Imagine standing at a crossroads, faced with a choice that could change the course of your life. To your left, there’s a familiar path, the one you’ve walked countless times, where every turn is predictable. To your right, there’s an unfamiliar path, shrouded in mystery, with twists and turns hidden by the shadows of the unknown. After a deep dive into my soul, I looked left, then right, and with a deep breath, I stepped onto the path of adventure to the right, propelled by a belief that there was more to life than just going through the motions. What lay ahead was a mystery, but one thing was certain: there was no turning back now.

I am Curtis, and this is Storm Outdoor, my personal chronicle of an unconventional journey where I actively seek out adventure and push beyond boundaries. This blog is a testament to my commitment to embracing the great outdoors, embarking on van life travels, and finding joy in the simplest moments. Join me as I pursue adventures across diverse landscapes, share my travel experiences, and delve into the adventure gear that makes this lifestyle possible. From mountain biking and hiking to camping and trail running, I am on a relentless mission to challenge myself, explore new horizons, and grow into a happier, better version of myself. In this quest, I’m not just chasing the adrenaline rush of conquering new heights; I’m also learning to appreciate the quieter moments that offer their own rugged beauty and strength. It’s this dynamic interplay between pushing my limits and savoring the simple that shapes my journey. What lays ahead in this first post is just the beginning…

A Lifetime Drawn to Adventure

From my earliest memories, I’ve been captivated by the thrill of adventurous unconventional sports – activities that challenge me physically and mentally. As a young kid, I built bike ramps with my brothers, we jumped our bikes, rode them with no hands, and popped wheelies, feeling a sense of freedom and excitement. 

My father, a long-time dirt bike racer, got my brothers and me involved in the sport at an early age, passing down his passion and fueling our competitive spirit. Growing up, my desire for racing dirt bikes took center stage, becoming more than just a hobby; it was a pursuit that pushed me to my limits. The speed, the competition, and the discipline of working out, staying fit, and striving towards goals gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

I was raised to be very independent and worked in various jobs most of my childhood and all throughout college. It was almost instilled in me, as I assume with many people, that college and a long-term career was the requirement for a successful life. After graduating from college, I embarked on a career as a commercial banker in South Florida. Almost immediately, I felt the sting of the Great Recession firsthand, which amplified my yearning for change. Austin, Texas, with its burgeoning economy and vibrant culture, beckoned as a land of opportunity. This move was my first big life leap, breaking out of the familiar bubble I had grown far too accustomed to. 

Moving to Texas also presented me with more opportunities to race dirt bikes, fueling my passion even further. Additionally, Austin is where I received my proper introduction to mountain biking, road, and gravel biking. The state of Texas’ diverse landscapes and active biking community opened up new avenues for me to explore and challenge myself in different disciplines of biking. This unwavering love for adventure and the great outdoors has woven through the fabric of my life, shaping my decisions, and guiding me to where I stand today.

The Dream of Van Life: The Journey Begins

While living in Austin, I had a dream to own a van and turn it into my own personal adventure machine. I thought about it all the time, following van life pages, and doing way too much research. One morning, I went out just for coffee and felt compelled to visit the dealer. I pulled onto the lot and immediately saw one that seemed perfect for me. I bought it that day!

Loving to build things with my hands, I was excited to plan the buildout and do all the work myself, preparing it for exciting journeys. I intended to use the van to travel the country for a national dirt bike racing series with my dog, Champ. He was more than a pet; he was a loyal companion who helped me through tough times. Including him in my adventures was a no-brainer. But things didn’t go as planned. Champ began having serious health issues, and the national series was put on hold. Shortly after, I gave up dirt bike racing for good. Maybe one day I’ll get back into it, but life had different plans that needed my attention.

Despite this, the van became a symbol of resilience. It turned into more than just a way to get around—it became a statement about adapting to life’s unexpected changes. Initially, I did a simple build to transport just my bicycles and not camp out of it. In fact, my first big trip with Champ was to Charlotte to visit friends and run in the Charlotte Marathon, for which I was wildly unprepared.

