A short Q&A with Dan Duffey as he prepares for his coast to coast journey.

Update 9/1/2014: Dan Duffey has apparently had an accident in Colorado and is in the hospital.  For the most up to date information, please click here for the ADVRider thread. 

AM: When did you start riding a motorcycle and what/who inspired you to do so?

JD: Well, it all started six years ago when my neighbor let me ride his old two stroke moped around the neighborhood. Ever since then I've been addicted. There's no feeling like being in the wind, at any speed, on any machine. You can't get that feeling from any car or drug. I feel inspired by Indian Larry, Ed Roth and Von Dutch culture. I love everything from classic enduros to old Harley choppers.

I started buying broken down projects and learned the mechanics of them. It wasn’t until I bought a 1976 Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster, that I really got into it. I kept bringing broken parts into a Harley shop and Super Dave, the head mechanic, said if I am really into this, to come learn under his wing.

AM: What motorcycles have you owned in the past?

JD: The first one I ever owned was a 2003 Honda Shadow 600. It was a great bike, but it just wasn’t me. The next bike I bought was a broken down 1985 250 Honda Rebel for $300. Which turned into a cool little chopper. That's when I wanted to start building and learning more of the maintenance. Next, was the 1976 Harley Davidson Sportster. It was a huge headache, but it was something else when you rode it! Currently I own a 1975 Honda CB360T, or as I like to call it, the “noble workhorse”. I have a big passion for older bikes, just the simplicity and more hands on approach to the ride.

AM: What made you decide on your current motorcycle for this journey?

JD: I chose the Honda CB360T because, well, it's the only bike I have!  I just fully rebuilt the entire motor, so I feel it'll be a test of my mechanical aptitude!  It's a very good bike; lightweight, decent power, parts are cheap, and it's kind of reliable when it wants to be. Usually, just points and valves are the only things that need any attention. I think it will suit well. I’m sure I'll break down a few times, but we'll see! My friend David, joining me on the trip, will be riding a 1993 Honda Nighthawk 250 chopper that I found for $650. It’s reliable and runs great.

AM: Why are you going on this journey?

JD: Why not? We’re just two dudes with no kids, so why just sit around the same old town forever?  I gotta get out and explore, live wild and free before entering the rat race.  I see too many people fall prey to drugs and alcohol, and that stuff just never appealed to me.  When I was 22, I hopped on a bus to LA, had the absolute best time of my life and didn't come back for three months. Now that I have more skills and I’m better prepared, I figured I'll try my hand elsewhere, where the land is pretty and inspiring.

AM: Do you have any plans for your route? Any specific destinations and why?

JD: No real plans, just head west. Going to stop by the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC. I just love time machines and it's beautiful there. Win win! I also plan to hit California. No real time frame, I just hope we get there before we run out of money!  I love California. The weather is always perfect, and you get all the landscapes in! 

AM: Any words of wisdom or shout outs?      

JD: Shoutouts to the GREAT people at Hawk Brothers Cycle. Thanks for putting up with all of my stupid crap! Super Dave, the hot rodding master Harley mechanic, you taught me everything I know about how to rebuild motors and I enjoyed rebuilding many old Harleys with ya!  Brother for life.  Darren and Linda, owners of Hawk Brothers, you are super great hardworking people with tons of knowledge and a huge passion for motorcycles. Also, Brother Speed, Manning, Chuckie, Johnny, John, Jimmy, Hampton, oh and of course HI MOM! Love to all my homies and homettes. 

Words of wisdom, I guess if you're young and nothing is tying you down, get out there and experience the world. Enjoy its food, take in its sights and sounds, and just live, man.  

Follow Dan's sojourn blog at http://lastvagabonds.blogspot.com/