In 2017, I dated Matthew Gutierrez, a long-haul truck driver. During this time, I hopped aboard as his “rider,” and we together traveled over 25,000 miles along his routes throughout the western United States.
Traveling south of Sacramento along Interstate 5, Mike and Matt reflect on a book of inspirational messages, titled “Sparkle and Kick It” and written by a spiritual leader in Columbus, which advises appreciating the small successes throughout your day and building upon their momentum to achieve larger goals.
Embarking from Salt Lake City towards Colorado, Mike and Matt review some recent tasks, such as securing cargo, refueling, and grooming, and chat with a couple viewers about local cuisine and the NFL national anthem protests.
Mike joins Leah and Matt in Portland as they gather to play the board game of LIFE.
Matt and Mike drive through a smoky wildfire haze in Southern Oregon to deliver a load to a Lowe's store, sharing insights into the various types of commercial trucks on the roads, and reflecting on Hurricane Harvey’s recent landfall in Texas.
Mike drives around Portland late at night, in search of his ex-boyfriend, cannabis to purchase, and a place to pee.