A few friends will remember that I had planned a trip around America and Canada for a charity. I was going to go to Canada first, find some work, save up, and then travel around, maybe even visiting other countries. All doing this to raise awareness and funds for a charity.
I was deadly serious about it too, I had bought my Working Holiday Visa to Canada, got police certificates for it, set up a page, I even got a few people invested, including a few celebrities – at least they shared my posts.
But, due to personal reasons, I had to cancel it all. And I felt defeated that I failed and let people down.
I was also met with a lot of negative criticism from friends and family. “Why don’t you do something smaller?” “Do you even have a plan?” I had lots of people think that I was just after money from them when I asked for support, but in reality I just wanted them to help share the word, to show that they were rooting for me and wanted me to succeed.
I lost friends over it. And I felt like I had proved them right; I failed.
I never stopped thinking about it, what I missed out on, the friends I lost, it still eats away at me. But I also never stopped believing that one day, I would do it! I’ve always been one with big ideas, and yes, a lot of times they don’t work out, but I also believe that people can do big and amazing things if they work and persist. And I want to be one of those that didn’t give up, and made a different!
So, I am planning it all again!
This time I plan to go to America on a food, bike and car tour, raising awareness and funds for charities that support world hunger, mental health and/or child abuse.
Most people know I love my cars, having tinkered with most of the cars I have owned, from basic maintenence such as services or timing belt changes, to going mad and stripping it for track. I also love my bikes, having wanted to get my bike licence for years but keep putting it off due to the costs. I love the naked, deep sounding Harley-Davidsons and Triumphs (the Triumph Bobber Black is on my Christmas list!)…and of course, who doesn’t like food?
As for the charities, mental health is extremely important to me, as I have had, and to some small extent, still suffer with mental health issues myself. I had selective mutism when I was a child (to read more about this, I wrote a post about it here), which caused no end of probelms growing up, even to this day it causes a few issues. I then developed depression and anxiety because of it.
And of course, stopping world hunger and child abuse are both important to me too.
For this trip, I plan to set up a YouTube channel to document it, setting little challenges for myself along the way, so that people can watch my progress. I plan to visit sites of interest, places like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah, watch a Monster Truck show, try out an electric motorbike, eat at the best food joints, whether that’s street food, restaurants, maybe even try wild hunting, I plan to find the best roads to travel down – yes, Route 66 may very well be on the list, maybe even meet a few interesting people – I have a few in mind, if I can pull it off.
It’s going to be big, requiring a lot of planning and it’s going to cost a lot, I know that. It might not work out the way I plan, but either way, I plan on going one way or another. I have to.
I also may not be going alone. As I have been discussing the idea with a friend of mine who is also very interested in going. He’s a massive foodie and car nut himself, and loves America!
Planning might take a while, as there is a lot to sort, and I have just signed a 12 month contract with work (that’s a story for another day!), so I have plenty of time to plan, make contacts and save. I also have yet to get my bike licence! I also plan on getting a few sponsors, such as travel companies, bike/car companies, even clothing companies, if I can.
Either way, I am extremely excited to start off this new adventure, to visit more of America, experience new things, meet new people, and most importantly… make a difference!
The Girl Who Whispered 
I’m psyched about your determination to see this charity trip completed and I do hope everything works out specially for you. Though, it’s a bit unfortunate that some of your friends deserted you when you needed them the most but I’ll like to see their faces when you emerge victorious. Cheers and also keep us updated on your blog and not just YouTube. Thanks!
Thank you, Eromonsele!
I will certainly be updating the blog too. 🙂
And not to worry about my old so-called friends, it’s water under the bridge now. I wish them all well, and I try not to hold any resentment towards them, instead I focus on making myself a better person and making this trip about others, not them or me. 🙂
I like your perspective!
I handle PR for the Harley-Davidson Museum. Please reach out (email below) when you have an itinerary, and we will make every effort to roll out the orange carpet for you!
Hi Tim,
Thank you for reaching out to me and I certainly will be getting in touch! It’s still early days with the planning, so I have lots to do, but I will be getting in touch once I have a better understanding.
Looking forward to working with you and seeing the Museum.
All the best,
Penny.
Don’t give up! You are trying to accomplish something big and sometimes the risk doesn’t pay off at the first time around. At the end of the day, you know what your intentions are and you are actively trying to make a change in the world… most people don’t even bother talking about making a change! I look forward to seeing your updates, good luck!
Thank you, Kat! This means a lot. I certainly have no intention of giving up just yet. Have been planning a lot more the last few days. Will be posting an update soon!
This sounds like a great trip, I will look forward to hear all about your adventures! Especially because you mentioned you plan to follow Route 66. I’ve always wanted to do that. Hopefully the pandemic will be a thing of the past by the time you start your travels.