Out of his element, 1500 miles from home, Dom Chang, author of Redleg’s Rides and inveterate motorcyle rider and URAL evangelist pauses to make a photograph in Black Moshannon State Park. Dom stopped to say hello during a trip from Colorado that would eventually take him to Virginia.
It wasn’t the first time we met. Several years ago while at a conference in Denver, I had posted a photograph made from my hotel room of the Denver skyline and a few hours later an email message arrived from Dom saying we needed to meet. A day or so later we were riding in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Throughout a life you meet many people. As the collection of faces grows and interactions merge into an amalgam of words and stories it’s often hard to keep track of them all. Perhaps the human brain in it’s mystical workings does this to protect us from the frightening task of keeping every experience cataloged and clear. Amidst the flow of experience and interactions, of conversations and discussions, a rare event takes place where a person stands apart from the collection, illuminated and magnified by the native gifts they possess and the passion with which they apply them to living.
Dom Chang is one of those people.
Scarlett (the name of the URAL rig) arrived on a trailer hauled across America to explore a few of the backroads of Pennsylvania — a marked departure from rides in the West.
Dom entered my consciousness long before I actually met him. His writing and photography offered a glimpse of the mental workings of another rider who appeared indifferent to the movement of the herd and listened to a drum only he could hear. Looking back at my early musings on his ride stories laid the groundwork for the Chang Effect to take hold.
The Chang Effect is what takes shape as a result of being exposed to his writing, or the response to conversations in person.
I suspect Dom would recoil at any suggestion that he has an effect on anything save for the apparatus of his professional life, the machinations of his personal life, or the tricks he causes his riding machines to perform. But I believe the path on which Mr. Chang walks (or rather rides) is unique and offers lessons for those already questioning their own path and on a close read of his work can sense a kindred spirit. His descriptions of repairing a broken machine in the snow along a highway heading towards Alaska, or winds in the Rockies strong enough that sticking to the roadway might prove difficult stick in my head. What has continued to resonate was the dogged determination reflected in the stories he chooses to share.
Before dinner, a ride was in order. Through the Nittany Valley, over Bald Eagle Ridge and up onto the Allegheny Plateau and Black Moshannon State Park offered a varied view of part of the central Pennsylvania landscape. Had we more time I would have guided Dom northward into the more remote areas of the state. But time and circumstance often limit what we do.
Dom offered more than one hint about me needing a URAL. I’ve almost become immune to such suggestions. But other discussions of riding and life were pointed. One in particular, something consistent with my theory of the Chang Effect, relates to a conversation about retirement and when a person knows it’s time to make the leap. His words have power.
It was dark by the time we left Duffy’s Tavern in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. In addition to a standout dessert called “Death by Chocolate” I had a great evening talking with Dom and he left me with a lot to think about.
Just a bit of exposure to The Chang Effect.
Hello, Even more impressively written than usual for your blog which is always thought
provoking and nourishing in generous measures.
Thanks for all of your adventures and writings.
If you ever get to the UK to ride or visit you will be welcome at our house.
Ride safe and happy.
David Gilliland
Thanks for the kind words about the post David. Sometimes fate and circumstance come together to kindle an idea that works.
Would love to get to Great Britain someday to see the countryside and ride. Last time I was there, save for lay overs at Heathrow, was in 1968. It’s probably time for another visit!
I only read 2 blogs on a regular bases and both of them are in one post. I do understand the effect.
I hope I can keep up with things you find interesting. Thanks for the words of support!
I had been happily tooling around on my Beemer until he bought Ural #1. Then began my search for a sidecar, so yes, I know the impact of the “Chang Effect”.
The Chang Effect creeps up on you. And now you are riding a URAL yourself!
A lovely write-up indeed, Steve. But…
Though it’s clear what you meant, your first sentence left a philosophical / rhetorical question tumbling around my brain: A motorcyclist on unfamiliar roads… Where is a rider more IN his element?
Unfamiliar has a variety of meanings. For riders in can refer to the physical qualities of the road surface, the landscape in which the road traverses, or the location. For each a rider may or may not be comfortable. I like to think being lost on the road is the absolute best place to find yourself but most riders would probably not agree. Just check how many use GPS to avoid those feelings.
I suppose every rider finds his own situation where they feel they’re in their element.
You speak too kindly of my meager efforts to guide folks to the true path of light and righteousness Steve, my thanks.
My gratitude for the riding we did, in spite of you being recently at “death’s door” with pneumonia.
Folks, Steve embellishes my contributions….but I must admit, I like the sound of the “Chang Effect”….. 😉
dom
Dom,
I’m only sharing my experiences with you without embellishment or bias.
It was a pleasure going for a ride with you again and I’m glad fortune shined on me and my illness had receded enough to allow me to venture out on the Vespa.
oh and for the record, it was Steve’s blog and pictures which started me on the path of Winter Riding…of challenging the winter riding gods and getting away with it!
Winter??? What’s that? It was really hot today!
I was interested to note some unaccustomed strange gear on both handlebars. Do you have an explanation…pardon my ignorance.
Also, in a light hearted manner I have left a link to my Flickr site following a recent visit to Papua New Guinea. It’s more boat than scooter country but it won’t be long.
I’m not sure what Dom has mounted on the handlebars. Perhaps he or some other URAL rider can weigh in.
Heated grip control on the left. Throttle lock on the right…
Richard you beat me to it.
I have the same throttle lock. How else can you adjust the right mirror on the fly 🙂
Nice post Steve. The ‘Chang Effect’. An honour to be sure.
Thanks David. Can’t go wrong when you’re writing about a celebrity!