Michael Yang. Photo: Brent Cassidy
At age 61, Michael Yang set out alone on a motorcycle journey from Los Angeles to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska—one of the northernmost points in North America reachable by road. The 37-day adventure covered more than 10,000 miles, including remote gravel highways, unpredictable weather, and some of the most spectacular landscapes on the continent.
In Shinnageh at Sixty-One: What a Solo Ride to Alaska Taught Me About Living Fully, Yang reflects on the lessons he learned along the way. Inspired by the Korean word shinnageh—living with joy, energy, and enthusiasm—he challenges the idea that adventure has an expiration date.
The journey was about more than reaching the Arctic Circle. It became a reminder that aging does not diminish our ability to explore, learn, and embrace new experiences. In fact, the wisdom and perspective gained over time may make the journey even more meaningful.
Michael Yang is a Korean American author, entrepreneur, investor, and adventure motorcycle traveler. He was born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1961, and immigrated to San Jose, California, at 14. He is the author of Coming Alive on the Ride: A Memoir of Motorcycle Travel, Self-Discovery, and Korean Heritage.
Read the full article in the Spring/Summer 2026 issue of Healthy Aging® Magazine and discover how one unforgettable ride became a powerful lesson in courage, independence, and living fully at every age.
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