One Man's Dream...

[taosports]

I was out near the Golden Gate Bridge today when I spotted Vladimir Yarets smoking next to his 650GS. Hard to miss him with his yellow panniers. Anyway, I went up to him to introduce myself and right away, I knew there must be a language barrier. Through his gestures, body language, and a well worn journal he pulled out, I learned he was on an epic trip around the world. His journal explained that he was deaf and mute and that his goal was to enter the Guiness Book as the first deaf and mute individual to travel around the world by motorcycle.

He left Minsk, Belarus, a former republic of Russia on May 27, 2000 on a 1990 Jawa 350. In 2003, near Peoria, he took a spill which landed him in the hospital. His bike was totaled but a local BMW dealer apparently gave him a new 650 so that he could continue his trip...how cool is that! Anyway, you can read about his trip here : http://www.yarets.com/index_eng.html

He is in SF right now hoping to head west soon to Australia and the far east. He and D.J. will have to hook up for some rides.

http://www.michaelmaloneyphotography.com/bmw/yarets/1.jpg

http://www.michaelmaloneyphotography.com/bmw/yarets/2.jpg

Yes, his panniers are actually Samsonite suitcases strapped to his bike. On this one is his map showing where he has been so far...including 50 US states.
http://www.michaelmaloneyphotography.com/bmw/yarets/3.jpg

Not surprisingly, he draws a crowd including these Harley riders.
http://www.michaelmaloneyphotography.com/bmw/yarets/4.jpg

So, a big thumbs up back to you Vladimir...keep living your dream!
http://www.michaelmaloneyphotography.com/bmw/yarets/5.jpg

[socalrob]

Michael,

Thats so cool. Love those suit cases. At first I thought the wheels on the cases were for leaning through curves, then noticed the cases were reversed. I bet he gets lots of attention, free food & free gas. I know I'd pony up some food, gas & $$ to help if I met up Vladimir.

I had read somewhere on the internet about his trip and very bad spill back east. I understand he was in the hospital for some time. I think its terrific that hes back on the road.

That BMW dealer is the man. Proves there is still alot of good will in the world today.

[DJ Down Under]

Great story...great pics...what an amazing guy......I'll be looking out for him for sure.

I should spot him a mile away with those huge cases.

What a great thing that BMW did for him...:023:

DJ

[BobFV1]

Michael -

Thank you so much for sharing that story with us. That was the most interesting ans well-produced posts I've seen on any motorcycle site, probably ever, so well done to you.

And well done to Vlad!I don't know why he would ever want to go back to Belorussian - if I were him I would make it as far as a beach in Southern Thailand and then permanently end my "quest", but Vlad seems driven enough to make it all the way around. I am sure he will find a lot of support in the San Francisco area.

What he really needs are a set of Jesse bags - too bad he is not going to make it past the Jesse factory down in the Phoenix area, maybe he could wangle a new set from them.

Well, I guess one can do anything one sets their mind to!This is just quite a remarkable story and a great way to start the day. Thanks again, and to Vlad - :023: :023: :023:

PS - Is it just me, or does Vlad bear an uncanny resemblance to Ernest Borgnine:

http://www.moviestarsmovies.com/Images/ErnestBorgnine.jpg

[Gord]

What a great post to start a snow-bound Friday morning with. Gets me thinking about the adventurous aspect of humanity that drives us to risk all by doing things that few others would dare venture to consider, let alone do. And of course, it gets me thinking about chucking the corporate desk life I am in at the moment, taking some time off (6 months or so) and just riding. As it is, my first ride of 2006 is no more than 38 days away for me. Assuming Mother Nature reclaims all this snow.

[DarthRider]

That is so cool.
Here I am at work, reading about Vladimir first thing on Friday...what a great way to "start the weekend".
Go Vlad!

Dave

[Deans BMW]

That pic is truly worth a thousand words. Vlad is doing what so many of us would really like to do except that modern civilization has tamped down that pull of adventure to be overshadowed by some, I often wonder if misguided, sence of obligation or responsibility. So many times in my lifetime.....so far..... I have wanted to do something similar to what Vlad is doing but always lacked the self confidence or the shear Balls to just do it with a damn the torpedos ahead attitude. It is so comforting to type from the security of a warm home and the security of a job..........or something like that.

Vlad gives hope and inspiration to us all.

Thanks Michael for the great morning story.

http://www.michaelmaloneyphotography.com/bmw/yarets/5.jpg

[Moose]

Met Vlad when he came through Ft. Worth about a year and a half ago. He was on the 650. Got to spend about 30 minutes with him. He sure seemed to be enjoying himself and was very exuberant. When I reviewed his material and maps I could not believe my eyes. He truly is on a Marco Polo journey, goin to find out what's out there. I'm plannin' a 6000+ mi. trip on the Rbike this summer, in no small part due to Vlad's inspiration. The Hill Country Ride will just be the warm up lap. He was still grinning when I had to depart. Headin' down the road I thought, Vlad may not make it home to Russia....by choice.