Going out doing what I love... My Passion

Call me crazy, but I have dreamed of my death. In my dream I'm old, probably in my 90s, laying in a bed surrounded by my children and their children. Which is all well and good, but that's not how I wish to depart this reality.

All of us will eventually shuffle off, leaving only the memory of us in the ones we love and who loved us.

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

Although, technically I'm not even supposed to be alive! As a child I was diagnosed with All Lymphatic Leukemia, and back in the early 70s the survival rate wasn't exactly the best. At one point the doctors told my father they needed to operate to remove the lymph nodes in my neck, and when he refused the doctors proclaimed I would die. "We are all going to die... No one gets out of this alive,"  was my dad's reply

Obviously I survived... they never did operate and a little while later I finally went into remission. That instilled the mantra into my head as I grew up: 

It doesn't matter how we die, only how we live.

Photo by Harley-Davidson on Unsplash

Last weekend, while I was in Alexandria Bay at the Thousand Islands River Run, I heard the news from New Hampshire. Word of the accident spread quickly through our biker community not only because we're somewhat close to the area (just a day ride), but also because we've got Fort Drum Army Post literally in our back yard (and most of the victims were former Marines). 

Going back to my youth again, growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 80s and 90s, I had quite a few friends pass away from a terminal illness that left their bodies weak and frail. For some it was all they could do just to sit up in bed. There was no way for them to do what they loved, even if that was just a walk in the park.

This past weekend there was also news from Hawaii: a plane carrying skydivers had gone down. In the news coverage, the girlfriend of one of the victims had said, "...he loved what he did and he died doing what he loved, so it was beautiful." 

Yes, both accidents were tragedies. And yes, both should never have happened. However, that is as much a part of the circle of life as life itself: birth, life, death, repeat.

And, if given the choice between a long suffering illness where my body and/or mind could betray me and I'm left virtually helpless, or a quick accident where I was doing something I enjoyed, I'd take the later. If at all possible, I'd like to go out doing what I love.

17 Do's and Don'ts for your First Group Ride

Many Bikers who've been around the block a time or two have a routine down when it comes to going on a group ride. Most like to arrive early to meet up with old friends while making new ones. Others prefer to register for the ride first and plan where they'll be riding in the group.

If you're new to motorcycling or new to group riding, here's a list of "do's and don'ts" right from FXCHD. These tips are good to follow if you're riding with friends or on a larger charity ride.

DO start off the day with a full tank of gas. There's usually a gas station close to where the ride starts, so plan to fill up there. Nothing's worse than having the ride starting out and less than a mile into it you've got to signal you need gas.

DO get to know your group riding signals. Sure lots of riders have bike to bike communications, but not everybody! So it's useful to know how to use signals to communicate and understand.

DON'T forget to do a T-CLOCS inspection before even leaving the house. You'll be really embarrassed if a cop pulls you over because your tail lamp is out.

DO have water with you so you can stay hydrated as the day goes on.

DON'T be afraid to ask questions and speak up! If the person leading the ride isn't pointed out to you, ask who you're supposed to be following. If you know the route they're taking is tore up, let the group know ahead of time.

DO take lots of pictures if that's your thing. Not only will it help you to remember the fun you had that day, they also make great birthday or Christmas gifts later on.

DO ride up to the pumps and gas up when the group stops for gas. Only after filling up your fuel tank do you empty your bladder (unless it's an urgency) or grab a snack to eat. And, even if you think you don't need gas, fill up anyways because you never know.

DO ride your own ride (meaning ride with the group and reasonably stay within your comfort zone). The nice thing about riding in a group is you'll usually have more experienced riders that can tell you're ready to take your ride to the next level, so they might have you go through some twisties that you didn't think you could handle. That being said...

...DON'T be pushed too far beyond your riding abilities. Say you've never ridden on the interstate and the group is planning a 'turn and burn' out to Buffalo (speeding down the Thruway just to get there and then get back). If this is not your style then say so! Do not ride faster than your Guardian Angel can fly.

DO make your last phone calls, texts, tweets and Instagram, Facebook, etc. posts well before the ride starts.

DON'T be "that guy/gal" to be putting on your helmet, gloves, selecting your radio station or getting your earbuds in, etc while everyone is already ready to ride and they're waiting on you. When the Road Captain says to get ready to ride, that is not the time to start an in-depth conversation or perform a T-CLOCS inspection. Go grab your stuff, put it on and start your bike.

