Help Me Conquer Trans-America Trail
Donation protected
Hi! My name is Ben Johnson, I'm 40, and I'm a die-hard, disabled motorcycle rider! I've been pretty much stuck in bed since December, and have filled my days watching, reading, and dreaming about the Trans-America Trail! This is as close as I'll ever come, to something as epic as Ewan, and Charley's "Long Way Round".
For those of you who don't know, The Trans-America Trail, or T.A.T., is a 90% off-road route, that goes from North Carolina, all the way to Oregon's coast. It's just a little over 6000 miles one way! Dirt, mud, gravel, creek crossings, and more! That's my idea of living! My entire trip is estimated to be around 15,000 miles, although at least half of that will be paved. Since this is just for the T.A.T., I'll only talk about that part of it. I'm taking my time, and putting my health and safety first. The off-road section will take 2-3 months.
Here is the short version, if you don't want to read about all the details.
The pre-trip maintenance/mods for the bike, the during trip bike expenses, the needed camping gear, misc health items, an off-road based jacket, and a go-pro, will come to a total of just over $6000. Once I am eligible for my nerve block, (June) I will be able to do all the work to the bike myself (or recruit my buddy to help me out again!) so that brings the estimated cost down to $5000, which is what I'm asking for help with, just the off-road section.
Minimum I need to safely do the trip I have in my mind, if I find amazing used prices, will be $3700. I've already been saving for almost 2yrs, but you sure don't make much living on a disability income. I've began selling off things I own, but I don't own much.
Trust me, I understand that not everyone has the financial abilities to donate anything to my dream. You can still help me out, without any donation, simply by posting this on your favorite social media platform. (especially since anyone that knows me, knows I avoid social media!)
Here is the Long version, if you want to know what I've been through, and why I'm here, asking for help. (Even this is a very condensed version)
I went to school as a motorcycle mechanic, with a dream of owning my own bike shop. I had 2 tests left, when my life was severely interrupted for a solid 12yrs, due to a stroke! I was 25 then. Left with permanent brain damage, that dream has long been over. Sure, I've recovered a lot since then, but life is still a daily struggle.
It also triggered several other health issues I've dealt with for the past 15yrs, and will most likely continue to deal with my entire life. A few are Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Daily Migraines. Several years after the stroke, I battled melanoma, twice in 2yrs! That consisted of going under the scalpel 23 times, in 24 months, and I have the scars to prove it! The past 3yrs, my health has started making improvements. I've finally been able to exercise again!
Last year, after 14yrs of trying almost every possible treatment to control the constant pain I'm in, I found something that helps! It's a nerve block that goes through the nose. Yes, getting it done, sucks as much as you'd expect it to. However, one thing I've learned living in a permanent state of pain, is you tend to be desperate, and you're willing try anything. The downside, is you can only receive it so many times, before you have to take a 6 month break from it. I have to wait until June, before I'm eligible for it again.
So, come mid-July (it takes several injections over several weeks, to build up in your system to actually start working) I'm planning on taking my trip, and am going to enjoy this Hellish existence, I call a life. So instead of constantly fighting, and hoping that I'll find a magic cure-all, I'm going to travel extensively on my bike, and finally enjoy life!
For most of my life, when my health allowed it, I only rode on the road. Then after getting a degenerative disc disease diagnosis in my neck, I had to get rid of my much loved, but very forward leaning Hayabusa. (Neck couldn't support my head in that riding position) I replaced it with an 05, Suzuki DR650, because the seating position was so much better for my neck. Now, I love riding off-road!
My bike is well maintained, but is 13yrs old, and has almost 30,000 miles. It will make the trip with a few minor mods, and some preventative maintenance before I go. Sure, it won't be as memorable as taking a new bike, but it is a significantly better option financially vs buying a new bike. (If you're reading this Suzuki, I'd gladly accept a new DR650!)
I know many of you are wondering, how someone with all my health issues/pain levels, is planning on riding almost 6000 miles off-road? I've thought a Lot about that too! According to all the research I've done the past few months, people try to average 200 miles, over 10 or so hours daily. Since riding off-road is rather exhausting, I'm planning on much smaller, and shorter days. 2-3hrs seat time per day, will be my limit. Some days, my health Will fail me, and I'll get 0 miles. Also, when it rains, I end up with a migraine 90% of the time, so I'm not planning on riding any in the rain.
There is no doubt, I'll have multiple, 0 mile days. I'm ok with that though, safety comes first, and I'm in no hurry. (Not just for my safety, but also for the other riders out there!) I'm planning on this taking 2+ months, just to go one direction! Since there is no way I can afford hotels every night, I'm planning on packing food/water, and camping 6 days a week. 7th day, I'll get a budget hotel, as well as resupply my food/water supplies. I Really enjoy camping, and already own Almost everything I need to camp indefinitely, so this is a big money saver for me.
