If you had ever told me I would one day be whizzing down the highway on the back of a Harley-Davidson, I would have laughed and said you were crazy.
Yet, there I was yesterday, doing just that – and checking off the new addition to my bucket list.
When I told my daughter we had been offered the opportunity to take a motorcycle tour during our press trip to the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs, she said, “Mom, please say ‘no.’ I’m getting heart palpitations just thinking about you on a motorcycle.”
The idea kind of gave me heart palpitations, too. I mean, if I hadn’t done this ever before, did I need to start at the age of 55? Of course I had to say “yes,” though, because when else would I ever get a chance to do this with a professional doing the driving?
EagleRider is located right on the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs property, and you can rent motorcycles there or have the pros take you on a tour. When I found out we were going to be touring Joshua Tree National Park on the bikes, I was excited that I could now cross off two new bucket list items.
We chose our helmets which Tour Manager Peter Hayes helped secure on my head, adjusting the strap tightly. I immediately latched on to him because he was cute reassuring, experienced – and the leader.
I’m no fool.
Peter told me he had recently led a Route 66 tour, 2400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. I asked him what happens when it rains on a long trip and he answered, “Get wet.”
Okay, if he could brave the elements without being fazed, he was my guy. After all, in San Diego, we freak out if it the temperature dips below 72.
Once the other five riders were settled, he got in the driver’s seat and I got on behind him. He gave the signal that we were ready to go, which kind of looks like the gesture you use to refer to helicopter parents who hover over their kids. This reminded me to remind him that I have two children who, although they’re out of the house, still need me.
And we were off. I tried not to hold him too tight and told him to let me know if I was doing anything wrong. He said if we bumped helmets when he came to a stop, I was too close. I’m proud to say we never did.
The only rule we were given was not to “help” our driver turn. We were told not to lean into a turn with him because it would throw off the balance. Although my natural inclination was to lean the other way to balance out the bike, I did what I was told and stayed neutral. I have an excellent survival instinct. I was very focused as we turned on to the highway.
And then, within 15 or 20 minutes, a funny thing happened. My muscles unclenched, I leaned back against the surprisingly comfy backrest and relaxed.
There were times I was so relaxed, I had to stop myself from falling asleep. The back of a motorcycle would not be a good place to nod off.
But my mind was clear, I was totally present in the moment and the scenery around us was breathtaking. Just look at that light!
By the time we made our first stop, I was comfortable enough to get out my camera and take pictures while we rode. Peter told me he could feel the moment I started to relax — probably because I finally released my death grip on him and he could breathe properly again — and that I was a good rider. I beamed.
I have never understood the lure of the open road before but, with no one in front of us and a stunning landscape surrounding us, I got it.
This was totally the way to experience Joshua Tree.
Without the barriers of a car. With the sun shining down, with the wind in my face, with a cute skilled professional at the wheel.
I know it sounds ridiculously corny but I felt at one with nature, and surprised by how profound that feeling actually was.
Everyone should see Joshua Tree once in their life. It gives you a deep appreciation of the pioneers who traveled west across grueling terrain and weather conditions to settle our country. The desolation is palpable and sobering. It makes you understand why U2 named an album after it.
The Joshua tree itself is a unique plant given its name by Mormon settlers crossing the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century. To them, the shape of the tree’s limbs resembled Joshua reaching his hands to the sky in prayer and leading them to the Promised Land.
We stopped at Skull Rock for a photo op and had lunch in a shady spot, humbled by the giant rocks all around us. You can see why this is considered God’s Country.
Our little group became so close, we even formed a rock band: Desert Dave and the Harley Babes. Yes, we have major attitude.
Left to right, that’s Anna Gaidaenko, Laurie Drake, Kendra Strey, David Lansing, me and Wendy O’Dea. I will be posting information about our debut album, Live at Skull Rock, soon. And, yes, the sun may have affected us more than we thought.
We spent hours riding and, except for a really windy patch passing the windmills on the way back – where I actually had to hold my helmet and sunglasses on – it was a total joy.
I’m so grateful to J.W. Marriott and EagleRider – and Peter – for this amazing experience which I never would have even considered on my own. It once again proves the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone.
