Road Trippin'

With this site being about the pleasures of driving; from the vehicle to the road, let's talk about the road. There are very few things in this world perceived as more liberating than hitting the open road. Getting one's driver license is akin to earning a higher level of freedom. With a driver's license, a car, and gas money you can easily broaden your horizon. You discover new places and in some cases find yourself. The world (really the land mass you're on) is your oyster.

For me driving is more than a means of transportation or a method to physically "get away". It's my means of mentally getting away and escaping my thoughts. Some people swear by running, hiking, or meditating. It takes their mind out of their current reality and it clears their head. Driving does that for me. I live in Green Bay WI. I attend car shows in Cincinnati and track days in Michigan & Ohio all of which are several hours of driving. For those occasions I wake up at 2 or 3 a.m. and hit the road. Listening to instrumental music with an open road knowing the sun will be breaching the horizon the car is reeling in sharpens my mind and focuses my thoughts. It's my zen. I do my best thinking and have original ideas during these periods. Aside from the clear stream of consciousness (still talking about driving), it also feels like discovering uncharted territories. Without the hassle of other cars on the road you can focus on the curves of the road, the smell of the car, and the sound of the wind rushing past. You start paying attention to your surroundings. You simply feel plugged in.

My Go-To Songs:
1. Craig Armstrong - Escape (Full Version)
2. Ludovico Einaudi - Fly
3. Ludovico Einaudi - Divenire
4. Ludovico Einaudi - Experience
5. Max Richter - Infra 5
6. The Cinematic Orchestra - Arrival of the Birds

By far and away, my favorite part of going on road trips or long drives is looking for those hidden gem side roads. The top picture was snapped when I drove past what looked like an old (maybe abandoned) Golf Course, very fitting for the R. There, I found a narrower road that snaked between the mounds. It was the most fun I've had in the car to date with 4451 miles on the odometer. It reminded me of British style hill-climbs. Short, sweet, and fun.

So next time you have a trip coming up consider driving. I hope you enjoy the ride and drive safe!