Sometimes something small can make all the difference.....

The Black River in the autumn morning - the water is warmer than the air.

So it was a sunny but chilly Sunday morning as I rode with two other guys, on our way to meet #ScootinAmerica. It was 37.8 degrees and the main thing you have to remember: when you're riding a motorcycle, whatever the temperature is, take 20 degrees off of that for the wind chill. If you don't believe me, check this out.

L to R: my bike, Lionel & his bike, Mark's bike & Mark

And as I'm riding along, freezing my patukas off, I'm thinking to myself, "Why am I doing this??!!" Of course I'm layered up - thermals, jeans, wool socks, wind-proof liner, leather chaps & jacket, waterproof gloves, and my 3/4 helmet - but I'm still cold and it feels like I've got nails being hammered into the ends of my fingers.... 

Me, Adam & Scooter

But then I remembered that Adam & Scooter have been riding for nearly two years, crossing the country six times, and has ridden in weather much worse, all while raising money for veterans and their families. (Read why I was excited to meet these two here.)

I'm just riding a short ways and the weather forecast says it'll get warmer - guess I better put on my big girl panties and suck it up. And even though my riding this short distance to ride with #ScootinAmerica may not seem like much, meeting these two did make a positive difference in my day. Hopefully my presence did the same for them. 

Just like I'm not a mechanic nor do I carry any tools with me

A tiny yet powerful tool

on my bike, I still stop for fellow bikers stuck on the side of the road because that's what bikers do. Earlier this year I stopped for a friend who had a clogged fuel line, and was trying to clear it. As I watched him work I remembered a paperclip I had with some of my paperwork. I unfolded it and we used it to eliminate the obstruction - bingo!!!

At FXCHD we raised just over $200 for #ScootinAmerica -

Dan holding #ScootinAmerica's donation jar while
I put money into it.

not the big donation I was hoping to give to them, but better than nothing to be sure. Again, it might not seem like much but maybe it'll be enough (when added to the other funds Adam has raised) to reach their goal. After all, every bit counts.

Sometimes it's like that - you don't think you'll make that big of a difference, but then you do! Or that someone else, doing what they do, will make a difference. Maybe their presence and/or actions aren't a big deal to you but they just might be to someone else. 

d

The Dalai Lama

Remember what the Dalai Lama said: "If you think you're too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito." 

A motorcycle might not seem like a big deal, but I invite you to take a small ride with me, through a small town and cross over the Black River on my Youtube channel. I'm hoping that this small slice out of my ride home will make you smile.

It ain't over till the Salt hits the Asphalt!!!

Season Wheel - Autumn next up!

As the new autumn season begins, I've heard a few people say that the riding season is over. Over??? There's still plenty of great riding to be done!! 

Of course I am a realest: I know that as the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, Old Man Winter is not far behind. And, according to the latest Farmer's Almanac, Winter is coming back with a vengeance. Well that just tells me that I've got to take advantage of all the Fall Riding I can.... And I'm not the only one.

Magazine cover featuring
Adam & Scooter

If you haven't yet met Adam & Scooter of #ScootinAmerica, please allow me to introduce you to them. The team of two have traversed the lower 48 five times, raising "over $200,000 to our military." And soon this dynamic duo are making their way - finally - to FXCHD!! (The were scheduled to visit in the Fall of 2015 but the weather closed in, then again earlier this summer but that was postponed due to an accident.)

Our U.S. Military Men & Women - This is something near & dear to my heart! I grew up an Air Force brat, and then met & married my husband who then enlisted in the US Army, Infantry. He spent 18 years as an Infantry Soldier and went on six 'real world' deployments during that time (Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan twice and Iraq twice). He was medically discharged from Fort Drum (home of the 10th Mountain Division) three years ago. The post is practically in our backyard and about one-third of our customers at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson are here because of the military.

