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To the woman with the wildflower standing next to my scooter on Sunday morning at the Quality Inn in Somewheresville, Ohio…

I regret that I didn’t get your name. I regret that I didn’t introduce myself.

Before I left from Minneapolis on August 23, I knew that somewhere between New York and Minnesota I would experience something or meet someone that would give this trip meaning… You were that someone.

The long and short of all this is — I genuinely enjoyed speaking with you and would like to continue our conversation.

You can reach me here: michaelvenske@gmail.com

I hope to hear from you.

Michael

We’ve come a long way folks. From 3 scooters leaving Minneapolis, to one in New York, and finishing with two in working order. Looking back on what we have done and the small stretch we have to do (Madison to Minneapolis), I have to say… We’ve accomplished so much.

The latest updates from me:

-Bob from Tru Imports is a life saver for fixing Julia.
-Dustin loves to argue.
-Mikes scooter, Shirley, is a trooper.
-We met up with Andy!
-I’ve had a ton of fun even in a`car
-Mike can be very emotional/angry after being on scooter in traffic.
-I can’t wait to get home to my other scooter, The Albatross
-I’ve almost fallen in love with someone from each city we have been through.
- P town is amazingly awesome.
- I can never leave my food or drinks next to Dustin and Mike without it being destroyed
- I want to meet up with my friends in Utah.
- Most importantly, thanks to everyone for supporting us on this trip!

I’ll talk to you all then at the finish line!

We’ve been driving so hard lately we haven’t really had any time to blog. Mike was sort of right, we did depart from him in NYC, but rather we went`to Provincetown, MA. It was so great to go back to old romping grounds and see so many of my old friends. We went to a yacht party which was bittersweet, since we used to party on it back when I lived there but now they are selling the boat to Russia and it’s leaving harbor tomorrow.

Mike drove over 760 miles in 2 days on Shirley. We did about 1100 in the car, and caught up with Mike in Columbus Ohio. From there we rode into Indianapolis IN just in time to miss Andy’s show. Today, we head for Chicago.

I’m exhausted, but I can’t wait to chill in Chicago. I will eat a hot dog.

-Dustin

For those of you that are curious:

Total Fuel Expense: $114
Total Miles Traveled: 1,497
Total Cost Per Mile: $0.07

Please keep in mind that New York is a half-way point on our trip…

It is my full intention to ride Shirley back to Minneapolis. Granted, I have fears regarding (possibly excessive) heat that’s being generated from the engine and an oil leak, but I have faith in my guardian bell and the preventative maintenance performed by Scooterville (Nick, Steven, Steve — all wonderfully skilled).

It’s slightly difficult for me to comprehend traveling from Minneapolis to New York on a scooter. Likewise, it seems just as difficult for everyone we’ve met on the road. We’ve received loads of encouragement, but overwelmingly the phrase I hear most often is:

“You didn’t drive that thing all the way from Minnesota, did you?”

It’s understandable, I suppose. Yet, we’re not doing anything great. Let’s be honest for a moment…

We’re not walking, running, biking, crawling, or driving a lawn mower across America. We’re riding scooters from Minneapolis to New York and back because scooters are fun and fuel effiecient. That’s pretty much it. If you want to be amazed by a cross-country scooter trip, check out Peace Scooter. That’s amazing. (Granted, she’s not on a Stella, but that’s not the point here.)

In a few hours I’ll be attending the wedding which sparked this trip. This wedding is the reason I’ve traveled nearly 1,500 miles. Honestly, it isn’t the wedding so much, as it is my friends, Chris and Joanne. They are both amazing people and I’ve been blessed with their friendship. I would do anything for them. I feel exceptionally proud that they’re allowing me to be present at such a day in both their lives.

Other thoughts about the trip thus far…

–Pennsylvannia, New Jersey, and New York are a lot more beautiful than expected. A lot of trees and a lot of friendly people.
–Sean and I had a fight. That’s all I want to say about that.
–Fast food is pathetic. Restaurant food is pathetic. Know what I miss? Cooking for myself.
–I miss my cats.

This afternoon Sean and Dustin are driving up to Providence, Rhode Island, for a party. Tomorrow I’m leaving New York alone on my scooter. If there’s a time I’m going to certainly break down, it will be tomorrow.

I’ll leave without “seeing the sights.” Some of you may find that odd, but I rest assured knowing that Times Square, Broadway, and all the other “must sees” will be here when I triumphantly return one day. This trip wasn’t about getting a picture in front of the Statue of Liberty or attending the Late Night with Conan O’Brien… It’s about the love that’s bringing people from all over the country together and bearing witness to that love. Again, I’m lucky to be one of them.

With that said, I think I’m done writing here. I’m not sure what else I can really say. If my scooter blows up, I’ll say something. But at this point — I miss my co-workers, my neighbors, and my life in Minneapolis. And I miss my home. It’s hard to have a home when you’re on the road…

I look forward to rolling back into town…On my scooter…

If you’d like to continue reading my thoughts after this journey, you can check them out at walkonred.blogspot.com.

Thank you for reading everyone,

Michael James
Walk | On | Red

Well we finally made it to New York early yesterday afternoon. Right in the middle of rush hour. 3 hours and $28 in toll booths later we made it the remaining 42 miles to the hotel
Now we’re here, getting ready for the wedding and the reception. Berfore/after that I really look forward to some downtown NYC time and a trip out to the beach. It’s been quite a ride so far, but I only wonder what other random crap will happen along the way back.

I did find a set of photo’s that I think describe our trip so far though:

Party on,

-Dustin