How Bikers Ride Into the New Year

As the year winds down, many like to take a look back before looking forward and making resolutions. It's just something that happens naturally -we look to see what went right and wrong, and vow not to take the same roads that took us to the painful endings.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

At first glance it might seem that Bikers do the same, but if you dig a little deeper, you just might see that:

1. Bikers keep moving forward: We don't keep looking to the past, wishing things could stay the same as they were. Bikers realized long ago that change is the only constant -and that not getting stuck in the past allows us to move forward. And we know what's coming is usually better.
2. Bikers are in control: Even though our world is constantly changing, we know we are in control. Not of what's happening around us -nobody controls that but the Big Guy. But we are in control of our own thoughts, emotions and reactions. After all, the past is the past, the future is yet to come, so all we're left with is the present - and that allows us not to take our lives for granted. 
3. The by-product of that is: Bikers are happier (generally speaking). That's because we're not hung up on having things turn out exactly as planned, and then getting upset because everything's ruined. Bikers are happy because we don't need these illusions or expectations. When you don't have a particular outcome in mind, you're free to enjoy what does happen! 

The other thing that comes along with the new year is resolutions. Except that Bikers usually don't do resolutions, but this year I'm making one for me: trying something new.

No worries- it's not going to be climbing Mount Everest or competing on DWTS! Besides, by having one big goal and not hitting it is not the Biker way of doing things.

My new thing this year is doing a live stream called #WhatsUpWednesday.  The first and third Wednesday of each month I'll be getting out of my comfort zone and will be broadcasting live to the Facebook Page of FX Caprara Harley-Davidson, and to the Life Behind Bars Youtube channel. We'll be talking about what's new around the dealership - bikes, parts, clothes and more.

And by entering the new year with a purpose gives this Biker a sense that, even though it might be uncomfortable, it'll be another good one.

7 Mistakes to avoid when traveling by Motorcycle

For anyone who has ridden a motorcycle there is no doubt that this particular mode of travel is different than planes, trains and automobiles. You're in the scene rather than just watching it.

And when it comes to traveling by motorcycle beyond just day trips, that too becomes an adventure all on it's own. If you're new to life behind bars, or planning your first long weekend ride or even riding across a couple of states, here's the mistakes you are going to want to avoid:

1. Not Babying Your Baby: It should be obvious that the better you take care of your bike, the better your bike will take care of you. Routine maintenance is highly recommended - and the back of your Harley-Davidson owner's manual will tell you when & what will be done. But, before heading out on a journey, especially if you skip

   

   So that's what that noise was....

   the routine, schedule your bike to get actual, no-shit service done at the dealer (because we know your bike best). Out on a long road trip, a few hundred miles from home, is not the time to find out your oil pump just pumped it's last and have your motor seize up. Because you wanted to spend large wads of cash now that you're stuck on the side of the road, right?
2. May the Road Rise to meet you: When you're riding a motorcycle you are using your entire body to control the vehicle - right hand for front brake, right foot for rear brake, left foot to shift the bike through the gears, left hand that works the clutch, and your weight as you lean through the curves. You can see why someone might easily get tired out riding a motorcycle for 100+ miles

   

   With the right Riding Gear you can

   compared to driving a car. Try to have a goal in mind as to how many miles/hours you want to ride, but don't hold yourself to it. If you don't feel comfortable riding any longer, stop for the night. Pushing yourself beyond your body's limits while riding a motorcycle is never a good idea.
3. Advance Reservations: With that in mind, don't make hotel reservations ahead of time, no matter what kind of deal you find. You never know when you might have to stop! I got stuck in traffic for hours on a very hot day and that, combined with the heat coming off the bike, led to a royal migraine. Even though I was only 75 miles from my goal and plenty of daylight left, I was DONE. The good news - you can still find great deals thanks to all the apps (Kayak, Priceline, etc.) that have the "room for tonight" feature. If you do make reservations in advance, be sure to check their cancellation policy.
4. Bigger not always better: There are plenty of sites that will tell you what to pack and how to pack it onto your bike. The main key to remember is you don't want to take it all. At first I used to bring travel size shampoo & conditioners, but now I leave them home since almost every hotel has

