Biker Resolutions for going into the New Year

Anyone else think 2017 was sort of weird, or is it just me?

Between the weather, juggling the boatloads of work I have with family life and riding, this year has been kind of a bust... (I did ride to Gettysburg which was really cool.)

And now, just moments before the new year begins, everyone starts telling me to plan and make resolutions for the New Year. 

In fact, just the other day I printed off Harley-Davidson's marketing calendar for the year. WTH? Seems like everyone but me has a plan...

In HDMC's defense, 2018 is their 115th Anniversary and they're planning a LARGE celebration in Milwaukee - and that kind of party you do need to coordinate months in advance.

Despite the MoCo planning out 2018, it's ok that I don't have resolutions for 2018. That's because if you're a Biker you know that we usually don't make New Year's Resolutions.

Resolutions are made by those who have resolved not to have adventures.

Yup, I tricked ya -sorry. But, in light of all that, here are five of the most popular resolutions and what you should do instead for 2018:

#1: Get in Shape
True that December seems to be a month long all-you-can-eat orgy of decadent foods, and you probably consumed 4500 calories in a single meal, but by no means do you have to loose the love-handles gained. Hey- Round is a shape people!

If you really want to loose weight, start off by getting one of the new 2018 Softail models which are up to 35 pounds lighter (compared to 2017 models) and a 34% stiffer chassis. Then ride it to the gym or the park to meet your personal trainer.

#2: Enjoy Life to the Fullest
Do you really need a resolution to do this?? 

To really enjoy life to the fullest, you should have and ride a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. When you own a Harley there is nothing more - and nothing less - than a way to get the most of that  life has to offer.

#3: Spend more time with Friends
Again, you need a resolution for this??

Bikers do this already when they walk into a Harley-Davidson dealership (like FXCHD) and join a chapter of the Harley Owners Group (like NNY H.O.G.). Here you'll meet people from all walks of life and all levels of riding experience who have one thing in common: a love for being in the saddle of a Harley.

#4: Learn Something New
So you say you're going to learn Mandarin in 2018.... And when is your trip to China scheduled?? And when you don't achieve this how will you feel? Taking on something new can be frustrating and a time drainer. 

Maybe instead try a more attainable goal, like learning to ride a motorcycle. If you can ride a bicycle, you can ride a motorcycle. And if you know how to manually shift a car, you're that much more ahead of the game. The best and easiest way to do it is to take a class taught by professionals.

Already have the "M" endorsement on your license? Then we say to teach something new. Most Bikers I know are happy to tell you what they know about riding, the tips and tricks they've learned along the road. Sort of like a mentorship to those who have just started out in a life on two wheels. 

#5: Travel More
OK, if there is ever a 'resolution' among Bikers, it's to:

Ride More Miles

But don't just make those miles to and from work. Get out and ride!! Cross into a different state or even a time zone. Save your money, plan the route, tell your friends.

2018 marks the 115th Anniversary for Harley-Davidson and I'm already planning to join with more passionate people in Milwaukee this coming labor day. 

5 Tips to help Bikers Survive Winter

You think it's cold where you live? Come to Northern New York and we'll show you cold (this morning it was -11°F)!!

I love, love, love the summer months -long days in which to ride my 2004 Dyna Super Glide, warm weather to ride in, BBQ's on the back deck after washing my bike, then sitting by the fire pit for a lovely evening before getting up and doing it all again.

So winter for me really starts when I put my bike up for Winter Storage.... which was just before Halloween this year...... Sigh.

And I am not alone. Many others suffer from PMS during the cold winter months (that's Parked Motorcycle Syndrome), the same as I. 

In light of this, I've gotten together with my co-workers at FXCHD and we've created this list so that you might survive the cold chill without losing your mind.

1. Stay Warm: Which can be a tough one but doable. Block drafts
   
   from coming in your house and change the furnace filter. Dress in layers when outside. Wear lined boots with good, thick socks. Oh, and a good hat with flaps to cover your ears.
2. Celebrate the Holidays: And I'm not talking about just Christmas and New Year's. I'm talking about Thanksgiving, Ground Hog Day, Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day. Really throw yourself into it, and by the time
   
   Easter rolls around you know you've made it through.
3. Stay active: I mean more than just shoveling and snow blowing, which is inevitable here. I mean doing a project that keeps you occupied, like an engine upgrade on your bike. Or jig-saw puzzles, or taking your dog for a walk and/or take up snowmobiling (remember to dress in layers). Bear in mind
   
   the Biker saying: Keep Moving Forward.
4. Stick it in your Ear: Being off the bike means I'm stuck in my car for the duration. Fortunately my car has Sirius XM and is usually set to Octane. It's a chance to listen to new music and update my MP3 player for when I am back on my bike. And Grant Random keeps it real with his insights & comments (he definitely has a Biker mentality). 
5. Remembering the 7 "P's": Proper prior planning prevents piss
   
   poor performance. Look at the riding season and plan ahead. Going to a rally? Book your stay now rather than wait till the last minute (even three months out you're likely to have a hard time finding a place to stay). Take a look at which route you'll ride to get there. Make out your packing list now and update or upgrade your gear as needed (especially since shops tend to have sales on Riding Gear during the off season).

The good news is that by the time Winter officially starts (December 22), it's nearly half over for us. Another plus, wintertime in Northern New York is quite beautiful.

220+ Gift Ideas for Bikers (and regular folk too)

Harley-Davidson has given us one-hundred and fifteen years of gifts for you and yours. Some naughty, all nice, to give as well as to receive.

ICYMI: People are buying gifts this time of year.

The evidence? About 1200 emails piling up in your inbox right now. Lest you forget that the holiday season is upon us.

That's why we at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson have put together this source of 220+ gift ideas perfect for your Biker friend (and also good for your old man, the couch potato, special friend). And the price range is from <$50 to >$500. 

Bonus: all these gift ideas go right along with "Creating Your Happy List"

Yup, that's right: your wish for an easier, simpler, more efficient way of getting the gifts has come true.

We call it the H-D Holiday 220+. And if you're still searching after this, then good luck with that inbox.

• #'s 1-12: For your Old Man = wallets, bandannas & accessories
• #'s 13-20: For your Saint of a Mother = barware, more specifically this Harley Wine Glass
• #'s 21-25: For your Special Lady Friend = handbags & wallets

• #'s 26-57: For your friend who is a Lady = H-D Jewelry
• #'s 58-73: For the Audiophile = bike to bike communications
• #'s 74-79: For the Wanderer = handlebar mount GPS

•  #'s 80-82: For the Photo Freak = Harley picture frames
• #'s 83-118: For the Clotheshorse = the 1903 collection
• #'s 119-120: For the Collector = hog banks

•  #'s 121-130: For the Pack-Rat = luggage
• #'s 131-135: For the Couch Potato = H-D lounge wear
• #'s 136-150: For the Gadgethound = Spectra Glo

•   #'s 151-159: For the Speed Racer = speedometers & tachometers
• #'s 160-161: For the Wrapper = Harley wrapping paper
• #'s 162-187: For the New Rider = everything a new rider needs in one spot

• #'s 188-210: For the Outdoorsman = denim
• #'s 211-219: For the Coffee Addict = H-D coffee & travel mugs
• #220+: For the Tinkerer = tools

(Pssst: this was first sent out in FXCHD's E-newsletter.... which you can get delivered right to your inbox by clicking here.)