Charting a New Course

It wasn’t your typical leap of faith but a calculated hop from a life that looked good on paper but felt a bit off in reality. A little soul-searching and a list of pros and cons later, I realized it was time to shake things up. The East Coast called my name with its lush landscapes and closer proximity to family and close friends. Just a couple of years after running in that marathon, I ultimately settled in Charlotte, North Carolina, a state that had always attracted me since childhood vacations spent exploring its rugged mountains and serene forests.

To my surprise, I fell in love with Charlotte rather quickly and spend a substantial amount of time here – working, riding bikes, and embracing the vibrant urban life. Leaving Austin behind and transitioning to Charlotte marked my second big life leap. It meant steering away from my 13-year-long stable career in banking and venturing into the unconventional realms of consulting and real estate. By diving into self-employment and obtaining my real estate license, I aimed to continue moving forward, seeking happiness in new and different ways.

Transforming the Van: Crafting an Adventure Rig

It wasn’t long before realizing the van, once intended for short jaunts, could become my ticket to a life of adventure and discovery. My dream about van life and traveling was influenced by my lifelong passion for adventure. After moving to Charlotte with Champ, I began the van conversion which became a project of love, transforming the space into more than just a way to camp—it was now on its way to being the adventure rig I wanted. Essentials like bike storage, a fridge, a comfortable bed, and air conditioning were just the start.

Having the van was about more than just having the right gear; it was about living simply, staying organized, and finding joy in the small things. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of my journey with the van. A bigger build was yet to come, and with it, new adventures awaited.

Navigating Life’s Challenges

However, life took a heart-wrenching turn when Champ passed away. His passing marked a significant change in my life, leaving a void that could never be filled. It was a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

As I grappled with this loss, another significant life event unfolded, which, although challenging, presented me with the opportunity to rethink my journey. It was this convergence of circumstances that led me to the decision to undertake a bigger build-out of the van, allowing me to go on longer trips.

I reconfigured the van’s interior, moving the bed to optimize space and focusing on maximizing storage for the additional gear I would need on the road. This transformation was about more than just practicality; it was about creating a space that could support my evolving lifestyle and the longer journeys I envisioned. The van was no longer just a vehicle; it was becoming a fully equipped adventure mobile, ready to carry me through extended explorations.

The First Steps into the Unknown

As I prepared to take off on the road for the first time, I was filled with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Very few people knew what I was doing and why I was doing it, and to some extent, those who now know still don’t understand. I’m fortunate to have a few true confidants, my very best friends, who have always supported me. They knew about my intentions and understood that this journey was important for me. Initially, I intended to be on the road for only three weeks before returning to Charlotte to find a long-term residence. However, an unexpected and tragic event unfolded during my travels prompted me to pause, reflect, and alter course, which I’ll explain later. 

When I finally took off, I really didn’t know where I was going. I didn’t have a plan. I evaluated my path along the way and made changes on the road. Not being overly committed to a certain path was uncharacteristic for me but turned out to be a very liberating thing to do. This may be the first big lesson I learned on the road.

Throughout my travels in the van, I’ve been fortunate to visit some incredible places and meet amazing people, each experience adding a new layer to my adventure tapestry. I’ve witnessed breathtaking landscapes, encountered wildlife up close, and immersed myself in different cultures. These experiences have enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined, and I hope to share more about these amazing places in future posts.

However, the journey has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was finding places to camp during peak travel times, especially over the weekends. This search for a spot to rest my head each night taught me to embrace the uncertainty and spontaneity of life on the road. But the challenges didn’t stop there. Adapting to life in the van required constant problem-solving and flexibility. Weather conditions often dictated my plans, forcing me to navigate through storms or how to cool down when it’s hot and humid. Finding places to work in remote areas became a puzzle, as I sought out coffee shops or libraries with Wi-Fi, or relied on my mobile hotspot when civilization was out of reach. Staying organized in such a confined space was crucial, as was maintaining a routine for grocery shopping and doing laundry.

