Our previously announced Zen Ride Social Hour took place on Sunday, July 26, bringing together twenty members and friends of the Robert Pirsig Association from eight countries to conclude this year’s Annual Virtual Retrace of Robert Pirsig’s original July 1968 journey.
Hosted by David Matos, Sevilla King and Felix Tarantik the discussion brought together readers who have experienced the journey in different ways—from veterans of earlier retraces to participants in the 2024 ZMM50th Ride, as well as riders already planning to join the 2028 Pirsig Centennial Zen Ride.
Among the speakers were our host David Matos, participant and co-organiser of the 2024 ZMM50th Group Ride; Mark Richardson, author of Zen and Now and veteran of both his two earlier retraces and the 2024 group ride; Ian Glendinning, 2024 (and earlier) participant, whose long-standing research has helped reconstruct the chronology and biography of Pirsig’s life and work; Wim de Haas, 2024 participant who has followed the route several times over two decades; Steve Sappington and Nancy Schunke, participants in the 2024 ride; Chris McAvoy, educator and 2024 ride participant; and John Kosmoski, 2024 rider whose painstaking recreation of Pirsig’s Honda Super Hawk made a memorable appearance. (John has multiple Honda Superhawk restorations on the go at any one time and has invaluable maintenance advice for anyone thinking of obtaining & retracing the route on a vintage machine.)
The session concluded with an update from Felix Tarantik on preparations for the 2028 Pirsig Centennial Zen Ride, including the developing schedule and opportunities for the community to become involved over the coming two years.
The recording of the discussion—including participants’ reflections and the 2028 Ride presentation—is now available on Sevilla King’s “A Quality Existence” YouTube channel.
The Annual Retrace continues virtually every July across the ZMMQuality Facebook channels, inviting readers to follow Pirsig’s original journey day by day. Keep an eye out for our forthcoming RPA Newsletter with Artun Turan interviewing David Matos and exploring the origins and continuing evolution of this tradition. James Joyce has Bloomsday, Robert Pirsig has the annual July Zen Ride Retrace.
As well as thanks to David Matos, Sevilla King and Felix Tarantic for organising and hosting the event, thanks to all of our speakers and to everyone who joined us from around the world.
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Hi, RPA, Glad this event was a success. I am wondering what is meant by this: \”John Kosmoski, 2024 rider whose painstaking recreation of Pirsig’s Honda Super Hawk….\” What is a \”recreation\”? Thanks, Wendy
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Hi Wendy, John was already in the business (hobby) of restoring vintage bikes, and was working on a 1966 Superhawk that was originally red when he made the connection to the ZMM Ride, so he set about making sure it was black and chrome and as close in detail to Bob’s (per photo’s and descriptions) as he completed that restoration. Same vintage bike, restored to be physically as close to Bob’s as possible. (We can put you two in contact if you wish.)
Hi all,
Unfortunately I could not join the meeting. I am wondering if there are possibilities to rent a motorcycle for a one way trip, starting in Minneapolis and ending it in the Oregon region.
Regards, Peter (Netherlands)
Hi Peter, sorry you couldn’t make it.
Stay in contact with Felix (at the 2028 Centennial Ride link) for any future interest in Zen rides.
We’re not in the business of renting or recommending bikes. From what I can see in searches one-way bike rentals are not normally available, though some offer collections and drop-offs from their major hubs. Perhaps other North American motorcycle enthusiast members, Mark, John, etc may be have suggestions? We’ll pass your enquiry along.