The Local Guides program fuels my weekend whims to get out there an explore a new place. I spend almost every weekend in the summer doing this exact thing on my motorcycle. When I wake up and don’t have a destination in mind, I naturally gravitate toward Google Maps to find a cool attraction, hike, or unique restaurant in the direction I feel like riding that day.
If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, I strongly recommend utilizing the feature of tracking and sharing your location. I was meeting up with someone coming from a different location last summer. They had a break-down on the way in the middle of nowhere. Being able to see their location allowed me to get to them quickly and efficiently. Nothing like being stranded on the side of the road with no shelter on a 90 degree day.
This program has allowed me to have the confidence to take a solo trip. To have that cathartic experience of traveling alone with your own thoughts and taking the worry and questions about the destination. I have ridden to many places, miles away, that were completely out of my comfort zone. Crossing province, state, and country lines all for the experience. I have met complete strangers that I’ve felt like I’ve known all of my life. I have met others that had far more interesting stories than mine. Their story sparks that idea of, ‘hey maybe I should travel to that new place I’ve never heard of’. And of course, the Local Guide program is there as reference to see how others found this destination as well as other interesting places to visit while you’re in the area.
I can only hope that my contributions as a Local Guide fuel the curiosity and ambitions of others.
