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.
From a truck stop in Phoenix shortly after a dust storm, Mike reflects on learning his rider duties assisting with truck deliveries. Also discussed are the commonly mistaken distinction between power and energy, as well as procrastination habits, and remembering back when talking about Nazis used to be comical.
Having freshly awoken from a bad dream, Mike makes the long walk across a Montana truck stop parking lot to use the restroom and grab a coffee, admiring the splendor of the mountains nearby.
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 and Matt recount their recent trucking detour through San Francisco, sharing their excursion in the Castro district, enjoying local cuisine, and getting pedicures. Exploring Queer identity, they celebrate the fluidity of personality and the importance of finding moments of joy along the open road.
Mike drives around Portland late at night, in search of his ex-boyfriend, cannabis to purchase, and a place to pee.