Quitting my job and leaving...

"JKER" (jker) 04/19/2017 at 07:21 • Filed to: None

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I don’t post on Oppo much, but I figured this would be a good place to share. Yesterday I put in my notice at work, and am planning on spending at least the next 3-4 months motorcycle camping throughout the US! I figured this is as good a time as any (24 and finished college last year), and if I don’t do it now I probably won’t get around to it before I settle down.

This is the bike I will be taking, a 2015 Yamaha FZ-09

I considered buying an adventure bike for the trip, but I enjoy the FZ a lot, and I want to ride it on all the mountain roads I will be encountering. Planning on picking up a taller windscreen, saddle bags, top case for the back, etc.

I will be selling my CBR’s and possibly my truck, depending how long I want to be gone for. I live in Michigan and am planning on heading south first, and then out west and possibly up to Alaska. It’s really amazing how many resources are out there for traveling, I am working on planning everything out now. I am going to be camping as much as I can and living on canned food :D

Anyways, if any of you have advice on sights to see, I am trying to make a list right now. Some of my friends think I’m crazy, but I am really looking forward to trying out the nomad life for a while. I am also planning on starting a blog, and I don’t really want to do it on Oppo, although I might share it here. Any suggestions on what blogs to use would be appreciated! Definitely going to be taking a lot of pictures and video, I want to make sure that I can look back and remember all the crazy stuff I will see along the way.

Tripper > JKER 04/19/2017 at 07:38

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That sounds awesome! I’m sure a lot of peeps here would love to keep up with your journey. If you don’t post about it here share your blog!

PartyPooper2012 > JKER 04/19/2017 at 07:41

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You’re going to need a bandana, a hot chick or two and loads and loads of drugs to do it right.

Billy, when I was 24, I was a free spirit. Nothing but my bike, and free road for as far as the eye can see....

JKER > PartyPooper2012 04/19/2017 at 07:44

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Haha I will make sure to get a bandana, I’ll have to find the rest along the way

DipodomysDeserti > JKER 04/19/2017 at 07:45

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That sounds awesome! Good luck! I met a woman in Yellowstone a few years ago that had been motorcycle camping all around North America for about six months. She was having a blast.

JKER > DipodomysDeserti 04/19/2017 at 08:09

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Thanks! I enjoy both motorcycling and camping a lot, and hopefully will spend a lot of time hiking and exploring as well.

Stapleface > JKER 04/19/2017 at 08:11

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Good Luck!

You really are doing this at the perfect time if you aren’t tied down to anything, and don’t have your forever job in front of you.

Are you doing this solely for the adventure, or are you also considering this as a way to see if you want to move to a different part of the country? This sounds like it’s going to be a hell or a trip. I wish I would have done something like this when I was your age.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > JKER 04/19/2017 at 08:27

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As a fellow michigander - the tunnel of trees is a must-ride. Either on the way out of the state or on the way home, go through the UP and snake through the tunnel.

I won’t do the whole adventure, but I’d gladly join for a day or two as you work your way out of Michigan.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > JKER 04/19/2017 at 08:29

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How do you plan on transporting camping gear? I know that backpacking stuff can get pretty small and light but even the minimum essentials end up taking up a pretty good sized bag generally. I imagine wearing a big pack while motorcycling would be not feasible lol.

This is awesome though, always wanted to do something like this. But it just doesnt fit my other interests. Looking forward to reading about it if you do post it someplace!

JKER > Stapleface 04/19/2017 at 08:31

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Both! As I travel, I might look around for different job opportunities, I’m really not sure. That’s the beauty of it though, I can do whatever I fancy. I might just work temporary jobs here and there for a while, I don’t know that I want to live in Michigan for the rest of my life.

JKER > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 04/19/2017 at 08:35

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That’s a good idea for the way home, I’ll have to add that to the list. Somehow with all the times I’ve been up north and in the UP, I haven’t made it through the tunnel yet.

pip bip - choose Corrour > JKER 04/19/2017 at 08:35

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enjoy!

post a few pics every now and then

Mercedes Streeter > JKER 04/19/2017 at 08:35

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You could use Medium. There are exponentially more people there than any of the Kinja communities, and the formatting structure there is better than Kinja too.

I do my transition diary and my car stuff here, and I keep most of my research and more formal writing on Medium.

https://medium.com/

You could also start a WordPress blog, which is less community driven and more personal.

And most importantly, have fun! Be sure to visit some Oppos along the way!

JKER > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 04/19/2017 at 08:36

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I plan on getting saddlebags and a top case for the back. I will be packing light, luckily I already have a lot of easy to pack camping gear that should pack up pretty easily.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > JKER 04/19/2017 at 08:41

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It is gorgeous, but watch out for SUVs and harleys. Also, are either of those CBRs a CBR250/300?

JKER > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 04/19/2017 at 08:43

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Will do! The orange one is a 1000 and the white/red is a 600.

haveacarortwoorthree2 > JKER 04/19/2017 at 08:45

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My only advice is that if you are going to hit the South, do it first before the temps get miserable. You don’t want to be camping down here in July!

