A week has passed since I’ve saddled up for a ride of more than a few miles, and I am ready to take off.  Graduations, parties, and other engagements, have been more of a priority in recent days and I wouldn’t have missed them for the world.   But I feel the need to be on the road.

As the summer riding  season officially opens it seems the floodgates of motorcycle accidents are already making headlines.  Although it appears a majority of these incidents involve novice riders they serve to remind  all cyclist to be careful.

I trust all of you will be able to spend some time on your bikes this weekend. 

Keep The Rubber Side Down.

Attention all Ohio Bikers, it’s almost time! See you there! Ohio Bike Week

BMW Motorrad is ready to welcome more than 34,000 motorcyclists to its rally in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.Riders of all makes and models are invited to the town in the Bavarian Alps July 4-6 for the annual BMW Motorrad Days.Those attending can test ride a BMW R1200 GS through the region’s 2.5-acre Enduropark and take part in training sessions with experienced instructors. New to this year’s rally is a special women-only motorcycle tour with bikes provided by BMW.Defending Indoor Streetbike Freestyle World champion Chris Pfeiffer will display his skills at the rally, while musical entertainment will be supplied by several groups including the band Steinzeit which is fronted by the head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, Berti Hauser.

I found this unassuming little scooter people watching just off Bourbon St.  One of my favorite photos.

1.  Honda Hoot

2.  A good cigar

3.  Living near the ocean

4.  Gas at $5 a gallon.

5.  Buying a pistol.

6.  Being a good friend.

7.  Why would anyone want a chopper? 

8.  Motorcycle chicks are so hot.

I have decided to purchase a wireless communication system for my wife and I to use while traveling on the bike.  A large percentage of the time we are simply enjoying the ride, but there are times when she feels the need to to tell me; “slow down”, “watch out”, “I’m hungry”. 

 I will begin my research on the various systems soon, but first I thought I should get some first hand advice from some of y’all.  Any suggestions?  Let me know!

The countdown begins! Sunday kicks off the last seven days my youngest son will be living in my home as a child. On Sunday, June 2, Ethan will fly to Paris Island for three months of boot camp and graduate as a United States Marine. Immediately following graduation, Ethan will head directly to the University of Findlay, to commence his freshman year.

As all of you who have faced this situation understand, there is a part of me looking forward to his maturation and the continuing of our relationship as man to man. Yet there is another part of me screaming for the hands of time to stand at attention, demanding the years roll back to the time he was innocent, protected, and pliable. Ultimately I know he needs to go, to explore, to experience, alone with only the lessons we have instilled in him and as always leaving him in God’s care. Thereby knowing he will be fine no matter what!

Our Dealership is ready for Memorial Day!  Red, white, and blue balloons!  Flags and banners, all in celebration of this patriotic holiday.  They even put a flag on my bike.

When I arrived home with this flag on my motorcycle, my wife laughed hysterically, she said I looked like a one man parade, and that I should remove it promptly.  I don’t know, I kind of like it!  What do you think?  Should I remove it or not?

One of the fundamental purposes of this site is to encourage others to not only enjoy cycling, but life.  It is so easy for our lives to become only an existence, to live on cruise control, if you will.   We get so busy just trying to get through the day we often fail to invest any energy in much else.

So as we approach this holiday weekend, I hope you will make an investment in the people around you who ultimately make life; well, LIFE!  

By…

• really listening to your spouse or significant other.
•  having a conversation with your kids.
• helping a neighbor with a small project.
• calling your mom.
• connecting with a buddy you’ve lost touch with.
• taking a solo ride.

To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive.

Author: Robert Louis Stevenson