With dual battery bays, spacious panniers, and a solid front rack setup, it’s the kind of bike you’d take if you were riding across the country, take the kids to school, or just hitting a sunrise surf session at your local break.

There’s a rhythm to it now, the prep, the anticipation, the ritual. Over the next few days, we’ll ride north, hugging the Pacific, stopping for tacos, coffee, and conversation with fellow wanderers. It’s not just about the miles. It’s about the moments between, the gas station feedings, the surf checks, and the golden-hour roll-ins to small town stops to recharge and soak in all that taking the slow path as to offer.

We spent a few hours wrenching on the bike, tools scattered across a stained workbench, 90’s music humming low from a dusty speaker in the corner. The scent of chain lube and new rubber filled the air as we swapped out parts and debated the merits of various snack foods for long rides, all while trading the kind of jokes that only land in a bike shop after a few beers.

By late afternoon, the rig was ready. We rolled it out for a quick shake down ride to the beach. Tires kicked up little bursts of sand as we coasted along the path, the panniers bouncing slightly with every bump, the motor humming low and steady. Everything held. It felt solid and tight, responsive, and ready.

Back at the shop, chains were freshly lubed, batteries topped off, gear carefully stowed and lashed down like we were prepping for the expedition north. We hoisted the Boost onto the back of Brian’s SUV, the frame catching the last slant of sunlight, and cracked one last beer. A few more days and we’d be chasing the horizon.

For now, we went our separate ways, next stop: A 3am wake up call for the start of day one of the ride north. The plan is to meet up with Bryan at the train station and shoot a little before he boards the Amtrak to Ventura. Little did we know at the time, nothing would go to plan…. Watch Episode Two