The trick with students this bullied and indifferent to the school system is getting them to read and write at all. Rather than drag them into a text book or make them watch the department copy of Dead Poets Society in order to prompt some writing, I thought I'd introduce them to my insanity. In a week where we're all getting to know each other it helps if students see what you're into. Showing your hobbies and interests is a good way to have them get to know you. If they get excited about the idea of planning a trip and it prompts them to write, it's a many birds with one stone situation.
With some support, students quickly got into planning a trip. 28 days, unlimited budget! |
Needless to say, I bravely volunteered to present first. It doesn't feel like homework when you enjoy doing it, and mine was obviously going to be a motorcycle trip. I probably could have gone more bonkers on bike choice, but I have a sentimental attachment and some practical necessities that prompted my choice. Rather than go for the South American adventure, I decided to focus on The States, which has tons to offer, especially if you aren't sweating the budget.
Norman Reedus' RIDE gave me an idea of where I'd like to go, the question was, could I get to the locations in the show and back home in 28 days?
Here's what I'm presenting:
I presented this to the class two days before it was due. Seeing an example helps and gave me a chance to explain my own process in putting together the trip (deciding on a vehicle, breaking the trip into sections, etc).
That photo I doctored of a VFR800 a couple of years ago came in handy! |
I'm hoping they surprise themselves with the results. If I catch some of them in the future staring wistfully at Google Maps instead of playing pointless FLASH games I'll know that they've been bitten by the travel bug too!
It's a lot to try and pull off in 28 days, but when the budget is unlimited, I want more miles! |
Into the Rockies ASAP, then down the coast, across the mountains again, and then up the Appalachians home. |
Yellowstone! Riding over a mega-volcano. |
Death Valley and across the South West to the Twisted Sisters on the way to the Big Easy. |
Back north in the Smokey Mountains and Appalachians. |
I was thinking maybe an H2R or RC213 in a trailer, but then that meant driving a truck and trailer all over the place. Better to be on two wheels all the time, and on the descendant of my first bike crush. |