September 27, 2021
I am simply again from Flagstaff, Arizona, the place I attended Overland Expo West. It was a last-minute determination to go seeing that the pandemic appears to be underneath management. It will have been the primary West occasion I’ve missed, so I used to be glad to get an opportunity to go. My pal Kevin had further room in his automobile and lodging, too. All I needed to do was e book the flights from San Jose. Yay! I really like the overlanding and writing communities for connection and alternatives like this.
Arcosanti
We stopped by Arcosanti on the best way. Years in the past, I spent a major period of time right here. It is an arcology prototype designed by the late Paolo Solari to resolve the issue of city sprawl, offering a city residing expertise that’s vertical, densely built-in with combined makes use of, and environmentally acutely aware.
Overland Expo
Overland Expo is in Flagstaff, Arizona, at Tuthill County Park the place it has been based mostly for a number of years. Its focus is overlanding by 4×4, motorbike, van, truck, RV, and any type of hybrid customized car you may think about.
You’ll be able to wander the present for 3 days or take lessons and workshops or buy an Overland Expertise package deal for hands-on studying get better, restore, and navigate in your personal car.
Often, I current on motorcycling matters, solo-travel matters, or locations (Asia, Africa, Baja, Europe, and even the USA!) however this 12 months I could not commit, so I used to be an attendee. Whereas I do love collaborating I actually loved being free to wander and go to with outdated pals and new.
Sarah Leamy on her motorbike
Her newest work is a group of poetry titled Hidden, revealed by Ending Line Press.
Roseann Hanson Subject Arts
I’ve identified Roseann Hanson for so long as Overland Expo has been happening. She grew the occasion from a pair hundred individuals gathered on a web site by the Arizona-Mexico border to the spectacular 20,000+ attendee extravaganza it’s as we speak. And that is simply the West occasion. She added the Mountain West and East occasions a couple of years in the past.
Wishing to focus on her Subject Arts, she offered Overland Expo to Lodestone Occasions in 2019, simply earlier than the pandemic. Fortunately, Lodestone appears to have saved the spirit of the occasion they usually even make use of the identical workers.
I noticed Roseann (see above within the gallery) on the creator’s tent along with her books, her Subject Arts journals, pencils, and a few leather-based packs she had made to maintain your artwork provides collectively and transportable. Take a look at her Fixed Apprentice weblog and her on-line and on-site workshops, like her Feral Watercolor Workshop.
I missed seeing Jonathan Hanson however noticed the Clayton T. Porter e book (Path of the Jaguar) on the desk, which I cherished, alongside together with his Tales of the Southwest.
Distributors
Although I did go take a look at the 4x4s, rooftop tents, vans, and RVs, I frolicked largely in Moto Village. It is organized by Eva Rupert, survivalist, event-maker, motorbike maven, author, and advocate for journey. She actually is aware of throw a celebration! Take a look at her weblog.
I additionally obtained to reconnect with Sterling Noren of Noren Movies, who’s been busy making extra motion pictures about motorcycling. Eva and Sterling run The Jonquil Motel, a street journey oasis in Bisbee, Arizona, that is fashionable with motorcyclists and different overlanders.
Moto Gear
I’ve obtained motorbike gear from Mosko Moto, Wolfman Baggage, Atlas Throttle Lock, who had been all there, and stopped by to say hello.
Eric at Wolfman Baggage
Ashley at Mosko Moto and Rachel at Woody’s Wheel Works
Heidi Winters at Atlas Throttle Lock
Acquired to spend some high quality time with Heidi at Atlas Throttle Lock and reminisce concerning the early days when child Brooklyn was additionally on the show desk. She’s in first grade now. Wow. How did that occur?
Backcountry Discovery Route
Sterling has made some nice movies concerning the numerous Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDRs) that dual-sport motorcyclists get pleasure from everywhere in the USA. A brand new one is coming in Northern California, thwarted by the fires. Perhaps I am going to get to assist scout! I must put my KTM 450 EXC to work and I’m NOT using a behemoth ADV bike.
I chatted with Invoice Whitacre (see gallery above) who offered on the BDR to a crowd of enthusiastic motorcyclists who wish to expertise the wild aspect of the USA. There are all types of routes and maps. Perhaps I am going to see you on the path!
Discover my report on Overland Expo on Girls Riders Now, for ladies who trip and the lads who love and help us. Subscribe right here to be notified.
