Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB - 2xUSA: New York to San Francisco two up on a GS

http://flic.kr/p/ed7qr1
*That's a cover photo of our ride report feed on Instagram

My first experience with a motorcycle is a childhood memory of riding it on a tank of my grandfather's legendary IZH. The smell of low-octane gas exhausts mixed with the sweetness of freshly moaned field and oily smoke of grandfather's hand-rolled cigarette (that he seemed to smoke at any occasion) made me feel a little dizzy. These where the rides that triggered something inside and are impossible to forget. It was a reward for waiting for him coming back from work at a backcountry crossroad every evening. Sometimes he would let me roll on the throttle but at the time I could only reach one side of the handlebars from the tank.

http://flic.kr/p/ed7qRL
*3 generations used and abused that IZH, great machine!

Later he purchased a small 50cc moped that I started to abuse on a daily basis when my feet could reach the ground. The first bike that we built together had no name, was damn heavy and it still wonders me how the thing could run so fast.

My studies abroad and the profession I acquired helped me travel a lot (what a dream!) and on certain occasions I was lucky to visit more than 20 countries a year. There have been plenty of air miles, climates, cultures and hotels that took all of my time for a few years.

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*Our lovely K75

The challenge though was to find the way to put both of my passions together. And it took a little bit of time to figure out how to make it happen. With a purchase of an almost 20-year old BMW K75 I finally got back into saddle, this time with a lady I deeply fell in love with. Two up we have covered thousands of amazing scenic miles and where rewarded with memories of a lifetime.

http://flic.kr/p/ed8hc9
*Rain or snow, taking a GS out is so tempting

The purchase of a GS opened (as expected) a whole new chapter in our lives. Excitement of being able to finally leave the paved roads together and join the lucky riders seeking for adventures was mind-blowing. Weekend rides where taking us further and further from New York and it didn't take much time before we both agreed that a cross-country trip was simply inevitable. We picked up a random date and did our best to stick to it (what a great advice from advrider community). In 10 days from now we are leaving New York City and start our journey across the USA towards San Francisco.

Reading endless ride reports was highly motivating and educational for both of us. So giving something back to the community was our mutual agreement from the beginning. We'd be happy sharing our experience with you all.

Ride safe!

Aliona & Tioma