DO take your rain gear with you. Even if the Weather Wo/Man says there won't be any rain, you might still find a need for it. Waterproof = Wind-proof. If it's not raining you can put on your rainsuit to help block the wind and keep you warm.

DO be familiar and be comfortable riding in a staggered formation. Most groups do this, it's only when Bikers have been riding together for years that are confident to ride side-by-side.

DON'T miss the Ride Briefing -with most rides they'll have a small period before KSU (Kick Stands Up) where they'll go over who the Road Captains are, what riding signals they'll be using, how they plan on handling stop lights & heavy traffic intersections, what the route will be, and what the road conditions are (if there's construction going on, gravel down, etc.). Sure you'll see it on the ride, but it is nice to know about it before hand as well.

DO wait for other members of the group on a ride. Keep an eye on your rearview mirrors and let members in the group ahead of you know if others have fallen behind. This can happen on small group rides with friends that you'll run into this situation (most larger charity group rides will also have someone riding 'sweep'). Someone maybe got a flat tire, stalled out their bike, or ran out of gas... If you no longer see them in your rearview, signal to the others, pull over and wait for them to catch up. If you don't see them in a few minutes, chances are you'll probably have to double back and go see what's going on.

DON'T drink and ride, group ride or riding on your own. First of all, the ride really is intoxicating enough. Second, most groups don't allow any alcohol before or during the ride - it's just not safe and puts others at risk. Third, if you do have an accident the police and your insurance will insist on a full investigation, and if they find you're legally intoxicated you'll be in for fines, license suspension, possible jail time, and increased insurance premiums.

Last but not least: DO take the time to enjoy the ride and make new friends. After all, you know you already have one thing in common: riding motorcycles! This is your time to relax, have fun, see new sites and roads, and maybe even learn a new thing or two. 

What Bikers REALLY Want this Holiday

Gift Guides Galore this time of year - enough to make the average person cringe with fear every time they open their Inbox! That being said, we've already put out Our Holiday Gift Guide... what can we say? 🎅

But back to the purpose of this blog: we at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson are here to tell ya what the Biker on your list really wants this year.

But first, a few things we Bikers would like you to keep in mind:

1. Don't spend outside your budget. Yes, a brand new beautiful Harley-Davidson Motorcycle would be lovely to see in the garage on Christmas morning! But not if you have to go deep into debt over it. As we said on our "Thankful" web page: make a list, check it twice.
2. While it's nice if you know the exact year & model bike of the person you're shopping for -"He's got a 2009 FLTR Road Glide, which is the first year of the frame re-design"- it isn't exactly necessary. There are more than a few parts & accessories where we don't need to know. And if they've bought their bike from FXCHD and/or brought it in for Service, we're going to have that info in case we do need it. Although if it's a part s/he has specifically told you they want, then you're golden!

But don't let that fool you! Honestly, it really is easy to surprise that Biker with a gift he, she or they will really love.

If you've budgeted $0 - $25 

Grab a motorcycle map which shows things like Bike Nights and scenic routes (we have 'em here!). Or a photo of them riding- scan their Facebook or Instagram account and have it printed. Beanie caps, ear plugs, a pocket knife, motorcycle Christmas ornaments and can coozies also are appreciated.

If you've got $25-$75

The stuff your Biker will find to be right up their alley: Bike Cleaning Kits, a Smart Battery Tender, Snap-On 8-in-1 Screw Driver, H-D Barware -pint & rocks glasses, Harley button-up shirts, hoodies, and the like... I could go on and on, but I think you've got the point. 

For the $75+ budget

Things like luggage, vintage motorcycle signs, a bike dryer, FXRG Riding Gear or even a paid spot for an Advanced Riders Course immediately come to mind. Then there's the gift of adventure: a day at the track, a weekend on the lake (when it's warm enough to ride their motorcycle to), or a project bike for them to restore. Again, endless possibilities.

All of those are really nice gifts to give... and of course we would love to have you buy everything in our dealership over the next six weeks...

That being said, the one thing that Bikers really want is:

Respect

Treat Bikers just as you would like others to treat you -that wonderfully simple 'golden rule' that so many seem to forget these days. Just be honest and respectful with us. Don't assume we're automatically 'bad' people who are uneducated and unimportant. 

Allow me to share this video from one of our good friends. Jaws sums it up best I think: "...actually get treated right..."

And if you still need gift ideas for that Biker in your life, feel free to ask us -we're happy to help!!

