Unexpected surprises from our contributing travel editor, Dr. Gregory Frazier, are always a treat. They come every month in a series of emails, usually from an internet café with spotty dial up, which send his latest travel log from places such as the frozen Alaskan north or sweltering jungles of Southeast Asia. I hope our readers take advantage of Frazier’s monthly travel yarns. (Make sure to check out the Dr. Frazier Rides Page to read the archive.)

One weekend, here in our Medford, Oregon HQ, Dr. G. stopped by for a quick visit riding an old Honda Gold Wing (if I recall correctly). His riding buddy had a Beemer and the two were headed east to the Rockies after a West Coast run (Dr. Frazier lives on the Crow Reservation in the Big Horn Mountains of Montana, and I believe he was headed home).

Frazier is a tall man, with a crushingly firm handshake. He exudes an energetic spark and total competence regarding all things motorcycle. We didn’t talk long during his visit (he had to make time), but I can tell you Dr. G’s travel stories are even better when told in person. He has the easy- going nature of a life-long rider who enjoys traveling and knows how to have a good time. My only regret is that as he left, I didn’t tag along and ride a day or two.

Anyway, the good Dr. recently dropped a line, wishing a “Happy Holidays to all at Motorcycle USA Central,” while en route to Java. He sent a photo of the Christmas trees down in Southeast Asia – which, I must say, are wonderfully constructed!