Christa's Journal—Our First American Adventure
My husband Christian and I grew up in Austria, a mountainous country of endless winding passes and deep valleys. The stunning landscapes were the backdrop to our childhoods, instilling in us a love for adventure.
In the ‘90s, we discovered our passion for motorcycling, which allowed us to explore the scenic backroads of Austria, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland. These weekend escapades with friends in the breathtaking Alps and Dolomites became some of our most cherished memories.
To fuel our wanderlust, we subscribed to a German motorcycle magazine called Tourenfahrer (“touring rider”), which provided invaluable insights on destinations and routes throughout Europe. Occasionally, they also featured articles about other parts of the world.
One day, we stumbled upon a particularly intriguing piece about Route 66, complete with stunning photos and an engaging narrative. We couldn’t shake the vivid picture of the American landscape from our minds. So, we made the decision to turn this dream tour into reality.
This was pre-internet, so planning a trip depended on books, articles, and the wisdom of fellow travelers. Booking a rental motorcycle or hotels in advance wasn’t an option—so we decided to bring our own bike.
We carefully secured it to a pallet with a wheel chock for transport by air. For accommodations, we decided to embrace spontaneity and see what we could find along the way. In early July, we set off on our grand adventure from Chicago.
Following the historic road turned out to be more challenging than we anticipated. Some states had minimal or no road signs, and, occasionally, our route would simply end in a field.
Yet, this became part of the fun—a scavenger hunt of sorts. We quickly learned to never ask for directions at gas stations, as the answers were often unhelpful or downright confusing.
As we journeyed, we rode through vast open farmland, the Painted Desert, and over majestic mountains, often passing through ghost towns and occasionally being chased by dogs. We encountered abandoned gas stations and closed motels, their faded architecture still holding a certain beauty and charm. We patronized delightful mom-and-pop restaurants, classic diners, and small museums that offered fascinating glimpses into America’s vibrant past.
Our large Austrian license plate always sparked conversations. It was about four times the size of a typical U.S. plate and hard to miss. Whenever we stopped, it wasn’t long before curious locals approached us, eager to chat and share their stories.
The trip flew by faster than we could have imagined. We learned so much, met incredible people, and had countless unforgettable experiences. This adventure across America left an indelible mark on our lives.
We returned home to Austria, but the call of the open road was too strong to resist. We knew we wouldn’t stay put for long!
The following year, we embarked on another American adventure. This time, we rode the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles to Victoria, British Columbia. Our journey took us through California, Oregon, and Washington before crossing into Canada.
It was a breathtaking tour. We explored charming towns, and crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco was a particular highlight. The road clung to the coastline, offering sweeping vistas of cliffs, misty beaches, and the endless Pacific.
Our first major U.S. trip had been down Route 66, where we experienced small towns, iconic landmarks, and a glimpse into America's past. In contrast, our Pacific Coast Highway ride was a celebration of nature’s beauty. Both trips offered something uniquely memorable.
We became familiar with America, and it unfolded before us in the most wonderful ways. We felt a mix of comfort and curiosity about this vast country. Where would our next adventure lead us?