As seen and told by Sindy, the girl on the bus – 

Traveling two-thousand miles in a 1933 school bus will change you.

As on any traveling journey, being on the road requires simplification; minimal baggage. You drive or ride. You eat. You sleep. You wake up and do it again. The rocking lull of the bus and the buzz of wind and engine empties your mind and puts it in a meditative state.  There is much time for contemplation and conversation.

Gathering with people who understand this; who understand and appreciate and indeed are enthusiastic about the result of the blood, sweat, and gears that went into your ride – this is nice.

As a California Bay Area native that has moved to middle Tennessee in the past few years, I have not had the chance to travel much in this region yet. The Southeastern United States has so much beauty and culture to offer. From the neon and gritty energy of Beale Street in Memphis to the smoky, indolent bayous of Louisiana – celebrating local culture and embracing municipal roots is an enjoyable venture in these parts.

It’s important for us to embrace these places and their people as we travel – rejecting fear of the different or slightly uncomfortable, easily losing the idea of “stranger” and preserving local charm. Rue the day when we become a commercialized, robotic, homogenous people. Bring in the music, accents, food, manners, and landmarks that create the identity of a province.

My first Power Tour was good. Very good. I am encouraged by the tough, hearty, and heart-filled Hot Rod community.

I left one dark morning not knowing what to expect.

I got just the right amount of full on exhaust fumes, engine roars, and burnout residue. I saw the bright gleam of paint and felt the rough patina of rust under my fingertips. Best of all, I met many kind and interesting people who have shared their stories with me.

I arrived home lighter and more carefree, hair blown into tangles by the humidity-filled wind and my soul lullaby-rocked by the (sometimes) gentle rhythms of the bus over thousands of miles.

Yes, there were times when I was tired and uncomfortable, sunburnt and sweaty. And I ate way too much meat on this trip. But, when the ledger is all balanced at the end, the overall experience was overwhelmingly positive.

Thanks to everyone who has made my foray into this world a good one – I’m ready for more.