Wheels of Wanderlust

From bicycles to motorbikes/cars, and the tug of the open road.....

The wind rushing past, tugging at my clothes and hair, the feel of an instant connection to the open road, and a thrilling sense of mastery as I lean into each curve are the feelings I distinctly remember from my first ride on my mom’s Kinetic Honda. I was 13 or 14 when I first rode it. The initial surge of acceleration was exhilarating, like a roller coaster you control.

I was always at ease, my senses heightened whenever I rode my bike. But this feeling intensified tenfold when I started riding my mom’s bike. I would find every possible excuse to take it out, with or without her assistance. I vividly remember the feel of the wind in my hair and that incredible sense of freedom as I rode my bicycle on the street beside my house. This street had a slight slope, perfect for cruising without any effort.

I rode down this street multiple times, each descent making me bolder until I glided down with my hands raised high above my head. It was exhilarating, intoxicating, and oh-so-cool! Then, one day, I lost control and hit the footpath, leaving me with a nasty bruise on my knee. You'd think that would deter me from such carefree riding, right?

On the contrary, it emboldened me! The bruise on my knee became a trophy, a testament to my daring spirit. I went back to seeking that rush, albeit with a bit more sense of safety. The thrill, the freedom, and the sheer joy of riding never left me.

I had a bike when I was studying Engineering. When I was given my bike, it felt like a momentous occasion, a significant step towards freedom and autonomy. For a girl from an Indian middle-class background like me, this wasn't just a vehicle; it was a symbol of independence and self-empowerment.

The first time I gripped the handlebars and revved the engine, an exhilarating rush of adrenaline surged through me. The powerful roar beneath me was both thrilling and a reminder of the newfound control I held.

Riding through the bustling streets, I felt a newfound confidence. The bike allowed me to navigate through the traffic with ease, bypassing the usual delays and restrictions of public transportation. The freedom to choose my path, to decide where I wanted to go and when was intoxicating. Each ride became an adventure, a personal journey where I set the course.

The bike offered me a sense of autonomy that transcended physical mobility. It was about breaking away from societal expectations and stereotypes. In a culture where girls are often expected to conform to certain roles, riding a bike was a bold statement about my independence and capability.

The ability to travel alone, to explore new places, and to manage my own time instilled a deep sense of self-reliance. I no longer needed to depend on others for transportation, and this independence boosted my confidence in other areas of life as well. It was a step towards greater personal freedom, a declaration that I was capable of taking charge of my destiny.

With each ride, I felt a growing connection to the world around me. The journey on my bike allowed me to see my city or town from a different perspective, to discover hidden corners and new routes. This sense of exploration added to the feeling of freedom, making every ride a new adventure.

During my last year of Engineering, I rode my friend’s Honda Splendor (a motorbike). This was a bike that was far superior to my Kinetic Honda in the engine power and speed. As I accelerated and the wind rushed past, a sense of liberation washed over me, unlike anything I'd experienced before. The scenery blurring into a tapestry of colors, and the realization that the boundaries between me and the world were dissolving. There was a profound sense of freedom, unbounded by the constraints of a car's metal frame. The air felt fresher, the sun warmer, and even the smells of the road – from fresh-cut grass to distant ocean breezes – seemed more vivid and immediate.

It's a dance of balance and speed, a thrilling exploration of what's possible, and a powerful reminder of the joys of pure, unfiltered freedom. The moment is yours, the journey is uncharted, and the possibilities are endless.

After moving to the USA and getting my own car, I've felt an irresistible tug for road travel, a call from the open roads that I can't ignore. There's something uniquely liberating about the vast stretches of highway and the promise of adventure that lies in every direction.

When I first set out, the thrill of the high speed was exhilarating. The power beneath the pedal, the way the car effortlessly eats up the miles, gives me a sense of freedom and control I've rarely felt before. The speed limits here are generous, allowing me to cruise along at a pace that feels both thrilling and efficient.

As I drive, the scenery constantly changes, each new landscape more captivating than the last. I watch as the urban sprawl gives way to rolling countryside, as dense forests open up to reveal majestic mountains or endless plains. Each transition is a reminder of the vastness and diversity of this country.

The open road stretches out before me, a symbol of infinite possibilities. There's a unique joy in charting my course, deciding on a whim to take a detour to a hidden gem of a town or a stunning natural vista. The GPS might offer a route, but the real adventure lies in the spontaneous turns and unexpected stops.

The wind rushes through the open windows, carrying with it the scents of the land – fresh pine, blooming wildflowers, and the salty tang of the ocean. Each breath feels like a taste of freedom. The rhythmic sound of tires on asphalt becomes a comforting background, a reminder of the journey I'm on.

Stopping at roadside diners and quirky attractions adds to the charm. Every small-town diner, with its homemade pie and friendly locals, every roadside attraction with its unique story, feels like a discovery, a piece of Americana that enriches my experience.

Since 2021, my daughter, my dog, and I have embarked on countless road trips, each one a unique adventure. We've marveled at the shimmering dunes of White Sands National Park in New Mexico, stood in awe beneath the towering giants of Redwood National Park in California, experienced the vibrant energy of Las Vegas, witnessed the crystal blue hot springs of Yellowstone, and explored the rugged beauty of Southern Utah more times than I can count.

Driving solo with a kid and a dog in tow can be exhausting. There's no one to take over the wheel, no break from the constant focus and responsibility. But every mile is filled with moments that make it all worthwhile. The laughter of my daughter as she discovers something new, the loyal companionship of my dog by my side, and the endless expanse of the open road create an experience that is profoundly enriching.

The sights we see together – from breathtaking landscapes to quirky roadside attractions – are imprinted in our memories. Each trip strengthens our bond and fills us with a sense of wonder and freedom. Despite the fatigue, the joy and fulfillment these journeys bring are incomparable. Every drive, every destination, every shared moment makes the challenges fade away, leaving only the magic of our adventures.

The tug for road travel in the USA is more than just a desire to explore; it's a profound sense of freedom and adventure. It's about embracing the journey, savoring each moment, and feeling a deep connection to the vast, varied landscape of my new home. Every mile traveled is a story, a memory, a testament to the boundless opportunities that the open road offers.