   

   My bike on the Maine Coast

   them already in the room. Be sure to bring any prescription medicine you might need. Remember my migraine? Good thing I took my prescription pain meds even though I only use them every once in a while. Don't forget you'll want to leave room on your bike to bring back those souvenirs!
5. Forgetting "you are what you eat": You've been riding since 7am and logged over 200 miles. You've only had orange juice and a cinnamon roll.... now both you and your bike are running on empty - time to stop and refuel. You might be tempted to devour half the menu but I'm here to suggest to go lightly. Have a wrap versus a triple-patty burger, or a grilled chicken sandwich instead of the fried chicken meal. When you eat a big, heavy meal then your digestive system is going to

   

   Leave the greasy, heavy foods for dinner.

   be working on getting that through your body, which can overtax you. Eat small meals, stay hydrated with water, tea or juice, and save the big meal for dinner once you've stopped. Another rule when I'm long-distance traveling: I don't eat at any place we have back home. Look for restaurants that aren't local to you - either chain or mom & pop owned. That way the trip is even more memorable.
6. Didn't do the homework: You might have been out of school for a few years now, but you still have homework to do before taking off on a motorcycle trip! Inform your bank & credit card companies that you'll be traveling to avoid getting your cards shut off. Check with your cell phone provider so you don't rack up overages. Decided to take the

   

   I took the road less traveled,
   now I don't know where I am!

   back roads & now you're lost with no cell service? Get motorcycle maps for the area you're riding in. Riding to Nova Scotia? Check the requirements to get into Canada AND back. We once had a couple of guys intent on seeing the beautiful Canadian coast - they brought their birth certificates to get into Canada, but to get back into the U.S. they needed a passport or enhanced DL - oops! Also, you might want to get travel insurance in case you get stranded.
7. Focused on your End Game: When you go, go with an open mind, not one set for certain experiences that have to happen. Because when your expectations don't become your reality, you can get upset and it's just not worth it. Plus you'll be missing out on what actually is happening and that's no fun at all.

The 2017 Riding Season is almost upon us and one of

My bike in Gettysburg, PA

my resolutions is to ride more miles than I did last year. To be sure I'll be doing at least one long distance ride, if not two!

Do you have any travel mistakes to avoid that I missed? Let me know in the comments below.

Trying to keep •B A L A N C E D•

Balance.... it can be found virtually everywhere. Between work and home life. Nature versus Nurture. Online and off. And, of course, balancing life on two wheels.

With recent events happening in our country and around the world, it seems as though our balance might be off.... Do we open ourselves up which can lead to vulnerability? Or secure ourselves while shutting others out? It's a fine line to balance on and no easy answers.

That doesn't mean we just quit all together. If it's one

thing I've learned while balancing on two wheels - you've got to keep moving forward!

And that's one thing you'll notice about Bikers: we put our heart into it and work hard until it - whatever it is - is fixed. Obviously that trait doesn't apply to just Bikers, but Americans as well - that's what makes this country of ours so great.

So we will keep moving forward, trying to regain our balance. Americans before us have succeeded achieving it and we can too. We will come together and figure this out.

But that's the key: coming together! You know that old saying, "United we stand, divided we fall."

I'm proud to say that Harley-Davidson feels the same and has publicly announced it with a "United We Roll" campaign launched last week. Plus they've shipped stickers to each dealership across the United States, including FX Caprara Harely-Davidson, to be handed out for free to anyone that wants one.

No matter where you are in the U.S., there's a Harley dealer close by. And if you visit FXCHD, I'd love it if you made a point to say HI!

For auld lang syne, my friends 💖

Glancing in the rear-view at 2016

Well - here we are, another year older and hopefully wiser. Like everyone else, I like to take a quick review of the passing year. But in true Biker fashion, it'll be just a glance in the rear-view mirror!

Is it me or did this year go by fast? With the passing of so many celebrities this year it serves as a good reminder that our lives - celebrity status or not - are all too short. So we've really got to live, laugh & love while we can!

