Topic: About to do something drastic...

[mattcb350f]

Well KK, put me in the "go for it" group, mostly for reasons already posted. Of all the people I know who have went out on a limb and done something a little crazy, none of them have said they regreted it 

The best thing you've got going for ya is planning. CYA (cover your....), plan for the expected and expect the unexpected. Sounds like you've already got things planned rather well.

Amongst the random feedback I expect to receive here,
I am looking for hidden gem backwoods campsites from Baltimore to Washington state (accessible by car or short hike.)

I am looking for people places and things that you wont find in the guidebooks. 

About the only advice I can give you here is farmers. Having lived on a farm most of my life, I know and my family knows the history and the area around our farm probably better than anyone...

So if you're out on the road, and looking to get some real dirt on the local scene, just ask the most back woods looking farmer and he/she should be able to tell you where the good spots are 

Mind you, I doubt all farmers, or even die hard locals are as eager as I to help others but I'm sure some are.

 Matt.

[burmashave]

KK, outstanding, simply outstanding. I have a few thoughts to toss into the hat.

Firstly, some years back, my uncle passed along to me one of the best pieces of business-type advice. He has been madly successful in business, so I asked him what would be the one piece of advice he would give me if he could only give me one. He thought for a few moments and then gave me his answer:

If you're planning any sort of venture, you'll discover that you need let's say five pieces in place before you can move ahead. Don't wait until you've got all five. Go when you get three and manage the other two.

That's my way of saying that things may not be perfect right now in terms of gas, the perfect equipment, etc.; however, you'll never go if you wait for things to be just right. It might help to do an assessment of what your venture needs so that you can better manage the things that are not as you might wish.

Secondly, I've only been up that way once and then just for a brief visit. On the other hand, the best vacation I ever took was in Vermont. My sweetie and I did the "random" tour of Vermont (this despite the fact that we had about 17 years combined residency there). Anyway, the rule was that the passenger got to choose the direction at each crossroad. We stopped for every roadside produce stand, sale, museum, etc. and had an adventure--mostly because of the people we met. I have traveled all over the US and a bit in Europe, but that trip is my most cherished.

My feeling is that the places you find are usually better than the places you plan. Follow Matt's advice and talk to the local farmers. Stop at all wayside spots. Eat at tiny, local diners, the kind where the waitresses still call you "honey." Ask them if there's a local pub or roadhouse that would like a band cheap for the night. Stay on the tertiary roads and leave lots of time for random stops. On the other hand, do hit recommended destinations as well.

I think it would be fun to watch the group enjoying the serendipity of meeting folks and making discoveries. If I were making it, which I am not, my passion would be to capture a warm adventure in a way that invites others to get off the highways and encourages them to have their own adventures.

Make it a journey.

[Klark Kent]

About the only advice I can give you here is farmers. Having lived on a farm most of my life, I know and my family knows the history and the area around our farm probably better than anyone...

So if you're out on the road, and looking to get some real dirt on the local scene, just ask the most back woods looking farmer and he/she should be able to tell you where the good spots are 

Mind you, I doubt all farmers, or even die hard locals are as eager as I to help others but I'm sure some are.

 Matt.

That is great advice.  It might seem obvious, and is my intention, but (especially with the internet) i will probably need some reminding to make contact with real people instead of looking for wifi. 

My dilemma is that we want to get to Oregon as soon as possible to shoot the pre-tour prep.  Every day we are missing some development in their process that will show the viewer who the band members where, before they went on tour- I need to establish this baseline for any evolution of them as characters to happen over the course of the doc.  I also want to stop and smell the farmers on the way cross country like you suggest, but can't take it too easy or I am bound to come up short on footage.

