From the United States to Patagonia and Alaska, he did it all on his motorcycle!
I heard about Iosaba through an old ex-boyfriend while he was still bartending at a small Spanish tapas joint in Chicago. Truth is, I didn’t personally get to meet Iosaba at that point, but have heard so many epic stories about his journey and really admired him. I thought that this guy was either extremely brave or just insane. Truth was that I might have formed a small crush on him back then, even though I had no idea who he was or how he even looked, simply for his untamed fearlessness and courage to leave everything behind and chase this unfathomed idea of freedom. But shh, don’t tell him any of that…
Fast forward many years later, I finally got to meet this inspirational human being, and turns out he had one of the kindest souls as well.
I wrote a post about his story awhile back, and he messaged me this just days before his second big journey from Chicago to Alaska, to remind me that the smallest gesture can help motivate someone to push forward on their darkest days.
“Wow! What a beautiful message! Thank you so much for including me. You got me off guard. But it couldn't be better timing. If it is okay with you, I'll share.
I think you know about my next trip (Road trip to Alaska). I'm departing in March. For the last few months I have been very stressed out and anxious about it. And with the new year and being so close to my departure. I've been having a rough time personally.
When that happens.. I reflect on how I feel and I take action when my energy goes down. One of those exercises is: whenever I have a bad/ negative day, and I need to remind myself that I am loved, I am enough, and I am beautiful.
I look at previous accomplishments I had.
Like my trip to South America. Those pictures and comments are a message for my future self. I post those so I can read them later and self motivate myself. That is what I'm working on personally with this IG. When I hear that those messages also help someone else. It's such a great feeling.
And today you mentioned that I inspired you. I wasn't trying to. That small big message made me feel so much better, happier and inspired. I'm very happy right now. And it's because of you.
When I plan to depart for my next trip, I never listen to anyone outside of my very small circle who consists of my family and closest friends. They are my support group. And usually that's all the love I get before departure. I hear you sister.
We met once. We have been hearing stories and following each other's paths for a short time, yet, we wish each other best wishes on our trips. I am very thankful for you. You should be proud, happy and inspired. Be that's who you are. You are an inspiration. You inspire me by being who you are. Please don't ever stop. Keep traveling for as long as you can and for as far as you can."
He ended this beautiful message by sharing one of his favorite photos. The photo was taken in Ticlio, Peru. The road that you take from the capital to his hometown. This road and place is one of the most influential places for him.
From that story alone, you can see what a beautiful soul and gigantic heart Iosaba had. I am extremely jealous of his unrelenting courage to chase the unknown. To leave everything that hurt him behind. To chase the stories of the local people. To go days without bathing to chase the changing landscapes. Not knowing where he’ll sleep at night sometimes, but still pushing forward and trusting his own path, even if it takes him off the well known path.
He had been dreaming of coming to Alaska when he was just a child, after hearing about a man from Spain, who was riding his bicycle from Patagonia to Alaska. Before him, Isoaba had never heard of such a place, and it sounded magical to him, like a Disney movie. The man was riding north, heading in one direction. This was mind blowing to him and the plan of riding to Alaska originated from that concept. To drive north as far as he could, to another end of the world destination. When he finally arrived in Alaska, he felt incredibly happy, accomplished, proud, and humble. It inspired him to keep exploring the world and reach places far from home and comfort.
But most importantly, it made his inner child smile.