I highly recommend this to everyone, no matter how much of a wimp you think you are. It’s one of those rare times when both the journey and the destination are equally special.
It’s also like a two-in-one bucket list item, both of which I’ve now added and checked off.
But let me assure you — and my daughter — that no matter how much I like adding and checking off bucket list items, I’m still not skydiving.
you are so cool! and great pix.
LOVE this story, Lois! I am thrilled for you, there is something so freeing about being on the back of a motorcycle, so long as you aren’t in LA traffic. Joshua Tree is such a magical place, pleased that you could experience that too. Wonderful story, I think it is so great that JW Marriott offers this service to their guests.
LOL It makes me smile just seeing you on that motorcycle and hearing how much you enjoyed it. Glad you got to check off another thing on your bucket list.
I am with Sara but thrilled you had a great time. Joshua Tree is one of my favorite places on Earth…so awe inspiring. Love the photo of the band!!!
What a fun thing to do. My dad loved motorcycles so I grew up on them. Experiencing it should be on everyone’s bucket list!
I would have said the same thing Sara said – but I can understand your wanting the experience. I’m happy that it worked out so well. Thank Peter for the safe ride and give him a hug from me.
Joshua Tree is on my list of places to visit! I was on the back of a motorcycle spontaneously the day after my wedding, hehe. So fun!
Would definitely like to hear that story!
Looks like fun. I went motorcycling once in high school and it was great. Love the U.S. parks and have been to Mt. Rainier and Grand Canyon on the West Coast and all are beautiful. Nothing like nature.
You’re right. The Grand Canyon was absolutely amazing.
My uncle has had Harley’s as long as I can remember and I have been on them a million times. They make small motorcycles seem really lame 🙂
My father’s family has always loved motorcycles. They say there is a certain freedom to being out on the open road.
What great photos! I have never been on a Harley but I would venture to say they are comfy!
How fun! Love your photos. No matter what the activity, having a cute guy to hug while doing said activity makes it all worthwhile!
Ha! Totally agree, Helene!
I love the pics! Motorcycles are so much fun. I haven’t ridden on one in a long time and I miss it!
We have a few friends that own Harley’s. They are nice bikes.
Now that’s one hotel perk I have never heard of before. How cool is that!? I’d be scared but I’m pretty sure I’d go for a ride on a Harley… as long as it’s a pro driving and not my husband! (Yeah, I have control issues when it comes to his driving; I’m sure I’d lean the wrong way trying to correct his turns.)
I look forward to the album! 😀
OMG! Wow! I would never have the courage to do this. Looks like it was crazy fun!!!
One of my favorite places on the entire planet is on the back of a bike.
Some of my best memories are all the places we have seen because we “followed the sun”. Love your pictures!
You look like you had a ball.
Oh wow that is amazing – what a journey. Love the ‘get wet’ statement I would probably have been a bit worried about that ;).
Me too I want to do this…. though I have to say I did a 180 mile ride one 4th of July weekend back in the 70s on the back of a Honda 900cc from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon and back …. swore I would never do that again. My tailbone was sore for weeks … had to sit on a donut at work for a few days. Well decades have passed and so does the memory of that sore butt. So I think we will look into this and head to Joshua Tree … which by the way is also on our bucket list.
Way to go Lois, cross off the bucket list items.
Be well. Vicky
that is not on my bucket list but I am sure glad you were able to mark something off yours.
There is nothing better then a Harley ride!
I hope next time you consider taking me on your adventures!
what an amazing experience and ride. beautiful imagery!
Love it! Cross that off the bucket list! Great post!
Oh I am so jealous. I would love to ride a Harley. Maybe one of these days and btw I love the name of the rock band. 🙂
So fun! Looks like you had a blast! I’d love to ride a Harley!
I’m so jealous reading this. Joshua Tree is one thing I didn’t get to do before moving away from CA. Experiencing it on a motorcycle, well that’s just incredible!
Adding 3 things to my bucket list: bike tour, Joshua Tree, and buying your debut album.
Awesome blog, Lois! I love love love Joshua Tree and have been there many times since moving to Phoenix! Also, Peter does look very…ahem, professional…is he single? 🙂
You rock for doing that ride! I’m sure you’ll never forget it. What a way to experience God’s country!