My husband (in the middle) on his second trip to Iraq

Fort Drum is located in Northern NY State

According to the VA my husband is 90% disabled - although he was lucky enough not to suffer an amputation or TBI. Despite my husband's injuries and ongoing medical problems, he will be the last one to ask for help. He'd rather see those soldiers who are more deserving get the care they need first - which is how many of these guys feel (at least with my experience)! It then falls to the family member(s) caring for these wounded warriors to ask for assistance. 

So in a sense, #ScootinAmerica is riding for me. A man whom I have yet to meet in person has dedicated himself these last two years to help raise money for veterans and veteran organizations. A

Scooter, Adam and their ride,War Horse

man who hasn't served in the military, but has ridden over 100,000 miles to give back to men & women he hasn't met. And he's got some miles left to go (check their Facebook Page and see where #ScootinAmerica has been) Some people would say that's crazy, but I say Adam & Scooter embody everything about being a Biker is about.

I'm looking forward to meeting #ScootinAmerica in person (and maybe even riding with them for a bit if I can get out of work!! lol)! And when I do they'll be getting a big "THANK YOU!" from me!! Especially since my son is now a Marine about to go off on his second deployment. 

My son (on the left) & friend at the Marine Corp Ball

Getting outside your 'comfort' zone - part 2

Got my leathers on to lead the
9/11/2016 Ride for the Red -
American Red Cross Ride

We're nearly into Autumn officially, I had to put on my leathers to ride in to work at F.X. Caprara Harley-Davidson, and we're getting close to the end of the riding season... At least for people like me that stay in snow country during the winter months. 

Even though it's coming to an end, now is the time that I take a quick look back and say a quick
"Thank You" for a great riding season so far. With the drought in Northern New York (which reminded me a lot of growing up in Northern California - hot & dry) that we had most of the summer, it did make for some fantastic riding, events and rallies! 

The 10th Annual Thousand Islands River Run, NY H.O.G. Rally in Alexandria Bay, all the rides that our NNY H.O.G. Chapter has done, and riding to & back from the Annual Dealer Meeting in

Me "riding" (Jumpstart) a 2017 Street Glide with the all-new
Milwaukee-Eight engine!

Boston!! And all summer long myself and my fellow Harley Enthusiasts are out on the road, cruising through your town, stopping for a bite to eat in your local diner, and maybe having a few at your local watering hole (ALWAYS after my bike's kick stand is down for the night! Please don't ever drink & ride/drive!! Exceeding that comfort zone is totally NOT worth it!!).

I was supposed to be able to get on the Mass Turnpike
"using any lane".... but no signs for I-90!!!

So far this riding season I've led three group rides (when it comes to riding I'm usually by myself, riding faster than the posted speed limit, and decide spur-of-the-moment which route I'm going to take - not a good combo when you're supposed to be leading a group!), have done a few videos, have successfully challenged myself to projects at the shop & home I normally wouldn't have taken on, and have ridden my motorcycle through not just one, but four - count 'em: FOUR - tunnels while making my way home from Boston because I got lost soon after leaving our hotel. (Did I mention I'm slightly claustrophobic??!!)

I'm also working on taking better "selfies": here's me and my husband at the
Annual Dealer Meeting at the Boston Convention & Expo Center!

But just because the riding season is winding down doesn't mean we get to stop exploring. I must keep getting out of my comfort zone! So the same goes for you, to!! Chase that sunset and smell freedom on the wind. Because bottom line we are all human beings and we are connected by that.  

There's still plenty of events and riding still to be done this season!! Check out FXCHD's Discover More Open House, September 23-24. Can't make it in to see me?? Then find your local Harley-Davidson dealer - they'll be having a Discover More Open House that same weekend. 

Get out and meet some bikers, maybe even make some new friends. Still don't feel comfortable getting out of your comfort zone? Then try reading this blog.

Packing & Getting Out of my Comfort Zone

When I was a kid I was shy, and I still am to a certain extent. That's why I was nervous about starting a Youtube Channel/Video Blog.... But I did and I posted my first video last night, with the help of a few drinks of liquid courage (of course I wasn't driving anywhere, so no DUI for me!)!! 