In fact, I've already started to live a camping lifestyle, while I'm stuck here at my house. To get an idea of how much fuel I will use in my camp stove, I have been using it exclusively for the past couple of weeks. I have my hammock set-up in my house, and my air mattress is in another room. I'm glad I've done this though, as I've found a few things that are going to need to be replaced before I go. After being on disability for 15yrs, I'm used to not having luxurious things, and making due with what I have. "Roughing it" for a few months, really won't be much of a change for me.
Another concern I've planned for, is what if my health isn't good enough to leave in July? Or if I don't have the funds? Well, being practically confined to bed for the past 3 months, it's become obvious I can't just sit around, wait, and hope anymore. So, my worst case scenario, is I can leave as late as Nov, and simply ride my routes in reverse, doing the easier road portions first, and spend the winter in a warm climate. Then come spring of next year, I'll come back home, on the T.A.T., just from West to East. I have plans for every possible obstacle I can plan for! This trip WILL happen.
Here is a partial list, of the more expensive items that your donations will go towards. To cut down on expenses, I'm looking for used items. These are new prices though.
Luggage: $1300+
Mosko Moto Backcountry 35L Pannier kit Mosko Moto Nomad Tank Bag
Mosko Moto Backcountry 40L duffle
Wolfman Carry All Number Plate Bag
Wolfman Fender Bag
4 Mosko Moto molle pouches
a few Mosko Moto straps, and locks.
Bike itself $1000-1200.
Complete tune-up, brakes, tires (cheap shinko 244's, plus 2 sets I'll need while on the trip)
1gallon rotopax gas+mount.
Also, an estimated 120 gallons of gas.
Health/safety $1300
Go-Pro,
Garmin Inreach Explorer+ (and 3mo subscription)
an off-road jacket
Health/Comfort stuff,
Nemo, Exped, or Thermarest sleeping pad,
couple compression bags
MSR camp stove. (My cheap stove just failed 3/21)
This stuff alone comes to $3500-3700, not including any food, hotel, or unexpected expenses. The only thing I consider a "luxury", and could potentially do without, would be the Go-Pro. However, I want to document most/all of this trip.
You might also be asking yourself Why you should donate to my dream? And who I imagine would be willing to donate? Easy, it's going to give you warm, fuzzy feelings!
Well, the Who first. Being blessed to have met, and been around amazing people, who share this motorcycle passion most of my life, I've seen, and been part of many amazing things we all do. I Know the generosity most people of this lifestyle have, when a fellow rider needs help. So, I'm calling on my fellow riders first, who can safely afford to donate. It can be $1, or $100, or more (Nobody go hungry because they want to donate to me though!) On my Honor of calling myself a motorcycle lover, and rider, Every single dollar I get, will be put towards this dream.
On a lesser scale, I imagine friends/family/loved ones, who have been through any major health issues (or has watched someone suffered through something, and felt helpless) You might not know how to help them, but you can help me.
Which brings me into the Why. Due to all my struggles, it has helped me to become an amazing person, who views myself as a Motorcycle ambassador. No, I don't have any brand affiliation. I am however, That guy who will always go above and beyond to help any rider in need, on, or off the road. I'm That guy, who will turn around on the freeway to help a broken down bike, just because I can. If my health permits it, I'll always do everything in my power to help any rider, including heading back, to get my trailer if you need towed. I give rides to little kids, to old ladies wanting to fulfill a dream, and to everyone between those extremes. If it exposes someone into the amazing world of motorcycles, I'll gladly do it!
I'll also point out, that through my 20+ years of motorcycle riding, I've been to hundreds of benefit/charity rides, always donating whatever I'm able to safely afford. (I guarantee by now, I've donated more then what I'm asking for)
Another reason why (if you happen to not live the motorcycle lifestyle) is due to all the horrible health related stuff I've been through. Due to my personal history, as well as the amazing people I've met the past couple years that I've helped run a pain support group, I'm wanting to increase awareness.
I'm planning on documenting this entire trip, as well as keeping a journal, with a big focus on the health struggles that I will have to deal with. I'd like to increase awareness for Disabled People. (I've personally faced so much discrimination having an "invisible illness", it's just sickening) We are not worth any less.
I'm also wanting to increase the awareness of Fibromyalgia. It's absolutely horrible, very debilitating, and it's going to be a serious struggle for me to complete this trip. I'm very dedicated, and Will accomplish it, although it could take much longer then I'm planning for. I'm hoping for the best, but planning for the worst.