I’ve since learned a lot about how to find camping spots and have come to appreciate the different lifestyle that exists beyond urban dwellings. The van, once a simple vehicle for transport, became a home, a refuge, and a gateway to new experiences. Each challenge I faced on the road taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of a positive attitude.

The people I’ve met on the road, from various socioeconomic classes and age ranges, have been some of the friendliest and most open individuals I’ve encountered. Their stories, their kindness, and their openness to share their lives with a stranger like me have been incredibly humbling. Each encounter, whether a brief chat at a campsite or a shared meal with fellow travelers, has reminded me of the beauty of human connection. These connections, forged in the most unexpected places, have become cherished memories that I carry with me on this journey.

As I traveled, I couldn’t help but reflect on my past adventures with Champ, my loyal companion. His spirit seemed to accompany me, reminding me of the resilience and adaptability we both embraced during our time together. The van continued to be a symbol of our bond, even as I ventured into new territories alone.

Tragedy Strikes 

This journey has been about more than just exploring new places; it’s been a deep dive into self-discovery. Every day is a learning experience, and that’s another lesson. I’ve encountered many obstacles along the way and have learned the importance of pushing through and adapting. Living in a van has taught me to be patient, flexible, and to make decisions without overthinking.

Towards the end of the first leg of my journey, I received the heartbreaking news of a good friend’s passing. These types of loss make me rethink what’s important and I reflected on my journey up to that point. It was a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing every moment. My best friends, though not physically present, have been crucial in this journey. I’ve been able to confide in them, sharing both the successes I’ve experienced, and this unfortunate news. Their understanding and encouragement have been a source of strength. It’s these experiences, both bitter and sweet, that have shaped me into who I am today. The challenges, the moments of introspection, and the connections with my best friends have all contributed to my growth on the go. Experiencing loss has taught me to be present, to value the now, and to adjust my sails for the future. 

A Turning Point

After hearing about this tragedy, I returned to Charlotte in a daze, coincidentally around the time I had initially planned to come back. During this period of reflection, I realized that the time I spent on the road had provided me with a unique space to think big picture. It was during these travels that I felt a sense of peace and happiness that I hadn’t experienced elsewhere. The simplicity of van life, the freedom of the open road, and the connections I made along the way had brought me a profound sense of fulfillment. It became clear to me that this was more than just a temporary escape; it was a lifestyle that resonated with my very core.

With this newfound clarity, it made sense for me to take off again. I wasn’t just running away from the pain of loss or the confusion of what to do next. I was moving towards a life that promised growth, adventure, and a deeper connection with myself and the world around me. This decision to embrace van life as a longer-term plan was not just a reaction to the tragedy, but a commitment to a path that had brought me unexpected joy and purpose.

The Path Ahead

Looking forward, I’m excited about the adventures that await. There is so much that’s left to see. While I don’t have a specific agenda for where I want to go, I do have plans for athletic endeavors. I’m setting ambitious targets to challenge myself in new ways. The details of these goals are something I’m keeping close to the chest for now, but I look forward to sharing more in future posts.

As I look ahead, it’s become easier for me to hit the road, embracing the unknown with an open mind. Every corner of this world has something to offer, and it’s all worth seeing. Some of the most pleasant surprises have come from unplanned moments, and I’ve learned to enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.

For now, it’s just a dream, but I envision building out another van, allowing me to further push my athletic limits, and explore more of nature’s wonders. The idea of starting fresh with a new van build excites me, reminiscent of the feeling I had before I bought the van I’m driving now. It represents a blank canvas for new adventures. I’m also eager to challenge myself with the van build, and physically, whether it’s through mountain biking, trail running, or other outdoor activities.

This is not where the story ends. There’s a new horizon waiting, a mystery to unravel, and a path yet to be traveled. My adventure is far from over, and I invite you to join me as I embark on the next chapter. Stay tuned for what’s to come because the best is yet to be written.

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