Dad,

I’m watching an instructional DVD for the BMW. It covers tricks for on the road repairs like changing tires and different accessory recommendations for traveling. The movie stars a Norwegian who runs a local company that organizes world-wide motorcycle tours. I met him years ago at a DVD release party at another local company that is the US reseller for a major adventure touring parts company. It turns out one of his colleagues is an old friend of an old coworker of mine. I’ve had a few beers with him over the years. Seattle remains small.

I get a kick out of the video, particularly the accent I think. It makes me think of the photos from the old Haynes automotive manuals and imagine what this kind of video would look like with those guys. This also makes me laugh imagining Stan making an automotive repair manual.

Kate asked me a while ago how to find mechanically inclined folks around Surry and I had to laugh. I haven’t made friends with many gear-heads out here still, despite the diversity of the people I know. It is very much like firearms; I spend more time teaching people about working on motorcycles and automobiles than I do hanging out with cohorts and bullshitting about them.

I had a bit of a warble on the GMC when braking, which drove me to replacing the rotors. This took me a fucking week. I should have known, it turns out I’ve done this on the Chevy as well but had forgotten. It is the 8600GVW weight rating that makes the wheels and hubs built like a tank. It was strange not having anyone to really talk to about this. I’ve told a lot of people, but not being able to tell you about it really made me feel that something was missing.

I’m pretty sure I’m missing some tricks by not paying attention to this video, but it’s awfully slow moving.

I decided I would head to Alaska this year on the BMW. I don’t know that there is anything I need to specifically do or think about, but I think I need some time alone and away. Time where I can stop being frustrated with projects, work and relationship and hear the silence again. I’m excited for the trip. I’ve got to rely on myself right now.

I miss you and think of you every day.