[Klark Kent]

If you are looking for some place different to stay stop at mammoth caves in Ken. There is a 30s motel and units/rooms that are shaped like T Pees Real cool area to visit. Note if you do go there bring your oun adult bevs as it is a dry county. And good luck sounds like a blast, Brent

For a place to set up the tent, we are really looking for areas that are national forest or wildlife management lands (not in season) and that are known to be either safe or really beautiful- that sort of thing.  But I it sounds like it might be worth making Mammoth on our way to see that motel- and then making it to a national forest in a wet county by dark.
thanks for the tip.

[Klark Kent]

If you're planning any sort of venture, you'll discover that you need let's say five pieces in place before you can move ahead. Don't wait until you've got all five. Go when you get three and manage the other two.

A man before my own heart.  This makes me feel way less crazy for going ahead with this, but things are already falling into place that are helping to make the "other two" manageable.

We stopped for every roadside produce stand, sale, museum, etc. and had an adventure--mostly because of the people we met. I have traveled all over the US and a bit in Europe, but that trip is my most cherished.

My feeling is that the places you find are usually better than the places you plan. Follow Matt's advice and talk to the local farmers. Stop at all wayside spots. Eat at tiny, local diners, the kind where the waitresses still call you "honey." Ask them if there's a local pub or roadhouse that would like a band cheap for the night. Stay on the tertiary roads and leave lots of time for random stops. On the other hand, do hit recommended destinations as well.

I think it would be fun to watch the group enjoying the serendipity of meeting folks and making discoveries. If I were making it, which I am not, my passion would be to capture a warm adventure in a way that invites others to get off the highways and encourages them to have their own adventures.

Make it a journey.

This is definately the fun part.  The one story from the last trip they told me that made me wish I had been there to film it was when they met two german cyclists doing the same route and they would pass each other from time to time, until one night they all ended up in the same town. Lois' cousin and the guitarist asked around and found a hotel that would put them up for free if they played in the lobby. Without really thinking they told the manager they were a four piece so the germans could sleep for free.  So that night, in the hotel lobby, they had an expanded percussion section in the form of two germans playing a tambourine and an egg shaker.   

These are the moments, spurred on by the random nature of the road, and the slow pace of the journey, that I am hoping I will be able to capture.

[Klark Kent]

If nothing else, it sounds like you've laid some good groundwork to return to Baltimore.  But it also sounds like you'll make it anywhere.  Do it.

thanks for the kind words and the vote of confidence.  I definitely need it, so vote early and vote often.

We will be expecting reports from time to time.  Campgrounds with WiFi are probably far and few between, but Starbucks (or as we like to call them, Fourbucks) with WiFi are EVERYWHERE.  Not too much, just every week or two, a word on how you're doing...

Some state parks even have wifi now. roughin' it!  So don't worry you'll get a word or two. 

[RatBikeRandy]

DO IT!  I tried to get my wife to take a year off in '96, when we were in a position to do so, and travel all over the US.  I couldn't get her to do it because she is not comfortable with the unknown.

Great camping at Illinois Beach State Park - 2 miles south of the Wisconsin state line on Lake Michigan.  It is beautiful; we went there every chance we had to escape Chicago when we lived there. 

You may also try to contact Peter Egan from Cycle World who lives near Madison, WI.  Door County, WI is a peninsula above Green Bay that sticks out into Lake Michigan and has a ton of picturesque Lighthouses - might look good in a travel film.

GOOD LUCK!

[cleveland]

When I was 18 I packed up and move to New Orleans from Milwaukee with a couple of buddies.  We had a couple grand between the 3 of us, and not a care in the world.  Other then having kids, it was the absolute best thing to ever happen to me!  Not knowing "what if" will keep you up at night a lot more the knowing that you tried and failed. 

As Raul said, it is easy to say "Go for it man!" while sitting in the comfort of my showroom.  It's a whole different ball game to do it with you.  I no longer have the option to move to a different state, and even if I did I don't think I would.  I left once, and I came back home.  Yours is a much different situation though, and it sounds like you and your wife would really enjoy the experience.  So make sure you get a lap top with a wireless connection and send us pics and updates.       

[Klark Kent]

More afraid of the known than the unknown......I'd say go for it, the unknown is not what you are going to do...it's what you are going to do after you've done it.