Since I'm getting ready to go on my big motorcycle road trip, I thought I'd post something about packing (I'm riding out to Boston for Harley's Annual Dealer Meeting where they'll introduce the 2017 lineup). Because when it comes to packing for a motorcycle trip, you've got to think about things a little differently.

Cagers (definition of "cager") have lots more room to pack what

they want to take. Bikers, on the other hand, have a finite amount of space for what we need to take. Plus I've got to leave room for all the souvenirs & dealer shirts I'm bringing back!!

So keep checking my Youtube Channel for more posts about packing for a motorcycle trip as well as what I see at the HDMC Annual Dealer Meeting. I'll work on my shyness too!!

History coming to life - Harley and the Davidsons

In a recent meeting with our Marketing District Manager, he said to me, "I can see that you bleed Black & Orange!" (the Harley-Davidson colors) I'm just passionate about Harley motorcycles and happen to know a lot of their history. 

For years I've been bugging the motor company and H-D Museum

to do a TV show on how Harley-Davidson went from a 10x15 backyard shed to a multi-million dollar company known the world over. Originally they were just looking for a faster, easier way to the fishing hole. And here we are, nearly 115 years later, with something more than 'just' motorcycles - there's an entire culture attributed to Harleys.

Well finally my wish has come true: the Discovery Channel has

created a 3-part mini-series titled Harley and the Davidsons. The H-D Museum granted extensive access to early documents and photographs so that Discovery could research the story down to the smallest detail. But don't be thinking this is another a documentary- it's not. This show is a dramatization and also a love letter to the era; about immigrant children creating their own American dream.

Because Harley-Davidson was not part of the production and had no editorial control over the content, they will not be advertising the mini-series itself. However H-D will be bringing considerable advertising to the table as this series airs shortly after the 2017

model year line-up is introduced (August 23rd). Add in the fact that dealers across the nation will be hosting "Discover More" Open House Events the weekend of September 22-25, inviting everyone to check out the latest the motor company has produced, it's clear that HDMC will be taking advantage of the show. (Of course FX Caprara Harley-Davidson will be having our own Discover More Open House!)

And I will be excited to see all this history coming to life, even if it isn't 100% accurate. Especially since I'm tired of another company stating that they're "America's first motorcycle" - which is technically true, but then went out of business in 1953. America's oldest, continuously running motorcycle manufacturer to date is the one and only Harley-Davidson.

Three things to remember about Motorcycle Insurance!!

Oops!! You and your bike have fallen... Fortunately you're both back up but not yet back on the road. But on the plus side, your insurance company is going to take care of everything.... sort of.

First, I'm not an expert in, nor do I sell insurance. Also, I'm not an insurance claims adjuster. This blog is just to make you, the consumer, aware of some of the little things that the, "save money now by switching to us" insurance commercials don't tell you.

Next, let me tell you that I'm constantly yelling at the television when those "spend 15 minutes and save 15% or more" come across the screen. Exactly how are they saving you money?? Sometimes by cutting certain insurance coverage you don't need right then.... but you might need it down the road!

This past March I blogged about Insurance Coverage, mainly because our Northern New York H.O.G.® Chapter was hosting a seminar on the subject and I learned a few new things. Now that we're into the riding season, I'm seeing customers in FX Caprara Harley-Davidson® that are regretting the fact that they can't go back in time and change things..... 

So the first of the Three Things To Remember is: 

MEDICAL COVERAGE

In New York State, because our riding season is about six months

out of the year (if we're lucky), motorcycles are considered recreational vehicles and are treated as such. That means if you want medical coverage for yourself you'll need to make sure your plan covers you for that.

You might be thinking, "My medical insurance will cover me if I get in an accident, so I'm fine!" But what you might not be considering is if you have to pay any type of co-pays.... What's your plan's co-pay for an emergency room visit? What about physical therapy? And who pays if you have to be transferred to the hospital by ambulance? Or by helicopter (which is around $33,000!!)?? 

Next is:

DOT HELMETS AND THE LAW

Is your motorcycle insurance policy written specifically for New York State? If yes, then I'm sure you're aware that New York requires all riders and passengers to be wearing a DOT approved helmet while on a motorcycle. 

But now you're riding through Pennsylvania - a lovely state that

does not force the rider or passenger to wear a helmet. But if you get in an accident and you're not wearing a DOT helmet, your NY motorcycle insurance policy might not cover you because you have a NY policy. Either read all the fine print, check with your insurance broker or agent, or check with a lawyer who is used to dealing with motorcycle accident claims.

Last but not least is:

GENUINE PARTS REPLACEMENT

Here's a recent scenario that actually happened in our shop last week - owner wrecks his bike, bike goes to other nearby shop (not a dealership but a local, privately owned mechanic shop) for repair. Insurance claims adjuster shows up at said other shop, inspects the bike to see what he thinks needs to be replaced, writes up the claim complete with part numbers, gives paperwork to other shop, authorizes repair cost. Shop calls us, orders parts by giving us the part numbers the insurance adjuster gave them. The parts come in, get back to the other shop only to find out the part is the wrong year for that bike, or just the wrong part all together.

Of course the correct parts for that particular bike will be

covered.... once the insurance company realizes their mistake. How long do you think that's going to take? Insurance Claims Adjusters do know their stuff.... about insurance claims, not about motorcycle parts!! Neither they nor any local mechanic have the same access a dealer does to see what exact parts need to be ordered. 

Not to mention, did the claims adjuster see everything that should be replaced? Did s/he see the big dent at the bottom of your cross-over exhaust pipe? How about the gouge out of the cylinder fins from the horn hitting? Remember your insurance adjuster is used to looking at claims all day, not motorcycles.

The take-away on this is just for you to double check and see if all your "t's" really are crossed, and all your "i's" really are dotted. Your insurance agent says, "Yup - you're fully covered!!" but what does that really mean for you???

Time flies when you're having fun!!

It just feels like I've turned around and we're more than halfway through summer!! And I can't believe the last blog I posted here was May!! For me it's just more proof that the time we have on this earth is all too short, so we've got to live it while we've got it!!

So this blog is to catch you up on all that I've been up to.... (in part so I can remember myself!):

Going back to June, in Alexandria Bay every year for the last ten years now, there's a motorcycle weekend event known as the Thousand Islands River Run.

Every year it gets bigger and better - and this year, THE Tenth Anniversary, was no exception. And of course our FX Caprara Harley-Davidson Shirt Shack was there for all three days of the run.

With biker games, tattoo contests, vendors, live music and bars, this little town comes alive with the sound of Harley owners revving their engines. And sometimes the call is answered by a metric bike - which doesn't sound too out of place as all bikes are welcome (we just prefer the Harley-Davidson brand, sound and looks).

Then in July there was the New York H.O.G. Rally, also in Alexandria Bay this year. And since Alexandria Bay is in our Dealer Operated Territory, FX Caprara Harley-Davidson was the sponsoring dealer.

This was the second time at Alexandria Bay mainly because the area has sssooo much to offer. We've got the Thousand Islands (yes, where the dressing was invented) and the St. Lawrence River to our north, to our west is the Eastern Shore of Lake Ontario and the Seaway Trail, and to the west are the great Adirondack Mountains with Lake Placid. 

And that's what I've been trying to do- ride!! But still I get asked, "Why didn't you go on that ride?" or, "How come you weren't at Laconia/ Americade/[insert name here] rally?" That's because working at a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Dealership, while fun, is work without a doubt. This is our riding season, which is bigger than Christmas, so this is the time that we're ON IT!!

Looking forward to August, we've got the Harley-Davidson Annual Dealer Meeting which will be in Boston towards the end of the month. Since it's so close (last year it was in Las Vegas), I'll be riding out!! Lots of rumors running around about H-D going to a new motor, so stay tuned to our Facebook & Twitter Page for updates from the big show.

Then in September, FX Caprara Harley-Davidson will be having their Open House so that we all can see the 2017 models. 

And that's it, in a nutshell.... Hope your summer has been fun and continues on that route. Until next time - hopefully in August - Ride Safe and Have Fun!!