There are SO many people I need to thank. This list will be added to cause I'm old and won't remember everyone first go. AND there will be categories - the first category being those closest to me who have had a huge impact on supporting this effort even in the light of some obvious stupidity. So, without further ado: In no particular order....
Alexandra - I promised it would never be boring
Jacques and Liz - there are no words to express my gratitude - I simply bow with hands pressed together
Don - years of music and friendship filled with mutual respect and support of my insanity
Vaun - our reconnect has changed my life with a hole in the soul being healed
Jason - you laugh and open doors and never forget I'm here
Dave - knowing you has been an honor - I know I'm not easy - but you are still around
Marcus - what would I do without you - this trip would have been a disaster - a new friend and deep friend who I will always cherish
Graham- losing you killed a part of me - cared for you deeply and everyday you are missed
Reid - we were one - you too are gone - I think of you every day
Denyse - your love shines forth even though the most difficult times - I wish TIME was not so pressing
Ian - a constant companion
Igor - computer wizard and great human - thanks for the great deals and extra effort
(ok, I'm cheating cause as soon as I started writing this the ole mind went blanc)
Jordan - another re-connect - your calmness and joy of life brings joy to all those around - so glad you are back
Steven - years of support for me beyond anything I could have expected - thanks man
Tom - we no longer communicate - mental illness is a bitch - but I love you - you altered my life in so many ways - I pray for you
Jerry - love ya man, unique wonderful musician and human
This concludes part 1 - and I'm far from finished. But its a start.
Part 2
These are people on Youtube who I watched 100's of hours of video - learned too much to say - enjoyed their content and supported them. These people gave me the courage to embark on this journey. Almost all my gear is based on their reviews....I can't say enough good nor can I thank them enough. This list too will grow as I remember folks who deserve mention. Here we go:
Itch Boots - https://www.youtube.com/@ItchyBoots
Pedro Moto - https://www.youtube.com/@iPedroMota
Bret Tkacs - https://www.youtube.com/@BretTkacs
Kinga Tanajewska - https://www.youtube.com/@onherbike
Pavel - https://www.youtube.com/@motorcycleadventures
Bald and Bankrupt - just do a search on Youtube.
Big thanks as well to Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman for ALL their riding series, Long Way Up, etc...although other folks have been adventuring on motorcycles for years, these guys defined a new era of adventure riding.