Sam.

you are definitely the resident zen master Sam. 

[alltherightpills]

Any news or updates?

[Klark Kent]

It has been an insane two weeks.  We rocked a flea market and sold most of what we own.  The rest went to friends and goodwill.  We are down to maybe a van full of stuff that we want to store and the stuff we need to make the film. 

The band we are to be filming is quickly becoming popular- Aimee Mann asked them to open for her and a dude at itunes heard their cd and is promoting them- they are the itunes free download of the week. 

I almost have all the equipment I will need.  Still looking for lights that will work off of deep cycle battery or inverter power.  I decided to go with the panasonic HVX200a which shoots HD and records to insanely expensive solid state cards.  The test shoots with this camera have produced beautiful images and its small size will make it the perfect tool if I can work around its lighting requirements, which the tests have led me to believe I can. 

the film blog is up at www.instrumentsalone.com

We are really doing this.

Ha

[burmashave]

This is definately the fun part.  The one story from the last trip they told me that made me wish I had been there to film it was when they met two german cyclists doing the same route and they would pass each other from time to time, until one night they all ended up in the same town. Lois' cousin and the guitarist asked around and found a hotel that would put them up for free if they played in the lobby. Without really thinking they told the manager they were a four piece so the germans could sleep for free.  So that night, in the hotel lobby, they had an expanded percussion section in the form of two germans playing a tambourine and an egg shaker.

That is very cool.

It has been an insane two weeks.  We rocked a flea market and sold most of what we own.  The rest went to friends and goodwill.  We are down to maybe a van full of stuff that we want to store and the stuff we need to make the film.

Excellent, especially the passing along of things.

The band we are to be filming is quickly becoming popular- Aimee Mann asked them to open for her and a dude at itunes heard their cd and is promoting them- they are the itunes free download of the week. 

Super cool. In my opinion (rarely humble), this gives the project "legs."

I almost have all the equipment I will need.  Still looking for lights that will work off of deep cycle battery or inverter power.  I decided to go with the panasonic HVX200a which shoots HD and records to insanely expensive solid state cards.  The test shoots with this camera have produced beautiful images and its small size will make it the perfect tool if I can work around its lighting requirements, which the tests have led me to believe I can.

KK, the rest of us are very much impressed with your experience, expertise and tenacity.

the film blog is up at www.instrumentsalone.com

We are really doing this.

Ha

Ha, indeed! It's true that Blind Pilot is on the way now, but I'm guessing that this mostly shifts the focus from following an unknown band to making a film about a band that is at the crest of "breaking through."

That's one heck of an itinerary. Does it give you anxiety just looking at it? ;-)

[Klark Kent]

Thanks Burma,

Yes the project seems to be growing a pair- of legs.  And we seem to be just fine with that and the itinerary.  The one thing that keeps me calm is that we only have to cover 60 miles a day.  with that pace I will be able to scout ahead or hang back and get more coverage or talk to people we met more if need be, and catch up with the band very easily.  I am used to working in a perpetual state of hurry up, and am looking forward to the leisurely pace of 1800 miles over 60 days. 

First we need get out of Baltimore and cover 3000 miles in a week, so there is some anxiety, but I gotta tell you, probably a lot less than there should be. 

I am happy.

[S-Dog]

I took this from your website... I thought it was a pretty funny line.

"This is both inspiring and overwhelming as we had originally hoped to offer the band some exposure, and now it seems they are quite capable of exposing themselves."

 

[fixahonda]

Not much new to add except another "Go for it".

If you feel stuck and stifled in your current life, no reason not to strike out and find another one.

I myself are heading to San Diego this fall despite the current recession and ridiculous fuel prices. This is after moving to NC from PA 8 years ago. Then I was married, bought a house, investment properties, had money, cars, bikes you name it.
Divorce took care of everything except my '91 Ranger, my toolbox and a dresser full of clothes. I came home to PA to recoup for a year and am now heading out to try again all over.

