As many of us aspire to the dream of “riding around the world”, the dream is slowly diminishing in power and allure. I spend more hours than I care to admit on ADVrider and the more I read the more jaded I have become. What we seem to have created is a “buy a GS or adventure bike, find a supporter and decide what country and area you wish to conquer” state of mind. I can’t believe I am saying this, but riding around the world is becoming bland.

I love finding the story of the rider who has an emotional epiphany, a trial of human endurance, a humorous analogy or some fabulous advice for those of us less able to visit some exotic place. I long for a human interest story or some altruistic contribution of a rider to a visited community. But instead of finding inspiring stories what I am finding are self-absorbed tales of those lucky enough to have finances to bail them out of any perceived struggle and the very thought of a contribution is limited to spending local currency. As my desire to see motorcycling have a more positive effect on world communities, my vision becomes more limited. I know there must be more GREAT stories somewhere.

I believe I can’t be the only rider feeling indifferent to these tales nor the only rider that dreams of doing more as a world traveler. When copious amounts of time are being spent in a foreign country awaiting bike repairs, why not see what you can do to contribute to the community? We all have strengths and talents that can add to a positive perception as international riders. As the world shrinks via news and stories on the internet why not jump in and contribute an inspiring tale improving the human condition of an impoverished area? Maybe I am just feeling my biological countdown, but before leaving this planet, I want not only to ride more of the world, but to also contribute to making it more livable. I think we all need to ask ourselves, what can I do to make my footprint a more positive one. It’s something we world riders need to consider as we traverse the globe.