From the Author
Crossing America is the book I wanted, but could not find, for my 10,000-mile motorcycle journey. The book explains the hows, whys, and what to take along. It is packed full of details on equipment, riding technique, and ideas for pre-trip preparation. You’ll also find comprehensive checklists for items the rider may want and what tools to take. And the book is organized in a way designed to make it as useful as possible.
Chapters are broken into six sections, or "threads." One thread can be followed cover-to-cover, without pausing for other topics. So, if you are leaving on a trip immediately, you might read all the Equipment or Riding Technique sections right away. On the other hand, if you want to know what a long trip is like might read The Trip thread, and then come back to the sections on preparation and riding.
The book also includes a detailed, 16-page Index, a feature not found in most motorcycling books. The Index makes it easy to find information you want, even if think, "Now where did I read that paragraph about _______?" And the book includes a complete list of other publications, Internet resources, and equipment suppliers to help make your trip as successful and enjoyable as possible.
Should you go? Will the trip be worth it? Absolutely. Get on your bike and go ride. Just ride!
About the Author
At a time when economic downturns in California created free time for author Dick Peck, he also entered the third quarter of his life – over 50, career success, and children raised. This presented a time for reflection on what had been accomplished versus what had been left undone. Adventure was the undone component. And, the ultimate question was: If not now, when?
As a step toward his adventure realization, Dick attended a Harley Owners Group rally in 1999 that rekindled his college passion for motorcycling. Within two weeks, he purchased a black Harley-Davidson Softail his wife, Susan, promptly named "Eli," and the adventure began.
With Eli, Dick and Susan traveled the California coast, Lake Tahoe and the Sierras. But a bigger challenge was waiting for Dick. He decided that he would take Eli across country. Not on a leisurely tour, but in the type of timeframe typically available to someone with active responsibilities.
In riding, Dick found time for introspection and musing. He decided that not only would he pursue his deferred dreams, he would document his preparation and experiences to help others cross the barriers that keep them from similar pursuits. Dick launched Q3 Press with the publication of Crossing America: You Can Ride Across the U.S. on Your Motorcycle, the first book in the You CanTM series focusing on the adventures of Q3ers.
Prior to reprioritizing his life, Dick held senior management positions in publishing, market research, and international business. He was part of a team that developed one of the first Internet portals and, much earlier, he even enjoyed a stint as a jazz musician. He and Susan, live in Santa Rosa, California, with their collie/husky mix, Dudley. Crossing America is Dick’s third book, following two works published while in the music industry.
In addition to motorcycling, Dick enjoys running, bicycling and the company of family and friends. He holds an MBA from the University of South Carolina and a BA in English from the University of Kentucky. A native of the South, Dick and his wife Susan, have been residents of California since 1991.