Thank you, (seriously, thank you!) for taking the time to read my story. If you are able to contribute anything towards my dream, it would be greatly appreciated! Again, even if you can't afford to donate anything, it would Really help me out, if you could simply post this on your favorite social media platform. Have a blessed day, stay safe, and I'll cya out there!
For those of you who don't know, The Trans-America Trail, or T.A.T., is a 90% off-road route, that goes from North Carolina, all the way to Oregon's coast. It's just a little over 6000 miles one way! Dirt, mud, gravel, creek crossings, and more! That's my idea of living! My entire trip is estimated to be around 15,000 miles, although at least half of that will be paved. Since this is just for the T.A.T., I'll only talk about that part of it. I'm taking my time, and putting my health and safety first. The off-road section will take 2-3 months.
Here is the short version, if you don't want to read about all the details.
The pre-trip maintenance/mods for the bike, the during trip bike expenses, the needed camping gear, misc health items, an off-road based jacket, and a go-pro, will come to a total of just over $6000. Once I am eligible for my nerve block, (June) I will be able to do all the work to the bike myself (or recruit my buddy to help me out again!) so that brings the estimated cost down to $5000, which is what I'm asking for help with, just the off-road section.
Minimum I need to safely do the trip I have in my mind, if I find amazing used prices, will be $3700. I've already been saving for almost 2yrs, but you sure don't make much living on a disability income. I've began selling off things I own, but I don't own much.
Trust me, I understand that not everyone has the financial abilities to donate anything to my dream. You can still help me out, without any donation, simply by posting this on your favorite social media platform. (especially since anyone that knows me, knows I avoid social media!)
Here is the Long version, if you want to know what I've been through, and why I'm here, asking for help. (Even this is a very condensed version)
I went to school as a motorcycle mechanic, with a dream of owning my own bike shop. I had 2 tests left, when my life was severely interrupted for a solid 12yrs, due to a stroke! I was 25 then. Left with permanent brain damage, that dream has long been over. Sure, I've recovered a lot since then, but life is still a daily struggle.
It also triggered several other health issues I've dealt with for the past 15yrs, and will most likely continue to deal with my entire life. A few are Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Daily Migraines. Several years after the stroke, I battled melanoma, twice in 2yrs! That consisted of going under the scalpel 23 times, in 24 months, and I have the scars to prove it! The past 3yrs, my health has started making improvements. I've finally been able to exercise again!
Last year, after 14yrs of trying almost every possible treatment to control the constant pain I'm in, I found something that helps! It's a nerve block that goes through the nose. Yes, getting it done, sucks as much as you'd expect it to. However, one thing I've learned living in a permanent state of pain, is you tend to be desperate, and you're willing try anything. The downside, is you can only receive it so many times, before you have to take a 6 month break from it. I have to wait until June, before I'm eligible for it again.
So, come mid-July (it takes several injections over several weeks, to build up in your system to actually start working) I'm planning on taking my trip, and am going to enjoy this Hellish existence, I call a life. So instead of constantly fighting, and hoping that I'll find a magic cure-all, I'm going to travel extensively on my bike, and finally enjoy life!
For most of my life, when my health allowed it, I only rode on the road. Then after getting a degenerative disc disease diagnosis in my neck, I had to get rid of my much loved, but very forward leaning Hayabusa. (Neck couldn't support my head in that riding position) I replaced it with an 05, Suzuki DR650, because the seating position was so much better for my neck. Now, I love riding off-road!
My bike is well maintained, but is 13yrs old, and has almost 30,000 miles. It will make the trip with a few minor mods, and some preventative maintenance before I go. Sure, it won't be as memorable as taking a new bike, but it is a significantly better option financially vs buying a new bike. (If you're reading this Suzuki, I'd gladly accept a new DR650!)
I know many of you are wondering, how someone with all my health issues/pain levels, is planning on riding almost 6000 miles off-road? I've thought a Lot about that too! According to all the research I've done the past few months, people try to average 200 miles, over 10 or so hours daily. Since riding off-road is rather exhausting, I'm planning on much smaller, and shorter days. 2-3hrs seat time per day, will be my limit. Some days, my health Will fail me, and I'll get 0 miles. Also, when it rains, I end up with a migraine 90% of the time, so I'm not planning on riding any in the rain.
There is no doubt, I'll have multiple, 0 mile days. I'm ok with that though, safety comes first, and I'm in no hurry. (Not just for my safety, but also for the other riders out there!) I'm planning on this taking 2+ months, just to go one direction! Since there is no way I can afford hotels every night, I'm planning on packing food/water, and camping 6 days a week. 7th day, I'll get a budget hotel, as well as resupply my food/water supplies. I Really enjoy camping, and already own Almost everything I need to camp indefinitely, so this is a big money saver for me.
