Way back in 2010, still reeling from a series of life setbacks, I found solace in motorcycle riding. It was a way to escape the pain of infertility, the loss of both parents, and the general chaos of life.

I'd been riding my brother's motorcycles (he's got a stable of 30+) and found it incredibly therapeutic. My buddy Rendell Johnson, a neighbor and fellow basketball player, texted me a picture of his new Honda Shadow. He'd recently gone through a divorce and wanted to do something reckless, so he impulsively bought the bike.

Inspired, I bought a 2002 Triumph Bonneville and we started riding every weekend in the Malibu canyons near our neighborhood in Mar Vista, California. We also took several epic road trips to the Salton Sea, Grand Canyon, Big Sur, and even the Bonneville Salt Flats.

One night, as we were walking onto the basketball court, Rendell casually suggested a world motorcycle tour. I laughed it off, thinking it was impossible given my busy schedule. But Rendell was persistent, and over the next few years, the idea started to grow on me. As my life became increasingly disillusioning, the thought of a 3-4 month escape seemed more and more appealing.

I presented the idea to my wife, Eva, who surprisingly supported it. She even suggested joining me at a few exotic locations. I then discussed it with my business partner, who agreed to a sabbatical of the same duration.

When I shared the news with Rendell, he was ecstatic. Our basketball buddy, Mike Winn, approached us and expressed interest in joining the adventure. We were impressed by his gregarious nature, sense of humor, and off-road riding experience.

Mike had been planning a similar trip for years but had always struggled to find suitable companions. We assured him of our commitment, and together, we began planning in earnest.

After extensive research, we each purchased a Kawasaki KLR 650, a reliable and low-maintenance motorcycle ideal for our off-road journey. We practiced our off-road skills on local trails and took a test trip to Mexico to gauge our compatibility as traveling companions.

We set a firm departure date and began preparing for the trip. However, just four months before our departure, Rendell informed us that he would be unable to join due to his recent relationship and impending marriage. Despite the disappointment, Mike and I remained determined to continue our adventure.

With Mike's wife, JoAnn, insisting that he not travel alone, we realized the importance of having a third person in our group. We considered our options and unanimously agreed that Nick Miramontes, another friend, would be the perfect addition. Although he couldn't afford the financial burden, we offered to cover his expenses in exchange for his photography skills and mechanical expertise.

The planning process spanned two years, encompassing bike preparation, medical and insurance arrangements, and route planning. We shipped our bikes to Tianjin, China, and embarked on our journey through Asia, Europe, and the United States.

While we didn't seek to break any records or conquer the most challenging terrains, our goal was to experience a truly life-changing adventure. Join us as we traverse the globe from east to west, racing the sun.