I Do This Because: Colleen Griffin

Ed Note: “I Do This Because …” is a series of guest essays on this site by adventurers, entrepreneurs, and brave explorers of experience, uncharted territory, and life. As the title indicates, the essays offer the authors’ reflections on why they chose the path they did, and why they continue on that path, despite all the challenges, costs, and discouraging moments that come with any uncharted adventure.

For more information on the origins of the “I Do This Because” essays, see my own entry. And, as always, if you know of anyone you think would make a good guest essayist, or have your own answer to why you’re pursuing the particular, challenging path you’re pursuing, please share it!

About the Author
Colleen Griffin is a writer, motorcycle rider, adventure seeker and travel enthusiast. Since realizing her dream of circumnavigating North America last year, Colleen explored 1,300 miles of South Africa’s craggy coastline, climbed winding mountain passes and traversed its famously fragrant wine country–on a motorcycle, of course; and she has plans to do the same in New Zealand and Australia next year. When not riding a motorcycle across various countries on the planet, Colleen can be found 35,000 feet above it, in an airplane, serving drinks and peanuts to airline passengers and dreaming of new adventures.

To learn more about Colleen and her motorcycle adventures, visit her blog: www.but-thatsjustme.blogspot.com.

I do this because … it was born from a dream.

My passion to ride motorcycles began in the 1970s with a television commercial. During the commercial, a motorcycle traversed rolling hills on twisty, country back roads. I was immediately captivated by the sense of freedom and adventure portrayed in these 30 seconds. At the end of the commercial, the rider stopped the motorcycle and, removing the helmet, shook out a long brunette mane. She looked into the camera and with a wry grin said, “What did you expect?” That commercial got a young girl dreaming about riding a motorcycle across North America–a dream that would not come true until she turned 44 years old.

I do this because … I chose to live life without excuses, or regrets.

As an adult, I made excuses for why I did not pursue my dream: my priorities changed as the years went by and owning a motorcycle seemed “impractical;” I had a career and couldn’t afford to take as much time off as my dream trip required; I didn’t have anyone to ride with; and last-but-not-least, I had the usual fears and financial responsibilities that come with age and mortgage payments. Then a friend reminded me of this quote from Mark Twain:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

I do this because … my adventurous spirit prevails.

Originally, I planned to do the entire North America trip accompanied by a fellow rider and friend who had more years of riding and camping experience (and equipment) than I did. I planned on following her lead, literally, and learning from her as we rode. As the departure date of the trip grew nearer, these original, well-laid plans changed.

My friend decided that she would ride with me for only the first week of the planned eight weeks. YIKES! I knew I could complete the journey with a riding companion but solo, I wasn’t so sure. I wasn’t sure about a lot of things: the safety of camping and riding by myself in completely unfamiliar territory; and my riding experience–or lack thereof. (I rode my motorcycle for a combined total of five days before departing on the North America trip. Yep, that’s right–FIVE DAYS!) I had a decision to make. Do I let fear forfeit my dream, or do I continue on–afraid, but nonetheless determined–to experience the ride of my life … alone? I chose the latter.

Some people said I was crazy, while others said I was brave to attempt such an epic and, at times, arduous journey. Let me be the first to tell you, I was afraid–EVERY DAY! Each morning I rose and met a new challenge: inclement weather, various and numerous road hazards, physical and emotional stress, fatigue, loneliness, and road signage in French (Quebec) just to name a few. Each time I got on the bike, I confronted–but never conquered–my fears. Still I rode.
I lived my dream and rode a motorcycle across North America. 17 states: Maine to California. 10 Canadian Provinces: British Columbia to Newfoundland. Covering 11,000 miles in 43 days.

I do this because … I hope to inspire others.

If you dream it, you can do it–no matter what “it” is. Stop making excuses and start making plans.

Confront your fears. If living my dream required fearlessness, I would not ride a motorcycle across town, let alone across a continent. It’s okay to have fear as a companion–just make it stay in the backseat!
Adventure requires a willingness to participate in things that involve uncertainty and risk. Be adventurous!

“Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure. You have no security unless you can live bravely, excitingly, imaginatively; unless you can choose a challenge instead of competence.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt