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The Story of Cait Maher’s 100,000 Mile Moto Guzzi
Published: March 18, 2026
For many riders, hitting 100,000 miles on a motorcycle is a distant, unattainable dream. For Cait Maher, it has already became a reality. After years of daily riding, long-distance touring, Cait surpassed the six-figure milestone on her 2019 Moto Guzzi V7 Rough. Admitting the journey was not without its mechanical challenges and personal growth, she is proof that big adventures don’t require expensive, oversized touring machines.
We sat down with Cait to talk about how her riding journey began, why she chose the Moto Guzzi V7, what it took to reach 100,000 miles, and what’s next on her horizon.
How and When She Began Riding
Cait’s path into motorcycling didn’t start on two wheels; it started in the snow.
Growing up around snowmobiles made powersports feel normal and accessible. At around age twenty-two, she decided to test the waters by purchasing a small moped, using it as a low-risk way to see if riding truly suited her.
After moving to California, Cait took the next step by buying a vintage 1976 Kawasaki KH100. With no formal instruction at first, she taught herself by reading manuals and watching online videos. Once she found local riding communities, motorcycling quickly became central to her life. She eventually sold her car, began organizing group rides and trips, and committed fully to life on two wheels.
Why She Chose the Moto Guzzi V7
When Cait began searching for a long-term bike, she had clear criteria: a mid-size engine, classic styling, and modern reliability. She narrowed her options to bikes in the 500 cc to 900 cc range and ultimately purchased a used 744 cc 2019 Moto Guzzi V7. Almost immediately, she began customizing it for touring, adding different handlebars, a larger windscreen, and luggage systems to better support long-distance travel.
Over time, Cait also learned the realities of owning a less common brand. With a limited dealer network in some regions, she relied on independent shops, gathered mechanical knowledge, and leaned on a strong online Moto Guzzi owner community that shared parts, resources, and technical advice.
How the 100,000 Mile Goal Came Together
Originally, reaching 100,000 miles felt more like a “pipe dream” than a concrete goal. But once Cait realized that her high-mileage bike had little resale value, she committed fully to using it to its full potential.
She began setting annual mileage targets and carefully planning routes, all while balancing her work schedule, limited transportation alternatives, and occasional service delays. What started as an ambitious idea slowly became a structured pursuit shaped by consistency, discipline, and perseverance.
The Most Challenging and Rewarding Moments
One of Cait’s toughest experiences came during a cross-country trip when multiple mechanical failures stacked up at once. Unknowingly, she rode thousands of miles with a failed stator, voltage regulator, and engine seal. At the same time, she dealt with a cupped front tire, a blown rear wheel bearing, and a broken clutch cable. Despite the stress and exhaustion, Cait pushed forward with help from small shops and supportive friends along the way.
Looking back, she describes that trip as deeply formative. It serves as a reminder of how resilient riders can be when forced to adapt.
Over the course of six years and more than 100,000 miles, she managed to hit 49 U.S. States, including Alaska!
Key Takeaways from the Journey
For Cait, long-distance riding has been as much a mental challenge as a physical one.
Some of her hardest moments came from internal pressures by feeling guilty about time away from work or pushing herself beyond healthy limits. Over time, she learned to shorten riding days, take breaks earlier, and prioritize safety over rigid and ambitious mileage goals.
Her biggest takeaway: success comes from consistency, flexibility, and honest self-assessment, not ego.
Advice for Riders Considering the Challenge
Cait encourages aspiring long-distance riders to focus on realistic planning and bike maintenance rather than chasing numbers.
She advises riders to set achievable goals, build in meaningful stops, and avoid riding purely to prove something to others. According to Cait, that mindset often leads to unnecessary risk.
She also hopes her journey shows newer riders that big trips don’t require massive expensive motorcycles. Her Moto Guzzi V7 is a modest mid-sized bike, proving that thoughtful preparation matters more than displacement, fancy technology or creature comforts.
What’s Next on Cait’s Horizon
Next spring, Cait plans to ship her 2019 Moto Guzzi V7 to Europe for an open-ended touring adventure. Prior to that, she’s treating the upcoming year as a “rest year,” focusing on preventative maintenance and internal engine checks while logging fewer miles. Once overseas, Cait hopes to ride gradually across Europe without a strict timeline and potentially document the experience through video. Meanwhile, her newer Moto Guzzi V7 Sport at home will be set up for adventure-style riding, keeping her stateside journeys active as well.
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