What about Griffin?

If you know me, you likely know my dog Griffin. In 1999, he and I met online at the Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue site. I liked his goofy ears. He liked that I could make food appear. But alas, he was in Florida and I was in Virginia. A match made in heaven was separated by many miles of Interstate 95. As good luck would have it, several such long distance relationships had developed and a hearty DC-based Rescue volunteer drove to Florida to bring back some pups. Griffin was one of about six Ridgebacks packed in a minivan traveling north on I95. I don’t have the details, but I think they stopped at South of the Boarder to get fireworks. And to pee.

Griff and I have been together since then. We’ve camped, we’ve trained for running events, we’ve caught possums. To be sure, our most notable adventure was an eight month cross-country motorhome trip. On that trip we visited forests, mountains, glaciers, oceans, deserts and prairies. We enjoyed the company of friends and we chased off evil-doers. It is that trip that inspired the “beyond the dogpark” name, as it represented a notable experience in leaving the familiar behind in search of the unknown. For more information on that trip, click HERE.

As I’ve discussed the upcoming motorcycle trip with friends, the first question inevitably relates to Griffin. Sadly, Griffin will be staying behind on this trip. I have very seriously considered solutions involving a side car or trailer to carry Griffin or a motorhome to haul the bike. But no solution seems plausible. I want to do this trip on a bike, and I think that Griff might be a couple years too old to handle being in the elements on a near full-time basis.

It will be difficult for me to leave him behind as he has been my everyday example of how to set aside constructed concerns and make the most of each situation. But I will leave knowing that he will be in the good care of our friend Lauren. She and Griffin will “hold down the fort” at my house for the next several months.

Welcome - April 9 2007

Hello gang, I’d like to tell you about a trip I plan to take starting later this month. At the end of April I will hop on my motorcycle and head west. Far west. I will come close to water and then I will turn north. Far north. Really far north. Then I’ll turn around and take the shorter, 5,000+ mile route home. Planned stops include a dirt riding class in southern California; footraces in Idaho, British Columbia and Alaska; a challenging ride up (close) to the Arctic Ocean and a variety of other meet-ups with friends, family, motorcycling folks and perhaps a hash or two. I’m allowing three months for the tour.

This trip has been in the planning stages for quite a while and much thought and effort have gone into equipping the bike its rider for the tour. The bike is a 2002 BMW R1150GS Adventure, a de facto bike for long distance “dual sport” on-road/off-road riding. The rider is a 1966 human being with more than his share of wanderlust, a love for running and a fondness for beer. Both bike and rider are now equipped with provisions, armor and confidence.

I plan on keeping in touch while I’m gone. If all goes as planned, the latest info on this trip will be posted via a variety of services aggregated at www.beyondthedogpark.com

AND THERE’S MORE: I am raising money for the Dana –Farber Cancer Institute in memory of my father. The total amount raised is very much secondary to the number of people we can encourage to raise their hands (or click their mice) to help.
That site is here: link

I suspect that most of us have felt an impact from cancer – if not directly then indirectly via friends or loved ones. My family presents an example as my father battled more than one type of cancer in his day. That day came to a close last fall when he succumbed to a variety of conditions, some directly aggravated by cancer and others by its imperfect treatments. I believe that the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is among our best hopes in fighting cancer. Again, the amount of your gift is secondary to the simple expression of your interest in supporting this cause.

I promise that my communications will generally not be requests for donations. They will be ride reports and tales of the unanticipated. Unless of course you all are too stingy to actually give a few bucks, then I’ll hound you like a bad in-law. . .

Here is a pre-trip shot from near the Blue Ridge Parkway. . .

Paul