Stravaiging with Bear: A Conversation About Riding, Recovery, and Real Life
What do ghost towns, sobriety, a border collie named Ghillie, and a late start to motorcycling have in common? Bear.
In this episode of Miles Shared, I sit down with Bear—rider, storyteller, and creator of the YouTube channel TheMotorcycleStravaig—for a conversation that’s equal parts funny, heartfelt, and deeply human. We talk about everything from quitting drinking cold turkey to training a dog to ride a trike, to filming haunted locations in rural Virginia.
Bear rides a Harley Ultra Classic with a bolt-on trike kit and Ghillie always along for the ride. His channel is full of small adventures, big insights, and a quiet commitment to authenticity. Whether you’re a long-distance rider or just someone looking for a good story, this episode has something to offer.
Let me know what resonated with you in the comments—or better yet, go check out Bear’s channel and say hi. He’s out there, one ride at a time, making it count.
Follow Bear on YouTube and BlueSky
Links & Resources
High Bridge Trail State Park (Pamplin, VA) – Site of Bear’s memorable birthday ride
Pamplin, VA (Historic Downtown) – Once a bustling railroad town, now being revitalized
Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park) – Scenic ride Bear has done with Ghillie
Pocosin Mission Ruins – Historical site Bear is planning to revisit
Afton/Crozet Tunnel (Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail) – Featured in one of Bear’s upcoming haunted videos
BMW Performance Center (Greer, SC) – A great motorcycle skills development course
Motorcycle Safety Foundation – A great way to learn to ride
Bunk-a-Biker Network – Rider-hosted lodging