About

The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines.  – Charles Kuralt

Welcome to the ride along of my journey in finding my own two feet again.  First of all, let me introduce myself, my name is Ginamarie Austin but most of my motorcycle friends call me Purple.

My motorcycle adventures started over 6 years ago when I got tired of looking at the back of my husband’s head while riding and decided it was time for me get my motorcycle license. So in searching for my first beginner’s bike, we discovered that I was limited on choices for a dual sport bike since I’m vertically challenge and most dual sport bike seat height are not made for people like me.  However, we found an exception to the standard which is the Yamaha TW200.  This began our love affair with this little cult bikes.

Since then, we joined the TW200 community and my husband became the guru on this little bike with fat tires.  We have met some great people and gone on some amazing rides.  We even did our honeymoon on these little bikes, over 2,000 miles.  He also accomplished the challenge of the Iron Butt 1000.  Mind you, we do have other bigger bikes but we ended up riding the TW the most.

Then last year, we decided to attend the Horizon Unlimited event in Cambria, CA.  This is where we got the bug to wanting to travel the North America to discover the small towns on the back road.  Hence, this began the count down to retirement so we can pursue our dreams.

Our dreams got short changed when my husband lost his battle to lung cancer in less than a month.  His final wish to me was not to wait until retirement to pursue our dreams but to sell the house now and begin the journey.  He said that life was too short; so don’t wait for the right time to go.

So here am I am trying to close the estate and plan for my year long road trip on the back road of America.  You’ll be following along my trials and tribulations as I use the tools and tricks that my late husband has taught me.  This trip will be about closing one chapter and finding my own feet in the next chapter of my life.

I hope you will learn from my mistakes and successes in this journey.  Any suggestions and comments will be greatly appreciated.

15 thoughts on “About”

  3. Tales of a strong woman… look forward to reading more! I’m also looking into getting a dual sport bike so I’m following along 😀

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  5. So sorry to hear about the death of your husband. I admire your strength and courage, and wish you the very best of luck as you embark on the next part of your life. I look very forward to reading about your adventures!

    I absolutely love the TW, I’m hoping it will be my next bike. I’m very curious to know how it does on a long journey. I’m an Austin as well, it’s a rare surname around here. If your travels ever take you to Newfoundland, be sure to look me up!

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    1. Thank you and definitely I will look you up when I get to Newfoundland. I have read your blog and it looks like a beautiful country to ride around.

      My late husband and I took the Tdub on our honeymoon and did 2,500 miles. It holds up pretty well but the seat needs to be dealt with. Its a little hard on the derrière. Also, there was an Australian couple who rode the Tdub across the country as well. So I won’t be the first one.

      Check out our forum http://www.tw200forum.com for more information about our bike and other riders. I believe we have a couple of member in your area.

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  7. So…..I’ve been reading your stuff and every new story triggers a little something deep inside and my first instinct is always “Yes!” and I smile a little or I get a little sad or I’m reminded of some shared adventure from days past. My second instinct is to try to tell you my reactions in a comment.
    Then I realize I don’t have to. You already understand.
    So…..a nod and a toast to the guy who pointed the way, but more importantly, a hug and a smile for the girl who is determined to keep filling her life with adventure.
    “Never let go of that fiery sadness called desire.”
    p.s. thanks for the guitars

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    1. Thank you and you’re welcome. The guitars went to a good home. I know they will be given the love and the care that Russ once did. They brings fond memories of late night singing, playing and the damned Green Chartreuse! Oh those were the days!

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