Me & Nancy at Bonnie Castle for the NY H.O.G. Rally

And part of what living means to me is riding my motorcycle with friends. With the NY H.O.G. Rally being in Alexandria Bay this past July, I met lots of new riding buddies. A group of NNY H.O.G. and Fairfax, VA H.O.G. chapter members even rode down to the Baseball Hall of Fame (even though I live in NY, my team is the SF Giants, baby!!) 

Riding out to Boston for the H-D Annual Dealer Meeting and the reveal of their newest motor: the Milwaukee-Eight.

Trying the new Milwaukee-Eight motor

Thanks to the Watertown Chrome Divas & Azz Dogs - they rode along with me and helped lead the Red Cross Ride. 

Last but not least I froze my butt riding out to meet Adam Sandoval & Scooter of #ScootinAmerica. ICYMI Adam was on a quest to ride around the lower 48, going to every Harley-Davidson dealership to raise money for Veterans Families and the Wounded Warrior Project.

As part of the New Year's traditions, I asked the guys

Me, Adam & Scooter

I work with if they had any resolutions. Usually they don't, but if they do it's to ride more miles - which is the only resolution I have.

Of course I'm already planning lots of rides for 2017 - I just hope I can fit them all in!! I'd love to go to the H-D Museum, which I can roll in with the National H.O.G. Rally. A little bit closer to me is the Revolution H.O.G. Rally. I can't forget the 10th Annual Ta-Ta Watertown Chrome Diva Ride! And since the Annual Dealer Meeting will be in LA, I'd love to ride most of Route 66 rather than fly (keeping my fingers crossed on that one!). 


As promised, that's it! Short and sweet. Now it's your turn: What riding did you do this year? Are you going to try and get more miles in 2017? Where do you hope to be riding to? Don't be shy!

And so, I'll close this last Life Behind Bars blog for 2016, from all of us at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson: Let's drink "a cup o'kindness yet, for auld lang syne!" Cheers!!

Planning the Road Ahead

Bikers (aka Motorcycle Enthusiasts) are constantly scanning the road ahead looking for a myriad of challenges that we might have to negotiate when riding: loose dog, pot hole, gravel on the road, other drivers etc.

So it should come as no real big surprise that we usually do the same in our day-to-day life. "I'll leave for work 10 minutes early because they're supposed to start road construction today."  "I better get Bob those reports I know he needs at the end of the month." Those kind of things.

Of course we wouldn't be true Bikers if we weren't looking

forward to next year's riding season! The Watertown Chrome Divas have already started planning their 10th annual Ta-Ta Run, and - even though I stored my bike for winter at FXCHD - I think it would be fun to Ride Route 66 in August 2017.

Because we do all this planning & scanning ahead, we sometimes feel as if everyone should do it - is doing it, because it's such second nature to us. But clearly that wasn't the case because - in case you've somehow missed it - so many people have been stunned by the outcome of our Presidential Election (don't worry- this won't turn into another political blog, I promise!).

Going into this election I assume we all knew there would be a

loser as well as a winner - I mean, that's how the game is played people!! I had a plan in case the person I voted for didn't win (and if you want to see who I voted for you can check out my Twitter and/or Facebook accounts). 


My plan was to move into a quiet cottage in the Irish Countryside (my maiden name is McBride!) and live out my days. Sure I'd have to learn how to ride on the other side of the road.... but that should be easy!

However, on election day, I changed my plan. I'd decided that no matter who won the election I was going to stay in America, stay American. After all, this is where the greatest motorcycle manufacturer was started (I'm talking about Harley-Davidson of course!)!! And this is where the American Biker Culture that I love was born and continues today. 

Nope- just before I walked into my polling station, I pledged I would stay and help to heal the wounds of my country. Especially since many of us have realized our country was divided before the election - the vote just brought it all to a head.

So it is in that mind set that I look to a future for all Americans.

Working towards how we can learn to listen to each other so we're all heard. How we can come to appropriate compromises so the majority or those that need it most benefit. How we can all travel the same road in relative happiness. 

Look ahead. Embrace the future. Say & do good things - ALL of us. Besides us Bikers know that you've gotta #KeepMovingForward in order to balance on two wheels. 

And I'll just leave one of my fav Cat Stevens songs right here...

Two balance on two wheels you've gotta #KeepMovingForward