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