UPDATE on 10/26/18: On September 22nd of 2016 Erik tragically took his own life. The outpouring of love and regards on his social media page is continuous to this day. I never had another chance to see Eric after Chattanooga, although we did telephone a few times just to say hello and to maintain the contact. Erik even tried to reahc me over the phone to invite me to utilize one of his airline buddy passes for a standbye flight - however I was unreachable at the moment, tourng high north in the upper peninsula of Michigan and without cell phone reception at the time of his call. I do wish we had a chance to meet up again, and his death is difficult to understand for me -what is it that so overwhelms a persons body and mind that they feel the only way out of that state is by ending taking their own life? Suicide is extremely difficult for me to begin to understand, as are all the related philosophical questions related to it, such as euthanasia and the right to die - some of which I had a chance to delve deeper in academically while perusing a philosophy degree at the University of Michigan. The sociologist Emile Durkheim's seminal work titled Suicide: A Study in Sociology is highly recommended.
After Bowling Green Kentucky I continued south-east to Chattanooga. A huge thanks to my wonderful host Erik Piraino, an airline mechanic and fellow rider for yet another great CouchSurfing experience. We went for a few beers in the lively downtown area and the next day we rode out of the city a bit seeking curves and country breakfast. I even played around with his Ducati Hypermotard. Erik also rides a Yamaha Road Star Warrior which is a very handsome machine., objectively speaking.
Erik, thank you very much for your hospitality.
Next stop, Cherohala Skyway and Deals Gap, two of the most famous roads in the motoring community in North America.
UPDATE on 10/26/18: On September 22nd of 2016 Erik tragically took his own life. The outpouring of love and regards on his social media page is continuous to this day. I never had another chance to see Eric after Chattanooga, although we did telephone a few times just to say hello and to maintain the contact. Erik even tried to reach me over the phone to invite me to utilize one of his airline buddy passes for a standby flight - however I was unreachable at the moment, touring high north in the upper peninsula of Michigan and without cell phone reception at the time of his call. I do wish we had a chance to meet up again, and his death is difficult to understand for me -what is it that so overwhelms a persons body and mind that they feel the only way out of that state is by ending taking their own life? Suicide is extremely difficult for me to begin to understand, as are all the related philosophical questions related to it, such as euthanasia and the right to die - some of which I had a chance to delve deeper in academically while perusing a philosophy degree at the University of Michigan. The sociologist Emile Durkheim's seminal work titled Suicide: A Study in Sociology is highly recommended.
Erik was 36 years old. May he rest in peace.