcomer to long-distance riding, the TransAmerica Trail promises an unforgettable journey.
The TransAmerica Trail (TAT) was created by Sam Correro in 1984 when he set out to chart a cross-country route that avoided highways and large cities. His goal was to find off-pavement roads that would allow motorcyclists to experience the backcountry of America. Correro initially wanted to ride across Mississippi without using major highways. As he explored, he kept detailed notes and mapped out roads that led him further west. Since its inception, the TAT has expanded beyond its original route which did not actually transit coast to coast. Riders now have access to additional spurs that extend the trail to Port Orford, OR and allow riders to start in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Some people say I’m crazy for wanting to take on this adventure at 45, but for me, this journey is more than just a ride—it’s the realization of a dream I’ve nurtured for nearly 15 years. The thought of embarking on the TransAmerica Trail has lingered in my mind, growing from a distant goal to an undeniable calling. Now, the time has come to turn that vision into reality. I know there will be moments when I question my sanity, when exhaustion and uncertainty creep in, and when the trail tests not just my skills but my resolve. But that’s the beauty of an adventure like this—it pushes limits, challenges perceptions, and rewards persistence. This ride isn’t just about crossing miles on a map; it’s about embracing the unknown, connecting with the land, and discovering something deeper within myself. I’d love to share the reasons why this journey matters to me, and perhaps, in doing so, you’ll find something that resonates with you too.
1. Ultimate Adventure & Challenge
The TransAmerica Trail is a true test of endurance and skill, offering rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and remote landscapes. Completing the trail is an incredible accomplishment that pushes riders far beyond their comfort zones.
I’ve owned motorcycles and been riding since I was 16, but this is the first adventure bike I’ve ever had. My 2016 Kawasaki KLR 650 has been with me since new, and if I had to guess, my on-road to off-road ratio is somewhere around 90:10. While I love off-road riding, finding quality trails without spending hours—or even days—getting to them is challenging where I live on the East Coast of Virginia. Most of my shorter motorcycle camping trips have been heavily asphalt-based, with only a sprinkle of dirt. But on this journey, I’m determined to flip that ratio—more dirt, more adventure, and more technical riding.
Beyond just the thrill of exploration, I’m craving more demanding terrain, and the TAT delivers. We’ll be summiting 13,000-foot passes in Colorado, tackling the unforgiving heat and sand of Utah’s deserts, and navigating the rugged ups and downs of the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. I know there will be challenges—we’ll make mistakes, we’ll drop the bikes, and we’ll push ourselves to the limit. But with every mile, we’ll sharpen our skills, adapt to the conditions, and grow stronger as riders. By the end of this journey, I know we’ll not only complete the trail but emerge more capable, confident, and ready for whatever adventure comes next.
2. Bonding & Camaraderie
Whether you ride solo or with a group, the TransAmerica Trail (TAT) connects you with like-minded riders, friendly locals, and unforgettable encounters. Many riders form deep bonds along the way, sharing stories, offering support, and embracing the sense of camaraderie that comes with tackling such an epic adventure.
For this journey, I’ll be riding alongside Greg, an old Navy friend with whom I’ve shared more than a decade of experiences. We’ve traveled the world together, seen and done things that most wouldn’t believe, and developed a strong mutual understanding that makes us an ideal riding pair. For a trip like this, having a partner who shares a similar mindset is critical—someone who understands both the excitement and the challenges ahead. Over time, distance pulled us apart, and we hadn’t kept in touch as much as we used to. But I’m excited to reconnect through this adventure. What makes it even more special is that Greg actually reached out to me with the idea before I even had the chance to ask.
Originally, I planned to ride solo and possibly link up with a few riders along the way, but taking on a journey like the TAT alone has serious challenges. A 450-pound bike loaded with another 50 pounds of gear isn’t exactly easy to manage solo—if it goes down (and it will), certain terrain or conditions could make it nearly impossible to lift alone. Beyond that, injuries and mechanical breakdowns pose real risks when riding solo. Having a trusted partner mitigates many of these dangers, providing not just a helping hand, but also a shared sense of responsibility and resilience.
Beyond the personal connection with Greg, I’m eager to meet fellow riders and locals along the way. The TAT will give us opportunities to strike up unique conversations, exchange stories, and experience the richness of different perspectives. Meeting people from varied backgrounds, beliefs, and walks of life fosters personal growth—it broadens understanding and reminds us how much we can learn from one another. The TransAmerica Trail isn’t just a ride—it’s an experience that will shape me for the rest of my life. The memories made, the friendships strengthened, and the lessons learned will become stories I’ll carry with me into old age.
3. Stunning & Diverse Scenery
The TransAmerica Trail (TAT) winds through mountains, deserts, farmland, forests, and river valleys, giving riders a front-row seat to some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes. Each day brings a new view, a fresh challenge, and an unforgettable experience.
Starting in the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina, the journey quickly transitions into the lowland countryside of Virginia before ascending into the Appalachian Mountains and the George Washington National Forest—all within a few hundred miles. This part of the country is familiar territory for me, and I can confidently say it’s absolutely stunning. From there, the trail heads further south into Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains before taking a turn west into Georgia. The Smokies are Greg’s domain, and I’m looking forward to experiencing them through his eyes. As we continue westward, we’ll dip back into Tennessee, cut through Alabama, and traverse much of Mississippi. The wooded lowlands of the Deep South are hot, humid, and unpredictable, making this stretch of the trip uniquely demanding.
