Motorcycling Across America (US) - EP1 - NY to WA

In September 2019, I left Brooklyn to travel the country alone on my 2008 Triumph Bonneville. Upon leaving, I could never have anticipated everything that I’d encounter over the next month. These videos do little justice to the feeling of driving alone into an endless horizon, the relief of a stranger helping you out of an impossible situation, the suppressing heat of a desert sun on a leather jacket, the desperation of hoping for a gas station around the next corner, the warmth of a motel room after a 7 hour drive through the rain, the conversations had, the loneliness felt, and the joy of completing the last of 9,275 miles. Even so, I hope these glimpses will serve as inspiration for someone to dive headfirst into the unknown and unfamiliar, and for myself to look back and be reminded of the adventure of a lifetime.

INSTAGRAM: @jakeridesaway

For anyone looking for more details on this trip, I had the honor of talking about it on my friend Kyle's podcast:

[turdferguson]

That´s the way to do it, no fancy 20.000 dollar BMW adventurebike, no expensive luggage.... just a simple streetbike and no nonsense. I´m in.

[jean-claudebouffard]

I'm an old man but I felt like I took the pictures. Small ego on your part, great music, same interests. Thanks for the ride.

[bradgroom]

At age 69 I just completed a 7500 mile, 20 state, 5 week tour from the mountains of NC, to the upper peninsula of MIchigan, out west to Washington and down the pacific coast to northern Cali and back east on Route 66 & 40. Trip of a lifetime for sure.

[jameslucas]

I got my first road bike when i was 15 and took my first cross country trip at 19 on a worn out 1968 Harley-Davidson sportster the chain came off in Texarkana and strangers took me in let me sleep on their couch and put my chain back on I’m 52 now and have a Electra Glide with over 100k on the clock and whenever i see another biker having trouble I always stop and help no matter what brand it is, cheers my friend

[caseyhardison]

As a recently separated combat veteran, my transition back to civilian life has not been a pretty one. In fact, I've felt more at peace watching the 19 minutes of your video, than I have in the last 19 months.

Thank you for reminding me why we ride!

[gladegoodrich]

At 71 years old I bought a new Kawasaki KLR 650 and put 5000 miles on it in 2 trips. Once rode from So.Utah to Butte Montana, 725 miles in one day.
You dont stop riding when you get old, you get old when you stop riding.

[herodotus]

One must travel like this at least once in their lives.

[SuperAJ]

I'm not an american, from outside looking in, you guys have a great country and landscape! This is the real United States I'd like to see, not the mess I see in Media, sad to see US being torn apart by hatred and politics. Great video! cheers

[AndyJames]

In 2015 I rode 7, 000 miles across 11 states through the American west with one of my best buds. Words can never describe the odyssey we were on. Real life adventure. It’s an experience I am thankful for every day. If the freedom of the open road is calling you, answer it.

[HonuTheDisciple]

Dude ur video literally made me cry because it made me realize that I wanna be alive and I’ve never felt that before. Thank you

[iShamelessly]

I did this in 2014 on a Triumph as well! NJ to San Francisco. A once in a lifetime experience that very easily changed my life. If anyone seeing this ever has a chance to do something like this, don't hesitate.

[TheJediSlayer]

People sharing their journeys without being asked just shows how much this guy has impacted them into remembering their own joyful experience. Wonderful content man……❤

[carlinsyfax]

I'm not American, i never had the pleasure of visiting your country but eversince I was a kid, I was fascinated by the magic scenery of the US, it's like having every landscape that the world has to Thanks for the videos mate. Cheers and greetings from North Africa.

[sakusakufufu]

I was influenced by your video and started riding a motorcycle, from Japan!

[danilo]

Motorcycling is good for stress relieving. Im 63 years old and retired but I enjoy travelling on my Motorcycle. Lately I traveled from Manila to Zamboanga in the Philippines covering more than 1, 500 kilometers in 3 days & 2 nights. A happiness that has no monetary equivalents. Kudos to all Long Riders. God bless you all....

[wailingmongi]

This is one of the best motorbikes video I've ever seen. The genuine rider spirit. I was watching this with my girlfriend when she asked me 'why someone should take the bike a wander around the country in solo mode?' simply answered 'you wouldn't get it'. Ride on brother 👍
P.s. : I have the same, identical, bike ❤️

[vicO]

This takes me back to memories to the spring of '77 when Danny and I rode our bikes on a trip around the United States. From Washington to California, Grand Canyon, Florida, New York City, Indianapolis, Kansas City, the Four Corners, Yellowstone and back to Spokane. The greatest adventure I've ever experienced in my life over a period of 3 months. Slept in a pup tent and cooked over a campfire. We probably travelled some of the same roads as you did and the many roads and adventures in between. Only got caught once in the rain and a sand storm in Arizona. Thanks for sharing your time on the road.

[ivancherepyuk]

Man, I'm crying
Watching this from Warsaw, Poland.
I'm ukrainian, going to the US in 1, 5 months
I've been dreaming about living in USA for whole my life.
Thank you for sharing with us this beauty
Love you, love your country, love this life)
I Wish you good life man

[jwcourtney]

At 60yo the wife and I circumnavigated the US and across Canada on our motorcycles in 2017 and were blown away by the generosity and friendliness of the people we met. Your video reminds me of the feeling we had while on the road. Thank you for putting this video together.

[neovisionservicesgroup]

Ladies and gentlemen, what Jake accomplished and documented is no easy feat. May we all appreciate and celebrate his accomplishment and that he took the time to share his journey. Ride on Jake! Thank you for the inspiring video.