World Traveler

Marc Stelzl and his BMW F650GS Dakar, both a long way from Germany!

There's a list at Adventure Rider where fellow motorcycle adventurists offer free camping and guest room space to moto travelers. The list is a great idea as it can save someone traveling across the country -- or around the world! -- a huge amount of money in camping fees, hotels, even meals. I've never used the list myself, but my name's been on it for a couple years now, offering space to anyone traveling through Oklahoma. Though I've been contacted four or five times by riders from as far away as Australia, I've never had anyone actually show up and partake of my hospitality. A change in travel plans, mechanical failure, or just never hearing from the rider again ... something always seems to intervene.

Until yesterday that is, when I had the pleasure of Marc Stelzl's company for an evening. Marc is from Germany (near Munich), traveling around the world on his BMW F650GS Dakar. He's already been on the road for four months and something like 15,000 miles, having crossed Russia before having his bike shipped to Seattle by boat. Very cool guy with many interesting stories to tell about his travels. We had a nice dinner, he got a good night's sleep in my guest room, and this morning we sent him off (in the rain -- sorry, Marc!), bound for Arkansas and points east. I think he has another three weeks before he has to load his bike on a boat for Europe.

You can read all about Marc's adventures on his Explore the Globe website. It was a pleasure having him as my guest for an evening. With any luck, we'll meet again, perhaps one day when I'm crossing Europe on a motorcycle!

Gracie escorts Marc down the driveway as he continues his journey around the world. Ride safe, Marc!