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > JKER 04/19/2017 at 08:45

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Dang. I want a repsol faired 250/300 for a fun bike to learn how to toss around. My KLR is great for racking up the miles (each trip is an easy 100+ miles and I never feel worn out or beaten up like after riding my ancient CB650) but it handles like a pickup truck in bike form.

E92M3 > JKER 04/19/2017 at 08:46

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Go for it! You have the rest of your life to work. Go explore the world now, not when you retire. My parents are retired, and they say it’s nothing like they imagined. They have doctors appointments EVERY single week. They are full of regret. Mostly wishing they’d traveled when they could of enjoyed it decades ago. Even if they could go to Hawaii today (just an example), they wouldn’t try surfing, or snorkeling, or hiking, etc. They won’t enjoy the beach. So even if they could, what’s the point now? To take pictures of stuff they could of enjoyed 35 yrs ago?

Have a great trip!

JKER > Tripper 04/19/2017 at 08:46

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Will do!

JKER > Mercedes Streeter 04/19/2017 at 08:47

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Thanks! I’ll make sure to check that out. I’ve heard about WordPress so that was already a thought, I need to do some research though.

JKER > E92M3 04/19/2017 at 08:48

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Exactly! I want to be able to scuba dive, rock climb, and enjoy my life while I’m young and healthy!

JKER > haveacarortwoorthree2 04/19/2017 at 08:50

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That is true, but after I head south I will be going out west which will most likely be worse haha. Good thing I love the heat! I can’t stand winters here in Michigan.

Rust and Dust - Oppositelock Forever > JKER 04/19/2017 at 08:56

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Then definitely hit southwest Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Blue Ridge Parkway, Tail of the Dragon, and countless miles of less known windy roads to play on, and white water rafting and some of the best rock climbing on the east coast at the New River in West Virginia.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > JKER 04/19/2017 at 09:06

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I just think its funny when I have trouble fitting everything I need in my Miata for camping trips. But I guess minimalism can be optimized quite a bit more for a motorcycle. I imagine weight balance will be key so that those mountain roads are still fun.

How many miles are you looking to do in total? I would think that you need a solid maintenance plan to keep everything running. A few months and going West and up to Alaska should certainly add up to 5k+ miles right?

CAR_IS_MI > JKER 04/19/2017 at 09:08

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Ive talked about doing something like this since I was 26 (30 now), almost did it twice. Responsibilities and people always talked me out of it. If you go through with it I am jealous.

JKER > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 04/19/2017 at 09:09

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Hey, if people can go backpacking for weeks without a vehicle, I can easily do it on a motorcycle!

No idea on total miles, but it will be a lot. New tires, fluids, etc. before I leave, and I will definitely be keeping a close eye on maintenance throughout the trip.

JKER > Rust and Dust - Oppositelock Forever 04/19/2017 at 09:10

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Yeah I am planning on spending a few weeks in the Smokies. I went to the dragon in late October last year and loved it, I could probably spend the whole summer riding all the roads around there, it’s amazing.

JKER > CAR_IS_MI 04/19/2017 at 09:11

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Don’t get talked out of it again! Honestly I am sure this is going to be life-changing for me, meeting new people and new experiences will be great. And I am definitely going through with it, I already quit my job :D

haveacarortwoorthree2 > JKER 04/19/2017 at 09:14

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Grew up in Midwest, went to school in Michigan, moved to Texas the day after graduation! Totally agree with you about the winters. But I’m still not buying into the camping when it’s 100+ degrees outside. If you find yourself needing some air conditioning for a night and a shower, you should post here — wherever you are, there’s probably an Oppo close by.

JKER > haveacarortwoorthree2 04/19/2017 at 09:26

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If I end up breaking down I will :D I also have contacts on bike forums and there’s always Couch Surf if I get desperate haha. Thanks!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JKER 04/19/2017 at 09:41

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This sounds awesome! I recommend the black hills and hwy 16a through them, Yosemite, crater lake, Pacific coast highway, redwoods, Estes park in Colorado. There is so much awesome stuff to see. Oh and in the south barber motorsports park and motorcycle museum in Alabama.

JKER > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 04/19/2017 at 09:52

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Adding to my list, thanks! Motorcycle museum was on my list, maybe I’ll have to try to hit a track day at barber lol

Hammerdown > JKER 04/19/2017 at 10:34

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1. Check out advrider.com if you haven’t already. It’s probably the biggest group of people who have similar experiences to what you’re looking to do. Lots of help over there.

2. If you’re going to Alaska I recommend riding these on the way out/up:

-Black Hills (Needles Hwy, Iron Mountain Rd, Spearfish Canyon)

-Devil’s Tower

-Beartooth Pass

-Glacier National Park

-Lake Louise, Ontario.

Then turn left and head for AK.

Good Luck man!

