2008 May Archive at Sojourn Chronicles

Monthly Archive for May, 2008

Review: Dreaming of Jupiter by Ted Simon

Published

on May 21, 2008

. 1 Comment

A Conversation with Ted Simon

Robert Fulton Jr. may have been a “One Man Caravan,” but Ted Simon is THE one man spokesman for adventure motorcycling and pursuit of life-altering dreams. His first book, Jupiter’s Travels has inspired many to pursue adventure motorcycling and round-the-world rides. His latest book release, Dreaming of Jupiter, is a testament to that.

Simon recreates his 1970s ride around the world on a Triumph nearly 30 years later at the age of 69. On a 1997 BMW R80 GS, he sets out to see how the world has changed and the people he met along the way on that first visit. Through the course of his recent travels he comes to realize how much impact, even the briefest encounters on that first trip, changed lives.

The book is a mix of past and present–comparing the previous ride with the current one–and examines a changed world, especially a post 9/11 one. It is a good read with nuggets of inspiration laced throughout the book.

Ted Simon

Links:Ted Simon’s web site
www.Jupitalia.com

Another interview with Ted Simon by Carla King
www.MissAdventuring.com

Dreaming of Jupiter
by Ted Simon

ISBN 978-1-84744-181-2
436 Pages
Published by Sphere, 2007
an imprint of
Little, Brown Book Group
London

ISBN-13: 9780965478540
464 Pages
Published by Jupitalia Productions, 2008
USA

And now, a Conversation with Ted Simon.

Ted Simon: Book Review, Dreaming of Jupiter [27:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (44)

Trans-America Trail film nears completion

Published

Sojourn Chronicles

on May 20, 2008

in Conversations

. 1 Comment

A Conversation with James Beatty

James Beatty dreamed of riding the 5,000-mile Trans-America Trail across America. In the summer of 2006 that became a reality, and came together as a tribute, a motorcycle adventure and a film project. Growing up with a father that encouraged motorcycling adventures and living life to its fullest, James researched an adventure that would be a tribute to his deceased father, Skip Beatty. James and his brother, Steven, planned a ride on the Trans America Trail from Tennessee to the Pacific Coast in Oregon and to document the adventure in film.

As a film maker, James pulled in others to help in the project. Individual schedules forced the team to complete the 5,000-mile ride in just 35 days. That’s 35 days of dirt and gravel roads, and off road riding.

Trans-America Trail
Photo courtesy the Road Less Traveled Movie.

With more than 170 hours of video footage (digital capture, actually), Beatty started to organize, edit and pitch proposals to TV networks and others. After nearly two years of post production, the documentary is on track for a two-hour feature film that the producer hopes to enter into film festivals in the Fall. He discusses the project as well as the grueling ride.

James Beatty

Additional InformationThe Road Less Traveled Movie

Trans-America Trail

And now, a Conversation with James Beatty.

James Beatty talks about his film, Road Less Traveled Movie [30:58m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (28)

Breakfast ride to a piece of history

Published

Sojourn Chronicles

on May 18, 2008

in Destinations and Ride-Eat-Ride

. 2 Comments

Our Sunday Morning Breakfast Ride was just a usual ride. Nothing special about it, nor our destination. At least that’s what I first thought.

Gathering at the UDF.

When asked where we were headed, Jerry said, we haven’t been to New Richmond for a while, let’s ride down there and eat on the River. It seemed a little cool for eating outside, but okay, let’s go.

With eight riders, Jerry lead us out of the UDF onto the back roads, and winding down through Loveland and roads south. I am constantly amazed at the quality of roads to ride in southwestern Ohio. Jerry, seems to know them all.

As we wind down Ohio SR 132 and enter New Richmond, a road sign catches my attention, “Underground Railroad historic sites” straight ahead. Ohio and the Ohio River played a great role in providing freedom to escaping slaves from the south. It’s known as the Freedom Trail.

We cross US 52 and ride three blocks towards the river and turn left. It seems I’m following the signs to the historic sites. Then we pull into The Landing, our destination for breakfast, and in front of the building, a sign reads “Underground Railroad Historic Site!”

The Landing Restaurant

It may be the Landing now. But, in the early to mid 1800s, it was the home of the Rev. George C. Light, a Methodist minister and agent of the American Colonization Society founded in 1816. The purpose of the society was to help free slaves return to Africa. The country of Liberia was founded as a result of the society’s efforts. Society members included James Madison, Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay and Abraham Lincoln.

About three doors down is the Dr. John Rogers Home Site. He was the first president of the Clermont County Anti-Slavery Society in 1836. In all, there are 33 historic underground railroad sites in Clermont County.

New Richmond breakfast ride on the Ohio River.

Although it was on the cool side, the sun was very warming and breakfast on the terrace was terrific. Two tug boats with barges passed by as we feasted on breakfast and hot coffee. Afterwards, we rode farther east on US 52 along the river before turning north and heading home.

As I rode, I thought about my friend Sharon Hicks Bartlett and her upcoming trip to Ohio to ride throughout the many historic sites of the Freedom Trail. Sharon is going to need more than one week’s vacation.–DBrent

Indy Track Day: Where’s my ear plugs?

Published

Sojourn Chronicles

on May 16, 2008

in Scribblings

. 0 Comments

For many, many years, my brother has invited me to either Track Days, which are the days running up to, or the Indianapolis 500 itself. This year, I went.

I have never been to the Indianapolis Speedway, so this adventure was a first. Most people know about the Indianapolis 500. Most know that it runs on Memorial Day. Some know that the time trials occur before the race. Those in the Indianapolis viewing area know it is a huge event for the entire month of May! Time trials. Practice runs. Fine-tuning of engines, suspension and tires. It all adds up to putting the most effort forward to winning the big race.

Brian Miller We had tickets to the Indiana Motor Speedway (IMS) suite, where food and beverages were plentiful. The suite was directly above pit row, and just down from the start-finish line.

It was impressive. But, the most surprising thing was the noise. It was LOUD.

During Track Days, only five, six or seven cars run at a time. They are all trying to qualify, and get as close to the front of the pack as possible in the starting line up. So, they’re practicing, but they are pushing too. As they qualify, and push for a better position, the average lap speeds increase. The leaders were registering nearly 220 mph.

So, I tried to photograph such speed.

I got better at tracking, as I practiced. Ear plugs were essential.

It was a good day at the track.–DBrent

Appalachian Festival highlights a living history

Published

Sojourn Chronicles

on May 13, 2008

in Events

. 1 Comment

The three-day, 39th Annual Appalachian Festival in Cincinnati had two days of rough weather to contend with. But, Saturday’s weather was the kind you pray for while conducting an outdoor festival.

The festival, organized by the Appalachian Community Development Association, features the arts and culture of a region that spans 13 states. The festival is the largest event held outside the Appalachian Mountain Region, but it’s not that far away. Cincinnati is one county away from the edge of the defined Appalachia.

Many things define Appalachia, and music is one of them. Featured musical groups performed on the stages, but wandering musicians gathered, and just started playing, mostly the old standards of mountain music.