Airways vs. Highways – How to Travel

Yesterday I got punished and pummeled, producing a satisfying form of exhaustion. Riding an e-bike with extra-long range and power allowed us to navigate the Shafer Trail and part of the White Rim Road in Canyonlands National Park.

It began with thirty-five miles and over 3,000 feet of vertical, beginning with a 1,400 foot descent and ending in a twelve percent return climb. All of it over rocky, washboarded, loose gravel and sand where at times we were rattled so hard I wondered if my fillings would come loose. It required 100% of your attention.

Two days before we had done something similar on paved roads in Arches National Park, climbing almost 5,000 vertical feet over 57 miles, nearly all of it on our e-bikes. All that wouldn’t have been possible if we had not driven to our latest vacation. Not to mention the golf clubs and food stuffs we brought along.

While driving to a vacation takes more time, it does two things I value: it gives you the flexibility to bring the exact toys you want without spending time and money on rentals, and it allows you the opportunity to experience the countryside, the small towns, discover fun eateries and enjoy the scenery. Generally, it’s another life experience you can’t get from ceding control to airports and airlines.

Although I spent my life in aerospace and aviation, I detest the hassles of commercial flying. I do it when there is no other choice of getting to where I want to go. Otherwise, I’m driving. For starters, I like to drive. And if I can use one of my sportscars, so much the better. Although it tends to pile the miles on the vehicles, that’s what their for – driving. And yes, there is a maintenance penalty to be paid but, in the end, I think the expense to flying comes out about even. I’ll take the experience over the hassle every time.

I do have another motivation for driving rather than flying – my wife loves to bring all her toys. Road bikes, e-bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, golf clubs, camera gear, coolers, food, hiking gear, snow skis and equipment. Oh yeah, and the ski boat. You know, just a few things.

Can’t say as I blame her, really. But hey, we bought all that stuff to use, not to leave home and then rent the same stuff somewhere because we flew rather than drove. Yes, you can take skis and golf clubs with you when you fly, but it’s a hassle to lug them around. Why not just throw them in the back and drive there?

That way, we also avoid the inevitable car rentals, shuttle buses, and Ubers. That’s just more hassle. Speaking of hassles, yes traffic and dumb, squirrely drivers are a pain. But I often stay off the interstate freeways to both stay away from them and enrich the experience of getting there.

When I use my car, I’m in control. I get to decide what route to take, when to get there, where to stop, what to bring with me. I go at my own pace. Inevitably, I discover something or someplace new. I love that.

So, I’ll take driving over flying whenever I can. Yes, it takes longer to get there, but you know what, that’s part of the point. Being in a hurry isn’t my gig; the joy, the process of going there is. It’s a little like the road to success, or being on the ‘success road’ – it’s not just the getting there, it’s the journey, too. Enjoy them both. Safe travels!