Good for you! Not one of my bucket list items but you make it sound alluring!
OMG… you look so anxious in the first photo. I was actually nervous FOR you, LOL!
By the end, though, you look relaxed and happy. What a great opportunity! Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
And, congratulations on getting that “twofer” on the “Bucket List”! 🙂
I love motorcycles and wish it were safer to enjoy riding on them. Unfortunately I have been to too many accidents where there were people who did not survive to ever get on one.
Seems like such a fun experience haha! Such adventure it was!
I just saw a cousin who lives in Joshua Tree. I have never been there, but it sounds like an amazing, interesting place to visit….on a motorcycle seems the best way. I went to a presentation at Shadowridge (a Marriott timeshare in Palm Desert) and the speaker talked about jeep tours to Joshua Tree….I knew nothing about it…and, now, I have learned more from you and from a relative. I think I have to add it to my list of places to visit on our next trip to the desert! Your pictures helped, too!
That looks like so much fun, I’m so glad you enjoyed yourself on those motorcycles!
Wow that is so cool! Great pictures, I love each one, looks like such a great adventure when ever you get on one
Sounds wonderful! Years ago, married to a Harley dude, I spent plenty of time “riding bitch”. A horrible term but even the accountants and dentists who ride tend to use it, especially in those situations where a man is compelled to take the back seat. Anyway, my main reason for commenting is that I jumped out of a plane once, tightly strapped to a man named Duke. When I get to tell the story about why I jumped it gives me great pleasure. It was absolutely unforgettable, despite the fact that a little queasiness caused me to close my eyes for part of the plunge. So please, don’t dismiss the idea just yet, you have about 30 years to decide 🙂
There is nothing like riding down the road on a Harley. Glad you had a good trip/
I bet it was a wonderful ride. I have always wanted to ride on a Harley yet everyone I know has sports bikes.
How awesome. I wouldn’t mind hitching a ride on the back of a Harley, it must be a gorgeous way to see the scenic countryside.
I’ve never been on a motorcycle! I would totally try it though.
I know exactly where you went for your ride. We owned a home smack dab in the middle of Joshua Tree park! Yep! Right in the middle of nowhere LOL Gorgeous country! Sounds like you had an awesome view on the back of that bike.
This would be an amazing way to spend the day. I have not been on a motorcycle before. The closest i get is my E Bike but it only goes 35 kilometers lol. I would love to experience a ride on a Harley
Looks like you had an awesome time. I love your Desert Dave and the Harley Babes photo. Rock on. lol
I am soooo jealous. I’m drooling over the opportunity to ride through the desert like that. I’ve always been drawn to the west. Maybe it’s because it is so foreign to the countryside around here. Confession: I’ve never been on a motorcycle either. And yes, that was my thought at seeing the photo. He was definitely cute.
So you did it!!! Awesome!!! What a fantastic ride, too! My in-laws have a Harley and ride all the time. They’ll be the coolest grandparents ever LOL
You are the cutest thing on two wheels! Love that smile.
Wow! That certainly does look like an exciting experience! Exhilarating I’m sure!
We have a few Harley riders in the family, and you are right. There is something so freeing about riding down the road on one. What a beautiful place you got to ride though!
I remember my first motorcycle ride. When I was younger it did not bother me. As an adult it scared me and thrilled me all at the same time.
what an amazing trip you took. I’m not a fan of motorcycles either. it would have taken me just as long to relax.
Fantastic photos! My brother has a Harley, and I loved going for a ride on it.
That is awesome! My grandma was 74 when she took her first motorbike ride. It was great.
Oh for cool. That would be so exhilarating. Nice bikes!
Oh what a fun trip! My husband’s mom and dad are big Harley riders as well. So fun and freeing to be on the back of the bike!
What a beautiful experience! I honestly think my heart would give out before I even got on a Harley Davidson! lol I’m way too chicken!
this is making me think I may need to write a bucket list….I can’t keep living through everyone else’s…right?
Seems like an awesome experience. You have some great photos!
That is so amazing! I don’t have the courage to get on a bike like that yet. You rocked it!