To me life is a series of experiences. When I'm dead, at the pearly gates I want to be able to say with confidence that I was as good a person as I could have been and made the most out of my life that I could.

Good luck!

[burmashave]

Thanks Burma,

Yes the project seems to be growing a pair- of legs.  And we seem to be just fine with that and the itinerary.  The one thing that keeps me calm is that we only have to cover 60 miles a day.  with that pace I will be able to scout ahead or hang back and get more coverage or talk to people we met more if need be, and catch up with the band very easily.  I am used to working in a perpetual state of hurry up, and am looking forward to the leisurely pace of 1800 miles over 60 days. 

Man, this is getting exciting, KK. The 60 miles per day is a very workable amount, considering all that you'll be doing. It seems you won't be trying to race ahead and do everything at once. Plus, you'll be able to stop along the way without feeling overwhelmingly rushed to get back on the road.

[seaweb11]

Another Give er Sh*t Vote

"make enough money to do the things you want.....but still leave enough time to do them"
D.I

Let me know when the band and film crew make it as far as Seattle.........ROAD TRIP down I-5

Be great to meet you.

[Klark Kent]

It'd be an honor to meet you- and your bikes- seaweb.  We are scheduled to be in Seattle on the 19th of August.  I will know more in about two weeks.  We are set to take off for the left coast this friday morning.  Thursday I take my bike up to Jersey for a few months of dry storage in my mom;s garage. 

I am still half considering trying to find a beater bike in Portland just to ride for the tour- but keep being reigned in by my better half's better judgment and doing what is best for the film and the tour.  I did try and pitch it as a more maneuverable camera support and gear transport, but the other side of the coin is that its another expense and potential liability we can't afford. 

That said- the itinerary is on the website (instrumentsalone.com) and anyone who has a spare bike (and helmet) along the way, in addition to places to stay and places to play, I will need a fix now and then.   

Thanks to all the give 'er #$%*ters- you make it seem possible. 

[seaweb11]

Bellingham works well for me

I could stay at my sisters

[mlinder]

Let us know when you are down in portland.
Prolly have a place or two you can crash at, I'm sure.

[Rocking-M]

Hey Klark, have a ball man! To bad I didn't get up with you last year in your trip to Virginia.
Best to you and your wife. Robert

[Klark Kent]

We posted to the blog today, and I realized how long it had been since I posted there (or spent much time here.)  Time is flying like it's being chased by killer bees.  Lots of progress has been made and with a lot more it looks like we will be able to get out of Baltimore by Thursday- heading for Chicago (where my sister is living) via New Jersey by Friday night.

Thanks mlinder.  I will be in Portland from about Aug. 1st until Aug. 14th or so, and don't want to put out any one person for too long, so places to crash might come in handy.

Yeah RM, I should have known the only riding I would be able to get in would be commuting and runs back to B-more.  We were pulling 60 - 80 hour weeks on a regular basis. 

I am looking forward to the freedom and the demands of the open road.  I will be at the mercy of what happens, but I won't be sequestered on a back lot for 14 hours a day, so our chances of meeting up with members while we travel will be a lot better.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Klark,

What's your coastal itinerary look like? We're going to be in San Fran 8/18; NorCal 8/19 ; somewhere in OR 8/20 ; Port Angeles 8/21 ; Derek's garage 8/22 ; Vancouver 8/23

Jerry

[Klark Kent]

Hey Jerry.  Check out the itinerary here.  We will also be 'somewhere in OR' on the 20th.  I wish I was able to get to Derek's garage (from the pictures of his progress it should be ready for a party and a band by the time we are out there) but anticipate too much complication in adding a Canadian junket to the tour at this stage.  I will enjoy it vicariously through the pics you guys post.

[mlinder]

There's a cellar with a couch, and a living rom witha  couch, at my house. My girlfriend also has a large enough place, with an air mattress, to help you out if you need it.
Keep in touch.