Crossing the Mississippi River, we’ll enter Arkansas and the Boston Mountains, followed by Oklahoma, where riders often complain about the mud and lack of scenery. But having grown up in Kansas, I have a soft spot for the wide-open plains of the Midwest. After briefly cutting through New Mexico, we arrive at the real proving ground of the trip—Colorado. Colorado will throw everything at us: from breathtaking views to treacherous mountain passes, including Marshall, Cinnamon, California, and the infamous Ophir Pass. At elevations reaching 13,000 feet, both our bikes and our bodies will be starving for oxygen, but the rewarding panoramas will be worth the effort.
With Colorado fading in the rearview, we arrive in the desert landscapes of Utah, stopping in Moab for a planned extra day of riding White Rim Road. From there, we’ll loop around the Great Salt Lake and press onward into Idaho, where we’ve decided to divert from the original route, heading north into the Sawtooth Mountains before dipping back down into Boise. Oregon—the final official state of the TAT—starts out arid and dry, but soon climbs into the Cascade Mountain Range, where we’ll make a quick detour to Crater Lake. After thousands of miles of adventure, our final destination awaits—Port Orford, Oregon, marking the completion of the TransAmerica Trail.
At that point, we will have done it. We will have tackled the challenges, soaked in the scenery, and forged unforgettable memories. But the adventure doesn’t end there. Greg and I have several plans for how we’ll make our way home—but after beating ourselves up for nearly 30 days, you’ll just have to check back in to see what we ultimately decide!
4. Self-Discovery & Personal Growth
Adventure riding is as much about the journey within as it is about the physical road beneath your tires. Every twist and turn presents an opportunity for growth, testing patience, resilience, and confidence in ways that can be truly transformative. It’s not just about conquering miles—it’s about embracing solitude, self-reflection, and the raw beauty of the open road.
One of the things I look forward to most is the chance to lose myself in thought. Spending 10 hours a day in the saddle gives you the space to reflect—not just on the ride ahead, but on the life behind. It offers moments to revisit the past, contemplate the future, and dig deep into what happiness really looks like. And I have a feeling it might just look like exactly where I am at that particular moment—fully immersed in the journey, without distractions or obligations pulling me away.
In the chaos of everyday life, genuine introspection is often elusive. We race through our days, caught in the routine of 9-to-5 jobs, household chores, meal prep, and the occasional moment of mindless entertainment, rarely pausing to ask ourselves what truly drives us, what fulfills us, what makes us feel alive. Over time, this cycle can feel like a rut, a pattern we slip into without ever questioning if it serves us.
For me, this journey is about breaking free from that rut, even if only for a few fleeting weeks. It’s about stepping outside the boundaries of everyday life and rediscovering a sense of freedom, adventure, and clarity. Time spent on the trail won’t just be cathartic—it will be life-changing. The road has a way of revealing truths we might otherwise ignore, and I’m ready to see what it has to teach me.
5. The Legacy of Adventure
Riding the TransAmerica Trail is more than just a journey across the country—it’s a way of connecting with the spirit of exploration, following in the footsteps of pioneers who carved their way through untamed landscapes in search of adventure, freedom, and discovery. Completing this ride isn’t just about logging miles; it’s about creating a story few will ever be able to tell—one filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments of pure awe.
I’ve always considered myself a “Bucket List” type of person, driven by a thirst for experiences that most wouldn’t dare pursue. My list isn’t just about checking off destinations—it’s about embracing journeys that demand resilience, spark transformation, and leave an imprint on my soul. Some of my top goals include thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, navigating a sailboat around the world, and of course, tackling the TransAmerica Trail—an adventure I’ve dreamed about for years.
Beyond the physical challenge, I love to tell stories—to paint vivid pictures that inspire others to dream big and chase their own adventures. There’s something deeply fulfilling about sharing experiences in a way that stirs curiosity, ignites wanderlust, and pushes people to step outside their comfort zones. Documenting and reminiscing about my own journeys has become a significant part of who I am, which is why starting this blog and chronicling our ride feels so important to me.
I don’t know exactly where this thirst for adventure originated, but I do know that I’m incredibly fortunate to share my dreams with Sara, my wife and ultimate adventure partner. Though she won’t be joining me on this particular ride, our goals, our dreams, and our vision for the next 30 years are perfectly aligned—and with the grace of God, we’re determined to bring them all to life. Some people chase routine. We chase adventure.
Final Thoughts
As the dust settles and the final miles fade into memory, the TransAmerica Trail will leave more than just tire tracks—it will carve a lasting imprint on my soul. This journey will be about more than reaching a destination; it will be a test of endurance, a celebration of adventure, and a deep dive into self-discovery. The lessons learned, the friendships strengthened, and the landscapes explored will shape me in ways I never could have imagined. As I roll into the last stretch of road, I know that the real adventure doesn’t end there—it lives on in the stories I tell, the dreams I continue to chase, and the unshakable spirit of exploration that will forever push me toward the unknown. The road may have an ending, but the journey never truly does.
