Great American Motorcycle Expedition of a Polish Girl

Weronika Kwapisz
Weronika Kwapisz recently crossed North American on a Triumph Bonneville.

Weronika Kwapisz, a rider, traveler, and author of the e-book Everything Starts From a Dream, recently crossed North America on an 80-day solo adventure on a Triumph Bonneville. Weronika, who is known for her lonely, daring expedition across Europe on a little 125cc motorcycle, planned the North American journey to discovery the continent from the inside out.

Thanks to her 94-year-old grandmother, who runs a motorcycle shop, there is gasoline flowing in Weronika’s veins. She inherited the love for two-wheels in her genes, which sparked a courageous journey through Europe in 2011. This petite and modest young woman crossed 7,456 miles alone on a small motorcycle, arousing great interest in the media.

This year, Weronika set a goal to tour the endless prairies of North America alone. For more than two months, she struggled with many difficult routes, changeable weather and unpredictable events. ­

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VIRB Picture
Weronika Kwapisz takes in an outstanding view.

“I wanted to discover North America from the inside out, ride many fairytale routes called ‘Scenic Byways,’ visit National Parks and get to know people and their stories. I wanted to see if the Wild West, with endless prairies, still exist,” said Weronika before starting her American adventure.

This trip was scheduled for 9,940 miles, which Weronika traveled on a more comfortable motorcycle—although a bit unusual for this distance—a Triumph Bonneville.

raa (4)
A view of the ocean during a coastal ride in California.

“This is the essence of style, a timeless motorcycle that has a soul,” she said. “I didn’t want to beat any record. I wanted to soak up the world which becomes more clear at lower speeds. I also liked minimalism, because nowadays too many gadgets distract our attention from what’s really important. Besides, you can’t buy adventure, you can only experience it.”

Earlier this week, Weronika reached her finishing line in New York City with the odometer is showing 12,262 miles, which means she exceed the distance she has predicted.

“North America is a beautiful continent with great roads,” she said. “I have met incredible and friendly people.”

You can track the whole adventure on Weronika’s official website ridingacross.com.

UPDATE: In February 2016, Weronika self-published a book (in English) Everything Starts With a Dream. The motorcycle diaries. The book is about her first big adventure across Europe on 125cc Suzuki VanVan. To order the book, send an email to: contact@ridingacross.com with the subject “book.” The initial price is $19.

Weronika Kwapisz VIRB Picture
raa (3) Weronika Kwapisz North America Route Map

2 COMMENTS

  1. Have wanted to do a coast to coast ride forever.

    People – do also Google “One Steph Beyond” – ongoing journey of this lady doing 45 countries across 7 continents in 2 years !!

  2. Enjoyed your photos and comments. On our Harley Sportsters my husband and I rode from Indiana to Utah and back June 16 through July 5. I share your excitement!

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