About Me

Hi! I’m Zach, and I’m an aspiring adventurer. Though traveling often requires a beginning and end, I’m more concerned with everything in between– it’s about the journey, not the destination. Last summer, I embarked 16,000 kilometer motorcycle journey from Beijing to Kashgar, China’s western frontier. Little did I know that it would change my life forever.

This time, I aim to contribute to humanity on two fronts; with your help, I’ll not only be able to raise money for Alzheimer’s research – a disease that has plagued millions of families – but I’ll also be sharing my experiences on the road in some of the world’s most culturally rich regions.

I chose to complete my trip via motorcycle because the motorcycle is one of the purest forms of transportation – two wheels and a motor strapped between your legs and nothing between you and the world. It’s not always easy. Last year, after running out of fuel, I had to push my bike for over six miles down a highway under the blazing sun – alone. I even crashed. But after all the stories and experiences I was lucky enough to encounter, I knew that I would do it again in a heartbeat.

This time, I’ll be travelling through 30 countries. The huge amount of autonomy that motorcycle travel affords me will let me visit and experience places off the beaten path–places that few people know about, and I’m excited to share the unique and unforgettable stories, people, situations, and beauty of these places with you through my blog.

I’m already anticipating many challenges, from language barriers to road conditions to finding vegetarian food, all on top of 14 hours a day on my bike, but I’m hoping I’ll be able to approach these challenges with resilience, optimism, and an open mind. Challenges are as much a part of life as anything else.

Join me in my journey by making a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association, the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research. I’m asking for a dollar per kilometer, for a total of $35,000 for 35,000 kilometers. If you can, please donate through the form here.

I don’t know what will happen on this trans-Eurasian adventure but I could not be more thrilled to find out. Thanks for coming along!

 

Press

“On the road less-traveled” – China Daily

“Mandarin-speaking Young American Travels by Motorcycle in China’s Countryside” – YIBADA

 

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