Why do I want to go around the world on my motorcycle?

Do you remember the first time you fell in love? That’s how I felt when I heard about a round the world (RTW) trip that a friend of mine was going on through the BMW Motorcycle Club in Iceland. There was no logic to it; at that moment, I decided to go. I only knew that I had to follow my heart. The only question was whether I should go alone or with someone. After a good friend of mine turned down the idea of joining me, I decided to go alone.

I can’t think of a more exciting thing to do than to go around the world on my motorcycle, even though I may be taking a bit of a risk going alone. It simply fascinates me to “slide through the world;” to see, feel and smell the different cultures and get in contact with people like me – people that love other people.

I have no expectations – only an open mind and a belief that this will be the adventure of a lifetime.

Come on, isn’t it just a midlife crises?

Likely, many people will ask this question. To me, it’s more than that. I feel that I have that experience to handle this trip, which will require both physical and mental strength. I do wish I had more motorcycle experience; I’ve only been on my bike since 2012. And I fear some of the other challenges involved as well, like fighting loneliness and homesickness as I am away from my family, especially my grandchild.

Back to the midlife crisis question, though. Maybe it’s the discover that we’re not younger today than we were yesterday that makes us finally rethink our lives when we are halfway through. In ten years, I will be 68 – if I reach that age – and I will most likely not go alone on a trip like this. So in that sense, yes I am doing things now that I know I will not be able to do later. My fear is that one day in the future, I will regret the things I didn’t do. Maybe that’s “midlife crisis” thinking.

If you have come this far in reading my explanation and feel a bit of harmony with what I’m saying and what you’re thinking, then I’d suggest reading Instantes (e. Moments) by Jorge Luis Borges, an Argentine poet. No other text describes my feelings better than this one at this moment.

My background

I am from Iceland, married with three sons and one grandchild.

Since 1985, I have been managing companies either as a managing director or as a board member. Before that, I worked in the IT field as a programmer and a  systems analyst. After I sold my company in 2006, my wife and I have used our free time to travel and explore the world.

I have a passion for skiing/snowboarding, driving, traveling abroad or in Iceland and last but not least, photography. Golf was my main passion up until a few years ago, but I have had to give it up due to back pain when swinging the clubs.

My orginal plan