My 2025 motorcycle/sidecar story from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Key West, Florida has been rewritten into an article for the May-June 2026 issue of the SIDECARIST magazine. After years of reading so many boring ride reports and articles, I decided to mix this up a bit and try a different approach this time.
Turning to AI, I asked it to rewrite the story in the style of Jack Kerouac. Our younger readers here might not know of Jack. So roll the credits... Jack Kerouac (1922–1969) was an American novelist and poet. As a central figure of the 1950s Beat Generation, he pioneered "spontaneous prose"—a stream-of-consciousness style inspired by jazz improvisation. His iconic 1957 novel, On the Road, captured the restless, countercultural spirit of post-war youth.
The style and writing of On the Road impacted this impressionable 12 year old in the late 1950's. Reading Jack's pose while soft low train whistles beckoned in the midwest darkness, the open road was calling, tugging at youthful thoughts, creating dreams of travel and adventure...
Some mindful wanderings of one's youth are never forgotten, supressed maybe, but never completely erased.
Long before Willie Nelson made the words and music famous, there was Jack Kerouac, in his free flowing jazz style with words, On the Road became ubiquitous for the freedom of cross country motorcycling. Where riding the wind meant more than any destination.
Now, you find me drawing on the antithisis of Jack's dreams of freedom, asking AI's help, it kicked back with a rewrite capturing the mood and rythm of On The Road.
So here goes...
So now you've read it. The tale as spun by Poet Kerouac.
The open road calls out to those who hear it.
But for the hearing impaired, too quick to judge,
"Those who dance are considered crazy by those who cannot hear the music."
Greatly appreciate your following along with my tales, rides and adventures.
Till the next one, ride safe, ride long.
CCjon
p.s. Our family lore tells of the time I ran away from home to see the circus. Was maybe 5 -6 years old at the time. Was not to join the circus but to satisfy my curiosity. Our policeman neighbor, Joe Schrieber, spotted me there and did not see my parents or siblings nearby. He knew something was not right. He made a few calls and took my hand.
Then he bought me an ice cream cone and took me home in his squad car. Dad was still at work, Mom was beside herself, my two older siblings said I was in big trouble. But hey, I got ice cream and they did not. So yes, your adventures can be rewarding. Mine always have been, even if they end up in a hospital in South America. Being on the road was its own reward that overcomes all obstacles.
"Those who dance are considered crazy by those who cannot hear the music."