What I learned on my Ride Home

ICYMI: Harley-Davidson had their 115th Anniversary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin over the Labor Day Weekend. And I rode there on my 115th Anniversary Heritage Softail, aaalllll the way from Northern New York with members of our Northern New York Harley Owners Group..... and then I rode a bit more before coming home.

I went from FX Caprara Harley-Davidson to Elyria, OH, to Milwaukee, WI to Munising, crossing over the Mackinac Bridge to Alpena and Port Huron, MI, and cutting through Canada to Niagara Falls before coming home.

After 2,217 miles on the road, here's what I learned: 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Pictured Rocks on Lake Superior, Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Niagara Falls in the Evening

To Biker Wave or Not to Biker Wave -that is the question

I'm getting ready to Ride out to Milwaukee for Harley-Davidson's 115th Anniversary Celebration over Labor Day Weekend. So, in addition to taking the long way to and from work, I just finished a 3 day trip over to Ticonderoga (check out my pics on Instagram).

Summer Riding in the Adirondacks -this is one of my favorite things!! The way the road just stretches out before me, inviting me to twist the throttle and fly...

From Route 84, between Newcomb and Interstate 87

And the crystal clear lakes -I always feel like I've found a slice of heaven. (These three pictures are from Google Maps -I'm not that technologically advanced to go with a personal camera. But this is from the route I took.)

Route 74 by Eagle Lake

Of course, I'm not the only motorcycle enthusiast who enjoys riding in Northern New York. I saw Kawasaki, Yamaha, BMW, Honda and -my favorite (obviously)- Harley all out and about enjoying the day.

Some bikers waved at me, others didn't...

The tradition of the Biker Wave supposedly goes back to the day Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson passed each other while riding and gave each a friendly wave.

Some think it goes back to the days of Knights on Horseback, lifting their visor to acknowledge each other.

And there are as many styles of biker waves as there are motorcycle manufacturers: two fingers (like ✌) pointed down, pointed up, open handed regular wave, a 'thumbs up', etc., etc.

There are a few Bikers out there who will only wave to other Harley Riders. Sport Bike Riders sometimes fall into this as well. 

As for me, I'm a little different.

At first I wouldn't wave to anyone on a Can-Am Spyder, believing that since they never started out as an actual motorcycle those riding them weren't 'true' Bikers. I wouldn't wave at anyone on a scooter either.

But then I had an 'ah-ha' moment. 

Those that are brave enough to get out of their cage [of their car or truck] and share the road deserve to be recognized. 

There's a whole lot of people in this great wide world, and those of us that ride are truly linked in a special way. 

The Bike doesn't make the Biker. It's the Biker that makes the Bike.

So, I choose to wave. Hoping you'll wave back.

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. 

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.)

My Thanksgiving

I give thanks for the long rides that stretch from morning to late afternoon and into the evening. For the miles and curves that vanish beneath my tires, those hours when time loses all meaning. For those days when I ride so long my throttle hand is sore and I walk a bit bow-legged when I finally park the bike.

I give thanks for my Harley beneath me, for the power, the way it sets me back in the saddle each time I twist the throttle. For meaty tires and lean angles.

I am thankful for the sound of my Harley as I sit so proudly on it. It’s like hearing my favorite song drifting from a stranger’s window as I ride along. Pure joy.

I am thankful for hazards recognized, for dangers avoided, for skills of the trained technicians that help to keep my bike purring. I give thanks for the wise riding tips and techniques my more experienced brothers and sisters of the road have taught to me. I give thanks that I ride and live and live to ride again.

I give thanks for the gathering of riders, for being able to recognize a friend’s bikes approaching by their sound, for seeing good companions slow and turn into the lot. For the glad hugs and laughter, the banter. I give thanks for that good company as I see them ahead of me drift to the outside then dip into the curve, one-two-three-four, like seagulls banking and then straighten up, and fly on down the road.

I give thanks for those I come to know and care about over the months and years of riding

the same roads to the same places. I give thanks for making new friends while riding new roads and having week long adventures.  I am thankful for those who I love and who love me simply because we love the same thing--to ride on two wheels in the freedom of the wind.

I give thanks for the sense of “Being” that riding has given me, the freedom to be who I am no matter what others think. It has brought a sense of empowerment for myself and my life - the ability to take on risk and fear and triumph in the challenge. To ride my own ride whether in that good company of bikers or on my own.

I am thankful that I have found my peace in the wind.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL!!!