Foreign Roads, Familiar Freedom—A Letter From Marisa

There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when you throw a leg over a motorcycle in a country that’s not your own. The throttle opens not just to the road ahead, but to a whole new way of experiencing the world.

The unfamiliar is thrilling, the routine feels exotic, and the language of the ride needs no translation.

I recently spent two weeks winding through the alpine curves of Austria, the dramatic coastlines of Croatia, the medieval towns of Slovenia, the storybook villages of Germany, and the sun-drenched hills of Italy. But this isn't just about where we went—it's about what it feels like to ride a motorcycle in a place where everything is different.

The Beauty of Letting Go

Back home, I’m the planner. I put together the GPS routes, the backup paper maps, the hotel reservations, and the contingency plans.

But on this tour, I surrendered all of that. It was nice, not having to think. I didn’t have to lead the group, worry about fuel stops, or keep an eye on the tail rider. Our seasoned guide, Uwe Krauss, knew the roads, the culture, the coffee stops, and the secrets behind every turn.