A great day of riding was crowned by a lovely display of nature’s jewels. My wife and I came upon this colorful stand of wildflowers and had to stop for a few photos.
It is the small surprises like this one, that keeps me in the saddle and makes motorcycle touring so enjoyable.
See all the photos here!
Can a guy experience PMS? It has been about 4 weeks since I took my last road trip and I find myself irritable and moody. Parked Motorcycle Syndrome, has been known to make even the toughest rider weep. I have a friend who wants me to spend Saturday evening at the AMA Pro Flat Track races in Indiana. I am not a huge flat track fan, but I may take him up on it just to get in the wind.
“I wonder where this road goes?”
The fourth weekend in July is shaping up to be a motorcycle riders dream. The weather is going to phenomenal and there are rally’s and cycling events a plenty.
I have spoken to many of my fellow riders and a high percentage of them will be touring somewhere this weekend. Here’s a few places some of them are headed…
Wild and Wonderful Mountain Fest
Do you have any specific riding plans scheduled for this weekend? If so, let’s us know where you’re heading! Heck, maybe we will pass each other along the way!
Horticulturist Thalussa Cruso once said, “The sense of smell can be extraordinarily evocative, bringing back pictures as sharp as photographs of scenes that had left the conscious mind.”
I could not agree more, who among us hasn’t caught the scent of someone adorning the perfume that our high school sweetheart used to wear and been instantly transported back to the night we stole our first kiss.
Next time you head out for destinations unknown; allow the smells of the open road to enhance your riding experience.
Most men slumbered as I rode through the night, heading no place certain.
My sole companion was a full harvest moon, lighting my path with an eerie reddening glow.
While cutting through the ebony veil of night, cool midnight dew misted my visor.
As the miles rolled farther behind me, and the rhythm of the engine kept time, my mind was released like a thoroughbred out of the gate. It ran past memories of days once lived, and the faces of childhood friends long since forgotten. I reflected on dreams yet birthed and plans incomplete. Of strangers l will encounter and spaces I’ve still to explore.
At times the thoughts of past mistakes hit my soul like a hot desert wind buffets ones face.
I reflected on my sons, and how quickly they have grown, I wondered what these uncertain times holds in store for them.
I sang songs of worship to the Almighty, and recited prayers of thanksgiving in the cathedral of the starless sky, and was reminded once again of the many blessings which fill my days.
Most men slumbered as I rode through the night, heading no place certain.
Although it’s only early spring, it appears “riding season 2010,” is going to be a busy one. Here’s a few tours on my calendar.
Today will be spent with a pencil and calendar, as I put the final touches on the schedule.
How about you, where are you riding this summer?
Our residence was built in 1904, and mine is the eighth tribe to call it home. I love everything about the place, from the ten foot ceilings to the hardwood floors. It’s not fancy or elaborate, but rather understated and simple. I appreciate all of the character and craftsmanship associated with houses of this age, but there is one feature I cherish above all the rest; our red front door! The door is original to the house and wears the scars to prove it. Its panels are weathered and scratched from time and use. Over the years this door has faithfully protected those who have lived here and cheerfully welcomed them home. On many occasions I am asked where I reside, and being that I live on a very well known street, the only other identifier I need give is, “the house with the red door!”
Recently some friends and I were sharing stories of the places we have traveled and the beautiful sights motorcycle touring has afforded us to visit. We talked about the magnificence of the Appalachian Mountains, the vastness of the Atlantic; the fields of corn in Iowa, and the acre after acre of wheat in Kansas. We joked of the small town diners that hadn’t been remodeled in 53 years, but still whipped up the best pancakes on the planet, and the overpriced joints that cost us $19.50 for a dried up burger and a bag of stale chips. We laughed about the difficult and often hilarious encounters we experienced while camping, like trying to sleep in rain soaked clothing, or the time the wind was so strong it simply blew the tent away!
I have had the good fortune of logging thousands of miles on my motorcycle’s, some of those miles have been shared with a couple close friends, some with my wife and sons, but most have been logged alone. Yet no matter how beautiful the scenery, or important the landmark, that I have seen it is always nice to return home. Not long ago someone asked, “What is the most beautiful thing you have seen while riding on a long trip?” and without hesitation I replied; “My red front door!”
Ever thought about hanging it up? Ever ponder the possibility of no longer riding a motorcycle? For some these may seem like the most ridiculous questions of all time, for others they are a harsh reality. Why would anyone consider giving up something as rewarding as motorcycling. Here’s 4 reasons some people give up riding…
1. Lifestyle changes.
While visiting a forum on Sunday I read of a 30 something who recently became a first time father, and although passionate about riding he understood the inherent dangers associated with motorcycling and therefore made the choice to quit. For others it may be a new marriage, a promotion at work that requires more of ones time, or perhaps the loss of a job.
2. Illness
Dealing with a devastating illness requires the total focus and attention of a person and their families. More times than not, this leaves one with no time, energy, or capacity to endure the arduous nature of cycling.
3. Aging
A good friend of mine is currently dealing with this issue. He says the bike seems heavier, the miles seem longer, and his reaction time just isn’t what it used to be. As long as he encounters “no problems” out on the road all is fine. But he questions what happens if something goes awry. What if he drops the bike and no one is nearby to help, or he can’t make that emergency maneuver in time? For him the question isn’t how long can he keep riding, but rather how long can he keep riding safely!
4. An Accident
Many riders suffering from injuries due to a motorcycling accident, disclose that while convalescing they war within themselves about whether they should find a safer hobby. Some do!
These are but a few reasons one time passionate riders decide it’s time to call it quits. I am certain for most it is a difficult choice and one which all of us will face at one point or another in our lives.
Edelweiss Bike Travel is now celebrating their 30th year in the motorcycle touring business. To honor this milestone, Edelweiss has come up with a tour to top all tours; The “Discover Our Earth Expedition”, which will take place November 14, 2010, - July 20, 2011. This eight month trip will cover 40,000 miles and 6 continents at a cost of $101,200, for a single traveler and an additional $55,600 for a passenger.
If you got the money and the time I am pretty sure this would be the motorcycle tour of a lifetime.
Early this morning I spoke with Chesshirecat via Twitter about gearing up for cold weather riding. We both agreed that cold weather “Sucks”, and that we would prefer temperatures in the 70’s year round. But since neither of can change the seasons, our only alternative is to bundle up. We also agreed that a bundled up ride is better than no ride at all. Wouldn’t you concur?
