What it takes to write from the road

 What it takes to write from the road

Dispatches from the road 

By Bill Poindexter 

What is takes to write to you from the road 

“I don’t know how you guys do it!” More than one person would say to me while on tour from Kansas City to Yorktown, Va. or in Mexico, or when I rode from New Mexico to Banff.

I don’t know either, but I did it. There is much I don’t remember, and much I do. 

The roads become a interwoven mix of scenery and my minds eye-memories, songs, thoughts, or just a strobe like-universal energy playlist. But from the beginning of the day to the end it is eat and ride, and trust me you get sick of food and towards the end you just want Gatorade and chocolate milk. And then you  find a patch of dirt to lay your bedding, and sleep is knocking but you force yourself to write highlights from the day in the journal and then dictate your reflections, and do some minor editing, it takes time, and much effort. The Russian writers, like Tolstoy were notoriously honest in their writings, I strive for the same honesty. Authentic, transparent, raw. I don’t care. I love to share the story, especially as it evolves. I  working on being better as well. I do this for you, the person who is working a full time job, maybe has a family, and wants to read something unique, real and recent. And read something from a person who can tell the story of the journey. I will improve over time, and more stories with come with your support. 

Encouragement, a bed, meal, or a few bucks for a sandwich and a coffee. I need you, don’t forget that. I rode with you every day. 

I am currently trying to raise money for the next journey. If you’re interested in helping please let me know. You can Venmo or Facebook pay. 

Or just keep reading the writing and whenever you are comfortable you can do what you want. 

The road is not easy. 6-12 hours on a fully loaded bike, in rain, up and down rough no shoulder roads is brutal, three flat tires, and then to have to change the last on the side of a highway in the rain, well that’s God’s way of keeping me humble. And with all the hardships, pain, wet and cold, the sun rises, the little girl waves to you from the passing car, a dog runs along side of you for miles, and a stranger at a gas station hands you a $50 bill and says he wants to buy you some meals because of the story you just shared from the road. I love the road.

Thanks 

Bill Poindexter 

(The images are of the dog running along side “Little Missy” and then last flat in the rain on the side of the highway.)