WHO IS CRYSTAL?

OCT 3, 2021

Who Am I? My Story and Passion for Adventure Hi, my name is Crystal and I'm from the beautiful state of California in the United States. I was born and raised in Northern California in the Bay Area and never moved away. I wasn't always adventurous. I can thank my friends and family for introducing me to all my hobbies that have shaped who I am today. They brought me to running marathons, weight lifting, camping, hiking, backpacking, motorcycles, travel - you name it! I embraced these interests and ran with them.

I believe that life is short and we must do all the things we say we are going to do "someday" - plan for them and take action. In the United States, there's a cultural belief that when we reach 65 and retire, then we can do all the things we want. But 65 years of age isn't guaranteed, neither is 55, 45, 35, and it goes on. So the time is now.

My Motorcycle Journey: From Beginner Rider to Cross-Country Touring

I've been riding sportsbikes for over 10 years and got my M1 license during my senior year of college. It began after a friend took me my first motorcycle ride where I rode pillion. It was an exhilarating experience! We went fast and did wheelies and endos. That's when I realized I needed some control. My first motorcycle was a used 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250. I put 29,500 miles/ 47,400 kilometers on it, mainly by commuting during the weekdays and carving twisties in the mountains on weekends. I rode that for 8 years until I totaled it while riding a road I had ridden hundreds of times: a backroad truck route over an abandoned railroad track. Unfortunately, that ride ended in a highside crash where I superman-ed over the handlebars.

A few weeks later, I purchased a used 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 and continued riding. In 2020, when Covid restricted air travel, I thought, “What better way to be socially distant than riding a motorcycle in my own helmet, breathing only my air?” That's when my passion for cross country touring began. I've since ridden from California to Yellowstone National Park, Chicago and Baja, Mexico. Each trip has boosted my confidence to explore even further.

What Am I Up to Now? Preparing for My Ultimate Moto Touring Adventure in Europe Back in my early twenties, I always wanted to backpack through Europe but never got around to it. After building my professional career to a certain level and feeling satisfied with how far I took it, and facing two job layoffs, I took it as a sign from the Universe that it was time to chase my dreams. My dream of backpacking Europe has since evolved into moto touring Europe when I realized how much faster and efficient riding is compared to walking around with a heavy backpack. I purchased a motorcycle in Europe and am currently preparing for my big trip - handling paperwork, insurance, packing and all the details that come with international travel! For the most up-to-date news on my adventures, follow me on Instagram or YouTube.