In fact, I've already started to live a camping lifestyle, while I'm stuck here at my house. To get an idea of how much fuel I will use in my camp stove, I have been using it exclusively for the past couple of weeks. I have my hammock set-up in my house, and my air mattress is in another room. I'm glad I've done this though, as I've found a few things that are going to need to be replaced before I go. After being on disability for 15yrs, I'm used to not having luxurious things, and making due with what I have. "Roughing it" for a few months, really won't be much of a change for me.
Another concern I've planned for, is what if my health isn't good enough to leave in July? Or if I don't have the funds? Well, being practically confined to bed for the past 3 months, it's become obvious I can't just sit around, wait, and hope anymore. So, my worst case scenario, is I can leave as late as Nov, and simply ride my routes in reverse, doing the easier road portions first, and spend the winter in a warm climate. Then come spring of next year, I'll come back home, on the T.A.T., just from West to East. I have plans for every possible obstacle I can plan for! This trip WILL happen.
Here is a partial list, of the more expensive items that your donations will go towards. To cut down on expenses, I'm looking for used items. These are new prices though.
Luggage: $1300+
Mosko Moto Backcountry 35L Pannier kit Mosko Moto Nomad Tank Bag
Mosko Moto Backcountry 40L duffle
Wolfman Carry All Number Plate Bag
Wolfman Fender Bag
4 Mosko Moto molle pouches
a few Mosko Moto straps, and locks.
Bike itself $1000-1200.
Complete tune-up, brakes, tires (cheap shinko 244's, plus 2 sets I'll need while on the trip)
1gallon rotopax gas+mount.
Also, an estimated 120 gallons of gas.
Health/safety $1300
Go-Pro,
Garmin Inreach Explorer+ (and 3mo subscription)
an off-road jacket
Health/Comfort stuff,
Nemo, Exped, or Thermarest sleeping pad,
couple compression bags
MSR camp stove. (My cheap stove just failed 3/21)
This stuff alone comes to $3500-3700, not including any food, hotel, or unexpected expenses. The only thing I consider a "luxury", and could potentially do without, would be the Go-Pro. However, I want to document most/all of this trip.
You might also be asking yourself Why you should donate to my dream? And who I imagine would be willing to donate? Easy, it's going to give you warm, fuzzy feelings!
Well, the Who first. Being blessed to have met, and been around amazing people, who share this motorcycle passion most of my life, I've seen, and been part of many amazing things we all do. I Know the generosity most people of this lifestyle have, when a fellow rider needs help. So, I'm calling on my fellow riders first, who can safely afford to donate. It can be $1, or $100, or more (Nobody go hungry because they want to donate to me though!) On my Honor of calling myself a motorcycle lover, and rider, Every single dollar I get, will be put towards this dream.
On a lesser scale, I imagine friends/family/loved ones, who have been through any major health issues (or has watched someone suffered through something, and felt helpless) You might not know how to help them, but you can help me.
Which brings me into the Why. Due to all my struggles, it has helped me to become an amazing person, who views myself as a Motorcycle ambassador. No, I don't have any brand affiliation. I am however, That guy who will always go above and beyond to help any rider in need, on, or off the road. I'm That guy, who will turn around on the freeway to help a broken down bike, just because I can. If my health permits it, I'll always do everything in my power to help any rider, including heading back, to get my trailer if you need towed. I give rides to little kids, to old ladies wanting to fulfill a dream, and to everyone between those extremes. If it exposes someone into the amazing world of motorcycles, I'll gladly do it!
I'll also point out, that through my 20+ years of motorcycle riding, I've been to hundreds of benefit/charity rides, always donating whatever I'm able to safely afford. (I guarantee by now, I've donated more then what I'm asking for)
Another reason why (if you happen to not live the motorcycle lifestyle) is due to all the horrible health related stuff I've been through. Due to my personal history, as well as the amazing people I've met the past couple years that I've helped run a pain support group, I'm wanting to increase awareness.
I'm planning on documenting this entire trip, as well as keeping a journal, with a big focus on the health struggles that I will have to deal with. I'd like to increase awareness for Disabled People. (I've personally faced so much discrimination having an "invisible illness", it's just sickening) We are not worth any less.
I'm also wanting to increase the awareness of Fibromyalgia. It's absolutely horrible, very debilitating, and it's going to be a serious struggle for me to complete this trip. I'm very dedicated, and Will accomplish it, although it could take much longer then I'm planning for. I'm hoping for the best, but planning for the worst.
Thank you, (seriously, thank you!) for taking the time to read my story. If you are able to contribute anything towards my dream, it would be greatly appreciated! Again, even if you can't afford to donate anything, it would Really help me out, if you could simply post this on your favorite social media platform. Have a blessed day, stay safe, and I'll cya out there!
Organizer
Ben Johnson
Organizer
Marysville, OH
