After 2,217 miles on the road, here's what I learned:
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| Skirting rain clouds on the coast of Lake Michigan (photo credit Google Maps) |
• When you stop, check the weather radar -then put on ALL your rain gear if needed!
Somewhere in Ohio on our way out our group stopped to gas up and grab a quick bite. One member checked his weather app and proceeded to suit up while I thought all I needed was just my rain jacket.... WRONG! I got drenched.Not making the same mistake on the same trip!! As I left Milwaukee there were numerous pop-up thunder showers, so I put on my full rain gear and this time it did its job -kept the rain away.
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| Remember to leave room for all the goodies you want to bring home! |
• If you collect souvenirs, you'll need space to carry them home!
Start with a list of what you're going to pack, and stick to it. And once you've packed it all, make sure you've got space to bring home the souvenirs. I had extra space, but not enough and so I missed out on getting duty free items in Niagara before coming home. (Of course that just means I have to go back!!) |
| Harley-Davidson Serial Number 1 -a must see!! |
• Have an idea of what you want to do, but not a plan...
Being in Fort Drum's backyard, we have more than a few "military" types who can have the tendency of over planning... but what I found works best is to have an idea of what you'd like to do/see, but don't be a slave to a rigid schedule. When you allow for flexibility, you'll be able to relax, enjoy the moment and see what the day brings. |
| These lovely ladies put on a great show at Veterans Park |
• Getting to meet interesting people
We met more than a few people along the way who were also riding out to Milwaukee, then even more when we got to where we were going. Guys that rode all the way from Brazil. People from Japan. Others speaking German. And to top it off, one of our Uber drivers who wants to ride his motorcycle in NNY next year. |
| Gertie the Duck on the Milwaukee River |
• U-Turns are what make a trip interesting
These days GPS and route planners make getting from A to B a lot easier... but if your bike is like mine, you might not have that info right in front of you. Trying to remember route numbers and directions isn't always easy... and when you miss a turn, even though it's a 'mistake' it sometimes is for the best because then you find interesting stuff. There's a saying, "You're not lost as long as you've got gas," and this is very true when it comes to traveling by motorcycle. |
| A quiet spot close to Niagara Falls |
• There really is still kindness in the world
Despite all the news headlines would have us believe, there are nice people out there. While putting on all my rain gear (after Milwaukee) I had a couple of riders stop in to check if I was ok. And while riding in Canada, all I had to do was put on my turn signal (to change lanes) and other cars would let me right in! It seemed where ever I went there were nice people welcoming me, asking how the ride was. |
| My Bike looking over at the Mackinac Bridge before crossing |
• It wasn't fear I was feeling, it was the excitement of getting out of my comfort zone
During the torrential down-pour we experienced on our way out to Milwaukee, the 'fear' briefly flashed through my head, "There's lots of water on the road, I'm on a new bike, visibility is bad... I could so easily loose control and go down..." but then I stopped myself. They weren't really fears, just self doubt (which I definitely don't need while riding a motorcycle down the interstate in the pouring rain!).Instead I focused on my riding ability and the fact that my 2018 Heritage Softail has ABS. With my Basic Rider's Course Instructor's Voice in my head (even though I took the course nearly 10 years ago), putting the fact that I was soaked through from the waist down to the back of my mind (at least it was a warm rain), and laughing because the water was giving me a nice "fresh water facial" (what some people pay $120 for!!) allowed me to relax and ride through it. The upside to the down-pour for me was increased confidence in my ability and knowing what I can accomplish.
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| Tribute to the fun I had after the party in Milwaukee |
• Take the time and really enjoy your life, no matter your age!
Growing up in the '70s & '80s the pressure was on to know what I wanted my career to be, graduating high school and college, and getting a good paying job with great benefits... That wasn't necessarily bad advice, but I realize now that was what their priorities were- not mine.When traveling by motorcycle I am forced to slow down and listen to my own voice. I turned 50 this year and I've realized that if I want to stop to enjoy a view or try a restaurant I should do just that. That it's ok to not have a priority or plan and to just enjoy myself, living in the moment.
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| B-e-a-utiful Sunset in Michigan |
• Be grateful for the little things
Riding along the coast of Lake Michigan and seeing those views, the beauty of the setting sun, flowers blooming and bees buzzing in a summer garden... After saying "WOW!" at the show Mother Nature was giving me, I'd follow up with a, "Thank you!" I am so blessed to be able to take this all in.
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| Pictured Rocks on Lake Superior, Michigan's Upper Peninsula |
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| Niagara Falls in the Evening |
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