motorcycle racer bud clay undertakes a cross-country drive, following a race in new hampshire, in order to participate in a race in california. all the while he is haunted by memories of his former lover, daisy. on his journey he meets three women, but bud seems to be a lost soul, and he is unable to form an emotional connection with any of them. he first meets violet at a gas station in new hampshire and convinces her to join him on his trip. they stop at her home in order to get her clothes, but he drives off as soon as she enters the house.