CAR_IS_MI > JKER 04/19/2017 at 10:34

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Yeah, work tends to be another part of the equation, like every time I contemplate it I get offered a promotion with more money and Im like ‘live like a vagabond for a year or make more money and drive a ferrari’

JKER > Hammerdown 04/19/2017 at 10:46

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Oh I have! Advrider is definitely my most-used resource for this trip. Too much information for me to go through. Black Hills and Glacier were on my list, I’ll add the others as well. Thanks!

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > JKER 04/19/2017 at 10:47

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What time frame are you leaving to head south? You may be able to make the Nashville Oppo Meet on June 3rd!

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > JKER 04/19/2017 at 10:47

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Well yeah, people hike the AT or PCT for months at a time with just a backpack. I suppose the distribution of stuff would just be slightly different on a motorcycle. I am looking to camp my way across the US at some point. Hopefully some awesome spots once I get out West to watch stars at night! I dont think I have ever seen an actually dark sky in my lifetime on the East Coast.

Hammerdown > JKER 04/19/2017 at 10:47

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Definitely do Beartooth. Most say it’s the best motorcycle road in the country.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > CAR_IS_MI 04/19/2017 at 10:48

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Will your work let you take a sabbatical? That’s becoming very popular and you may be able to work it into your next promotion!

JKER > CAR_IS_MI 04/19/2017 at 10:52

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You know, I was offered a pay raise to stay at my job because it’s going to be a little tough to replace me right away. But if I do that then I’m just admitting to myself that I’m not adventurous enough to take on a real challenge. Staying at a well-paying stable job is not my idea of enjoying life. I want to go to places I’ve never been before, and not have to think about when I have to go back to ‘reality.’ I think that there are always better places to be than the one you’re in right now, and if I don’t branch out to find those places then I will regret the time I waste staying in the same routine that I’ve been in for years.

The only thing that would make me re-consider is if I had a family to provide for. That i can understand. Otherwise, if you really want to go explore and try new things and you don’t, then you’re either scared or just lazy. Just my thoughts on my situation at least, not applicable to everyone :)

theuserformerlyknownasaluminumfoil > Hammerdown 04/19/2017 at 10:54

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Lake Louise is in Alberta, but it is super gorgeous. Definitely won’t regret that

JKER > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 04/19/2017 at 10:54

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Starting to make my way down there in about 3-4 weeks. I will probably be in that vicinity, I will add that to my calendar so I can look for more details as it comes up. Thanks!

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > JKER 04/19/2017 at 11:04

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That’s perfect timing! We’re doing a tour around Nashville(Cars and Coffee, Nashville style food, Lane Motor Museum and a local Winery) so it would be a perfect part of your tour!

Hammerdown > theuserformerlyknownasaluminumfoil 04/19/2017 at 11:18

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I knew I shouldn’t have done that from memory....Thanks for the correction.

theuserformerlyknownasaluminumfoil > Hammerdown 04/19/2017 at 11:32

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All good buddy! :)

JEM > JKER 04/19/2017 at 14:57

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A dry bag strapped to the pillion seat with your tent/sleeping bag/soft stuff makes a wonderful backrest. Pretty easy to strap down and will be somewhat held in place by a top case.

Tank bag for small stuff like water, snacks, map, etc... is super handy.

I’d look into a good portable battery pack that can jump the bike as well as recharge your phone.

Phone/gps is great but nothing beats a solid atlas when you don’t have power/service. Also, it’s a hell of a lot easier to read/plan than using a phone.

Noise blocking earbuds or earplugs for the highway.

JKER > JEM 04/20/2017 at 06:44

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Already got all that! Except a battery pack that can jump a bike... Bikes are so easy to bump start

JEM > JKER 04/20/2017 at 08:59

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Not in mud they aren’t :)

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > JKER 04/20/2017 at 12:11

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Awesome! Have fun!

brianbrannon > JKER 04/24/2017 at 22:48

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I did that. Best thing ever. An adventure bike makes it way easier to get into secluded places to camp

JKER > brianbrannon 04/25/2017 at 06:43

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I have 80/20 tires on my bike now, so we’ll see if those can get me through some dirt and mud :)

brianbrannon > JKER 04/25/2017 at 12:17

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I kinda want to try the camping in sample sheds at home Depot trick

JKER > brianbrannon 04/25/2017 at 12:25

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Lol never heard of that one! I’d have to be pretty desperate haha

McMike > JKER 05/30/2017 at 14:33

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Not everyone is on Instagram, so maybe share an awesome photo once a week, and remind people of your IG account.

“Hey, I made it to beautiful Deleware”

(post photo of your bike at the welcome to DE sign)

“Things are going great, it’s awesome not having a job. I’m on my second rear tire already. Check out my IG”

Something like that. Low effort, lets us know you’re still alive.

Have fun!

JKER > McMike 05/30/2017 at 14:40

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:D I’ll try, thanks!

P.S. It is awesome not having a job

McMike > JKER 05/30/2017 at 14:46

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I gave you a follow.

I’m curious when that riding position and a lack of a windscreen will surface to the top of your posts. :)

We tool a 4500 mile trip a few years ago. It was glorious.