Hi folks,

Suzuki has just issued me a brand spanking new 2014 Adventure, one of the first off the boat at Long Beach, CA. Over the last week we've set the bike up with all the fixin's as I plan to pile on about 14,000 miles this summer riding all over North America -- the contiguous states., Canada and parts of Alaska.

This Suzuki sponsored ride is intended to show off the bike's long range capabilities and, if the new bike is anything like its predecessor, its legendary reliability. In addition, we're raising awareness for the "Lost for a Reason" charity (www.LostforaReason.org). And, we'd also like to meet up with fellow V-Strom riders along the route.

As I write this on 05-12-14, I'm scrambling to get everything ready for an early morning Wednesday departure for Flagstaff, AZ to attend Overland Expo (www.OverlandExpo.com). However, I'm only doing a rough plan for the route, the actual route will be modified by riders like you who intercept me along the way. We'll be looking to meet with you for photo ops, coffee breaks, shelter from the rain, events, or anything that may be fun or interesting. Just let me know your whereabouts and I'll do my best to meet up. A lot more on this as I flesh things out.

Background: I'm a writer for Adventure Motorcycle magazine (www.AdventureMotorcycle.com), and a V-Strom 650 Adventure owner since 2007. We're calling this the Suzuki Ride Round America Tour. There are several purposes behind the tour as mentioned above, but for the most part we're looking for stories, photo opportunities and a chance to meet as many great people out there as possible. We'd also like to thank Suzuki for graciously allowing us to publicize the "Lost for a Reason" charity. We hope you'll take a few moments to check it out and join us in helping Navajo families in need.

I'll be posting daily, including lots of photos. And if you'll help me with destinations we'd love to get you into this RR, as well. I'll also be writing a couple of feature stories after the trip is completed. "On Suzuki" magazine will be cover it, as well. So you never know, you just may see yourself in print.

That's it for this post, with a lot more to come.

All the best, Paul

Hi Paul,
Looks like you're embarking on an incredible adventure! I live in the foothills of California and would love to meet up if you're in the golden state. My wife and I spend a lot of time camping from our wee strom during the summer so chances are we will be out and about!
Best of luck on your journey,
Jim

Sounds like quite an event. I moved the thread to Events from the Vee2 forum as owners of other models might not ever look in that forum and it looks like other riders will be invited to take part. The Ride Reports forum doesn't normally involve other riders in the process. I'm looking forward to further posts. Welcome to the forum.

Hi Jim, I'm actually from Los Angeles (well, Glendale, a suburb of LA). So that's where I'm riding from and back to, this summer. Although I'm "fleeing" California tomorrow morning, I'll be riding down the entire state on the final leg. If I'm in your neck of the woods, let's grab coffee or a meal.

Hey, thanks for looking out for me. I was scratching my head as to the best location for this RR. I'm sure you're right about it's new home.

Hi Paul,
I agree this seems to be the best place to post. I found it.
I would also suggest that you use this forum to find the EVENTS that are already scheduled for this year and try to hook up with them on your travels.
NEVA is the one I attend and I think last year we were over 50 V-Stroms.
Good luck, I look forward to following your travels and stories.
Safe riding.
Danny C.

I want your job.
Fantastic! Will you have a spot tracker for all to follow?

Hey Danny, thanks for the tip. That's a great idea. As soon as I'm on the road I'll be spending quite a bit of time on this forum and will fully utilize the event section. All the best, Paul

TrapperDog, no SPOT device on this trip. But I'll also be posting to FB from my phone, and that'll also record specific locations. I'll also be letting everyone know where I'm at and the general direction I'm going. There's a standing offer for coffee for anyone who wants to meet up.

Hi Paul,

Sounds like the summer of a lifetime ahead of you. There's a group of Stromtroopers camping at Mohawk Trail State Forest just west of Charlemont, MA the weekend of June 6th if you're in the area around then. NEVA is held the first weekend in August in the same vicinity this year and has grown to over 50 Stroms. I host a Fall Peep Show in Grafton Notch, Maine the first weekend in October and had over a dozen Stroms in attendance our first year. If you make it up to Maine I'll buy you a lobster roll.

Pete