Bainbridge Island to Seattle ferry crossing

I’m a South Dakota native and former Minneapolis resident that transplanted myself to the Pacific Northwest in 2009. Within a month of moving to Seattle, I often crossed via ferry between the Kitsap Peninsula to Seattle, and watched with envy as motorcycles received priority treatment to board and leave first. With my love of motory goodness, I took a motorcycle endorsement course and failed in the turn test due to having severe ear infections. I signed up again within a month, passed, and I carefully shopped for a cycle.

Made it to Sturgis on the Black Opal

I bought a 2000 Honda Shadow Ace Tourer 1100 with only 7000 original miles. I named her Black Opal. I had been searching for the gem version for a decade, and little did I realize she would be a motorcycle laced in chrome.

For my first season, I rode more than 13,000 miles around Washington, Oregon, and a 10-state trip that took me from Washington to Yellowstone and Sturgis, SD; down to Bryce and Zion National Parks (love my parks); Las Vegas and through Death Valley; back north through Yosemite and the Goldminers’ route on Hwy 49; and back home. I have been hooked on riding ever since.

In 2010, I focused on family trips and rode only 8000 miles. Most were weekend and short jaunts around Washington and Oregon, and one to Kelowna, British Columbia.

In 2011, I bought Black Pearl, a BMW F650GS and rode from Seattle to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska on an epic 24 day ride. It was a very dirty endurance run that tested and exhilarated me. Great memories and cool stickers.

Approach to Prudhoe Bay, AK on the Black Pearl

2012 was a big year for me. I got engaged, moved in and then moved out seven months later. A few road trips, but different priorities as the focus turned to house remodeling. Needless to say, sometimes things don’t work out. It’s time to move on.

I don’t plan to make this a journal about a scorned woman on a motorcycle. Just not my style. I’ve got a bright spirit that is coming back into her own. Being positive is key for my life to thrive in a joyful way, and the wind will help keep me moving forward.

This trip will test me on many levels. Ones I can’t even anticipate with just 11 days to departure. I do know that it will be an amazing opportunity to spend time with myself, friends, and family. Moreover, it will test whether I’m RoadWorthy. Hence the name of this site.

On a personal note, I work in Regulatory Affairs, have a romantic traveling heart, and am pretty handy with a sewing machine. I’m a Desert Storm veteran who served with an Army Reserve Hospital for 12 years. I use art to balance my technical and mechanical side. I believe strongly in building community by volunteering. I write creatively and photography is my passion.

Thanks for visiting, and I look forward to interacting with you all.

Best regards,

Chel