The Zen of Riding

Today was really an interesting day. My ride in to work was probably one of the best rides. One of those days that the mind was free of clutter and focused. I passed by lawn guys cutting grass, PennDot workers just hanging out by their trucks (do they ever work?), squirrles running around (almost ran one over) and the best part of all, a groundhog sun bathing on rocks between two waterfalls. It was pure zen.

I was thinking to myself all day that the outdoors are calling me. I mean I spend time outdoors already, but not really doing stuff I enjoy. I don't know about you but I've had it with yard work. See there's something called routine and we all get caught up in it. We need to find time to maintenance our own souls. What really got to me today was the patch of rain I rode through on the ride home. I actually saw a full rainbow once through it. I couldn't stop looking at it in my mirrors or even turning my head in disbelief. It truly was a full rainbow. A sight these eyes haven't seen since I left Arizona and another reminder to occupy zen!

So friends remember to take time out for you cause life is too short. Too short to not enjoy daily.

Riding in the rain, flat out sucks!

Who's a commuter? Who always seems to get stuck in the rain every single time they go out for a ride? Well this blog post is for you!

Some people tend to have that "dark cloud" over them no matter what they do in life. I, like many, have that darn rain cloud over my head no matter how much sunshine is in the sky. Funny to some, not really so much fun when your squeezing a cups worth of water out of your socks. I know, I know, "wear rain gear". Been there, done that...I still get wet. I mean head to toe! I've come to the conclusion that it's the way the water runs off my bikes tank. The only gear I have yet to try out personally is anything lined in Gore-Tex. Only problem with that is, everyone using the product hasn't figured out how to make gear "Harley Exhaust" and forward control friendly. Even Harley has thought to do anything about it either. Maybe one day this will work itself out.

In the meantime, I'm glad I'm not that only idiot that decides to ride in the pouring rain. Stay safe friends!

Photo taken by +Christopher Kraus co-worker at +RevZilla 

Motorcycling and Sex, Yup lots in common.

Do you remember your first time you had sex? Your first kiss? Probably sucked, but you will never forget it. Now do you remember your first time getting on a motorcycle? Your first group ride? Probably sucked, but you will never forget it. See what I mean, tons in common!

Finally the weekend has arrived and I have been dying to write this post. It dawned on me the other day while I was on my hour and half commute to work. It hit me that motorcycling and sex have tons in common. Alright some of you are probably thinking I am crazy. Think about it. Finding the right partner is important in life, right? Finding the right sex partner is even better! Finding the right motorcycle is just as good of a connection. While finding great riding buddies is even better!

You have no idea how many riders I have ridden with all over the country. From 10,000 motorcyclist in the 911 parade in Phoenix, to hundreds of riders during the Polar Bear tours in the winter, to just myself and a friend out on a days ride. There are moments in life when you realize that will be the last ride with that group you take or with that individual. Maybe because the group rides really fast and unsafe. Maybe because your buddy keeps leaving you at stop lights. Definitely not fun experiences and you say to yourself "never again". You also will never forget. Same thing falls true with your sex partner. If your not satisfied you never let it happen again. (or at least that's what you say to yourself, but eventually "never again")

As time goes on and the older we get, we learn from our mistakes. Whether it's how we ride through the next turn, or who we choose to sleep with. Mistakes make us stronger and wiser, but be sure to share that wisdom or its all for nothing.

To conclude, safe motorcycling is like safe sex, the more you protect yourself the more fun you can have. Enjoy the weekend my friends. For those of you that get to enjoy both this weekend, hats off to you!

In the meantime, what are your thoughts about this post? I would love to hear your feedback.

Motorcycle Spring Fever -MSF

And you thought MSF stood for Motorcycle Safety Foundation...ha! It really stands so for Motorcycle Spring Fever. I don't know about you, but I have had enough with winter. It has been dragging on. The last two days we finally hit temps over 50 F. Although Tuesday we are expecting lows in the 30s again. Come on Winter bug, GO AWAY! The need for wind in my hair, the sun on my skin, the feeling of freedom and nothing on my mind except how many more rolling hills will I be cruising on. You know the feeling, don't you?

On Friday I rode to work and froze my ass off in the morning. My afternoon ride was much more enjoyable. There is a point when riding becomes a task and not a pleasure. That's one thing I never like it to become.     Cold weather can do that. On Saturday I rode to gym and then came home and spent four hours detailing my bike. I have never done this since I rode it off the dealer lot day of purchase in March of 2008. Boy does it look sweet, and boy do I never want to buy another bike with that much chrome!!! Live and learn! lol

So, it's spring right? I'm not sold on that idea quite yet. Although, I do have a ton of rides I would love to go on and places I look forward to seeing this year. Life is full of adventures, I'm thankful mine begin on a motorcycle. Well sunshine, I sure hope to see you soon, I miss you dearly!!

True bliss!

My first blog post of the year, on a brand new blog! Let's talk about "True Bliss"!

Over the weekend I went on two different rides. I'm a huge motorcycle enthusiast and I never turn down a ride offer. There is just something special about being on a motorcycle. Have you ever felt true bliss in something you do?

Every single time I get on my motorcycle my mind clears, zen thoughts begin to take over, boulders are rolling off my shoulders, a smile a mile long goes across my face and the will that I can do anything takes over. That my friends is my true bliss. Life is something that is meant to be lived. It's as simple as the word itself, Life...it means living! Therefore, I challenge you to live life and find your bliss. Don't let anyone tear down your hopes and dreams. The ones that try to, are the ones that will never live life.