Costa Mesa, Ca.
August 1, 2018
Dear Family & Friends:
My best friend, Ollie, has turned 18.
In September of 2012, I added a side car to my 1998 Harley Davidson Road King Classic motorcycle. My dream was to take Ollie on road trips to visit national parks in our great country. This summer, I will make that dream come true. In August, I will take Ollie on a 15-day, 3,217 mile motorcycle trip to visit 7 national parks in 6 states. The trip will end on September 1 with a welcome home party at Cook’s Corner, a motorcycle restaurant/bar in Trabuco Hills, California. Several motorcycle clubs will join us for the ride-in to Cook’s Corner. Feel free to join the party.
A motorhome will follow us for emergencies and filming. The filming will include stops along the way to visit and interview special needs children and their families so their stories can be told. Motorcycle clubs will join us for the ride into major cities. My drone will be used for overhead filming.
This trip is part of a larger project, which is a feature length film about “Life with Ollie.” The purpose of the film is to inspire viewers to reach beyond their grasp, venture outside their comfort zone and help others, especially special needs children, do the same so they can live full, happy and satisfying lives. The mountains I have climbed will serve as a metaphor for setting big goals in life and overcoming physical obstacles.
Watch for daily trip reports on my website. I hope you will follow this adventure, pray for our safety and cheer us on.
Bill Burke
Trip Itinerary
15 days
6 states
7 National Parks
3,217 miles
August 18: Costa Mesa to Las Vegas, Nev.-276 miles
August 19: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, Az.-276 miles
August 20: Grand Canyon-Zion National Park, Ut.-284 miles
August 21: Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park
to Marysvale, Ut.-190 miles
August 22: Marysvale to Provo, Ut.-147 miles
August 23: Provo to Jackson, Wy.-291 miles
August 24: Jackson to Yellowstone National Park, Wy.-80 miles
August 25: Yellowstone National Park
August 26: Yellowstone National Park to Twin Falls, Id.-316 miles
August 27: Twin Falls to Battle Mtn., Nev.-233 miles
August 28: Battle Mtn. to Lee Vining, Cal.-270 miles
August 29: Lee Vining to Yosemite National Park, Ca.-206 miles
August 30: Yosemite National Park to Bakersfield, Ca.-202 miles
August 31: Bakersfield to Death Valley National Park-Ca.-218 miles
September 1: Death Valley National Park to Costa Mesa, Ca. 303 miles
Wow! I got chills ( and a little teary eyed ) reading about your trip with Ollie. I wish you safe travels and many memories of what sounds like a trip of a lifetime.
❤️🏍
Blessings Bill and Ollie on this national parks tour–a memory excursion that we would all enjoy taking.
Rick
Bon Voyage, The Bill & Olie ……Team Adventure! Looks like a great itenery…. inspiring the country, what a wonderful contribution! Sure to be a fabulous journey!
Will be tuned in for sure…
Bon voyage😎😎
The world is what you make it.
Well done.
Always an inspiration to me!
Excited to see the movie of it!
Safe travels… God bless…and…
have tons of fun!
Jan
Prayers and blessings for a wonderful trip and safe travels. Thanks for bringing all of us along on your adventure.
Wow what a trip. Can’t wait to see the film. Praying for your safety!
Just awesome and so inspiring…safe travels and looking forward to your postings!!!
How exciting for everyone. May your trip produce fruit for inspiration to others. God bless you, be safe, enjoy.
Wow!
Bill, you are an inspiration in so many ways! I bet you and Ollie will have the time of your lives together on this amazing adventure! Enjoy every minute of this precious quality time together!❤️
What an amazing experience! Wishing you both a wonderful and safe trip. Can’t wait to follow along the journey.
Have a great and safe trip. Looking forward to future posts.
Bill, you and Ollie are an inspiration to all Looking forward to hearing about this great adventure. Enjoy each day! The Dorans Family
The Burke Khang movie was fantastic. What a fantastic adventure, and what a team you have.We are looking forward to your next adventure with Ollie.
We pray that GOD continues to bless you as HE has all these years.
Wayne
Looks like that will be a fabulous trip. looking forward to the film. I may have to send you a play list.
Safe travels
Dear Bill,
I feel so remiss in congratulating you and your team for climbing your mountain, an amazing achievement! I absolutely loved the movie, and seeing and listening to your wonderful family, so good to hear all of their perspectives.
My autistic son loves that sidecar 🙂
I have always deeply admired you for your drive, determination and hugely loving spirit, Bill. Ollie will always have a special place in our hearts here; wishing you both a fun filled and awesome adventure!
Best wishes and Cheer from Canada!!
Unbelievably cool! Hope to see you at Cook’s!
Bill and Ollie!
Happy trails together- prayers for safe travel and good health!
Best,
Cathy
Amazing Vision.
Thanks for sharing, and taking us with you on this adventure–
My prayers will follow.
My heart sings joyously for this wonderful trip with your beautiful Ollie……..maybe you can even meet my Grandson Ean who now lives in American Fork, Utah with his delightful Mother. This is going to top all your other adventures, I’m sure…..Vaya con Dios
Wonderful Bill!!
Your story is also amazing, Alan.
Like Bill, you’re a humble man.
An absolutely awesome trip. Looking forward to me “going “ on your trip also . God speed Bill and Ollie👍👍.
Good luck and safe travels on your fabulous trip! The “LAFF” crew wishing you the best….
Dear Bill..not only will you take Ollie’s eyes on this incredible trip but all of ours that have been with you on all your other adventures. Your gift of giving goes further than you could imagine reaching into all our hearts and minds with the sights and senses you share. Thank you for this next trip. God protect and lead you all the way.
Bill that is a wonderful idea. Gods speed.
Soooooo AWESOME!! <3 Amazing Bill Burke & Ollie God speed in your adventure of a lifetime may you find blessings around every corner enjoy every breath!! Maybe will cross paths with you along the way!! Praise God!!
Bill&Ollie” SOo XCited for Uu to ShARe THiS AweSum AdVv in your Harley”sideCar Planned Tour’thru’Natn.Parks’AMeRiCa so AMaZinG,PRaiSe GoD EVeRy MiLe,SaFely in BreaTHTaKing ViEw on Cycle”
Love our national parks! I am envious! Have a safe trip!
Have fun and be safe Ollie and Bill!!! Memories like this will last a lifetime!Take care and be safe.
Bruce and Melissa Eckhoff