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For a journey
like this, You'd better have:
Patience
Tolerance
Courage
An
open mind
An open heart
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| BUT MOST OF ALL... YOU'D BETTER HAVE A DAMN
GOOD SENSE OF HUMOUR! |
The wonderful thing about travelling is the constant
oportunities you get to make new and interesting friends, once you
overcome any shyness, you find all that's needed is a smile and some
simple conversation. Of course, a few apples and peanuts never hurt!
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So... What kind of a nutcase gets on a bike and
rides around the world for seven years? I get a whole load of
questions about this, and some I've covered in the questions and
answers page, above and beyond that, all I can do is tell you a bit
about myself. Truth is I'm not much different than anyone else, and
my psychiatrist insists I'm not crazy, ...all five of
me!
My
Philosophy
If you plan on traveling through as many
countries and cultures as I have, you'd better not have any
prejudices or hang-ups. You won't get too far. You won't survive.
I've always had strong convictions on the equality of mankind, and
the imbalances that exist in our present society in a global sense.
I suppose thats why I find the potentials of organizations like
Jubilee Plus so exciting. Having spent so much time rolling grass
roots level through so many 'third world' countries has only served
to reinforce my convictions, and my determination to be a part of a
positive and growing force of voices. Voices petitioning for greater
equalization of opportunity and living standards in our world today.
I strongly endorse supporting NGO's that address immediate concerns
with self-sustainable developement projects. Despite the fact that
they are somewhat of a band aid solution, they are, none-the-less, a
positive step and an essential service. It is the long term solution
seekers, however, that I strongly commend for their dedication and
hard work, despite the seemingly impossible odds that they
face.
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My
Passions
Well, quite obviously, MOTORCYCLING! I loved bikes ever since
first being exposed to those beautiful little Rupp mini-bikes, and
it kept growing from there. I never had anything like that of my own
when I was young, as our family didn't have much, but was exposed
through some more fortunate friends in the nieghborhood. I also have
always loved all things ELECTRO-MECHANICAL, one of the greatest
thrills of my youth being the opportunity to go down to the garage
where my dad worked as a mechanic, and hang out with 'the guys'. I
have always been a true blue 'motorhead'. ART. I absolutley love all
forms of creative art, and have found myself increasingly drawn
towards several forms of sculpture, a form into which I will delve
further once settled down in Carlow, Ireland. It is there that I
hope to establish a multi-faceted studio involving international
visiting artist friends with local youth! LITERATURE, as it is a
fountain of knowledge and inspiration, and of course, MUSIC, the
salvation of the soul. Throughout my life, when faced with
adversity, music has always been there to pull me through. Be sure
to check out 'The Art' section of the site!
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On
Tattoo's...
The discovery of 'The Iceman' in the Alps recentley,
with his 57 defined tatttoo's, was scientific confirmation
this interpersonal visual art existed more than 5,300 years
ago! As far as Tattooing, or Artistic Dermagraphics is
concerned, I really get annoyed at two groups of people in
this world wide and ageless field. First off, the
'self-described artists' who have no interest in anything
other than what they think is easy money and a popular thing
to do. The second group is the self- righteous, pompous asses
who think they are above other people. In tattooing, without
the patron giving their skin up to the artist, there is no
artist, and you must always respect and never forget that
fact. Tattooing for me is not an occupation, it is a PASSION,
an interpersonal art that allows me the PRIVELEDGE of leaving
a part of me with someone else, and the OPPORTUNITY to meet so
many wonderful people. Tattooing has allowed me to make a
living doing something I love, and afforded me the freedom to
embrace the world. Please check out 'The Art' section for more
information on tattooing, it's history, and, of course, being
Irish, the Celtic Art and it's strength of presence in the
'Tattooing World'. |
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On Music...
There
is no more powerful a voice in the world today, than that of
the musician. There have been many times I've been rolling or
bouncing along some foriegn passage, when I become lost in my
surroundings. Sure, I know where I'm headed, but I move into a
different plain. A tune comes into my head and spreads
throughout my body, coarsing through my very veins and giving
me a warm chill flush. My hands are still on the handlebars,
yet my arms are spiritually outstretched. I am no longer
riding, as the aroma's and sights of my surroundings pass by
me. I begin to fly, and I soar down my route with the
weightlessness and freedom of a bird, outside the physical
restrictions of my own body. Music reaches my very inner being
and frees me from present existance. The musicians who's art
can touch me in this way are my Shamans. My musical tastes are
answered in the questions and answers section for those who
are interested. I´ve also placed TWO LINKS at the bottom of
this page, one is to a page dedicated to three of my favorite
artists who are so much more than 'just musicians'. The second
page is a true story of how I single-handedly propelled a rock
n' roll band to instant overnight fame back in 1981.
...Curious? |
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On
Travelling...
There is no greater
form of education in a human and social sense than travel.
Travel opens the eyes, the heart, the soul. In five years of
travel at this writing I've had no carnet, health insurance or
much of any kind of documentation and such. I could never
afford such luxuries.I've suffered Malaria, worms under my
skin, extreme weight loss, and a slew of other health
problems. But I've also certainly gained a lot of insight and
inspiation. I've healed many times on my own terms, not having
the funds to visit doctors, and lived with the worries
generated by ongoing problems because of that fact. I've been
robbed, assaulted, nearly killed by soldiers with big guns and
little minds. Delayed, demoralized, and financially crippled
by beurocratic stonewalls, harrasments and corruptions.
Interogated for being 'a spy', interogated for being 'a bad
man', suffered breakdowns, accidents, hostile crowds,
emotional pains and pressures, and so many more trials and
tribulations. Throughout all of it I've survived, and grown to
love this vagabond transient lifestyle I've adopted. Extreme
exposure to the three-quarters of the world that lives on less
than a dollar a day has made me realize just how small and
insignificant my own problems are, how very fortunate I've
been in my life.
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On the
future...
Our
future? It's quite simple really, the children of the world
ARE our future. The steps each one of us take today to improve
their future, improves our own. My future? To settle down in
the south of Ireland and raise a family, write books, and
create.
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Lets not forget 'THE
NAVIGATOR'
I first met Ae
in Thailand. She was sitting on my bike. I yelled at her to get off.
She refused. Now I'm stuck with her. For more on my half-crazed
co-pilot, click on her picture.
(Photo taken on Rappa Nui- Easter
Island)
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Despite the difficulties of
five years of around-the-world motorcycle travel, I've managed to
sponsor not one, but three children through World Vision,a large
international Non-governmental Agency (NGO). There is a huge number
of organizations striving towards a better future for humankind
worthy of your assistance. I don't canvas or fund-raise for anyone.
My point is simple, whether you contibute financially, or donate
your time, expertise, or simply express your support, EVERYONE is
capable of making a positive difference in their
world.
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