The Wheel Keeps on Turning

Today I'm reminded of the song by Journey (one of the great rock bands of my youth): Wheel in the Sky. You remember that song, right?

Ooh, the wheel in the sky keeps on turning 

I don't know where I'll be tomorrow 

Wheel in the sky keeps on turning... For tomorrow

Why? Because here we find ourselves at the end of September... already. 

SPOT CHECK: Where are you on your New Year's Resolutions? 

Most bikers I know have only one "New Year Resolution": to ride more miles in the new year than they did the previous year. Last year I rode a total of 8,465 miles, and I've almost reached my goal to surpass that this year... 'almost' being the key word. I haven't reached my goal just yet.

With Halloween on the horizon (which kicks off the holiday trifecta) some of us living in the North Country might think that the Riding Season is over. Think again!!

I'm here to tell you that there's still time to get out and go ride!!

Yes you can squeeze every mile out of the Riding Season. Windproof gloves and jackets, heated grips, jacket liners, waterproof pants & seats, and face masks or neck gaitors (to name just a few). All to keep you comfortable and warm while you're riding.

And, of course, all available at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson. Along with our staff -most of whom ride as well- to give you the right recommendations for what you need.

PS- for those H.O.G. (aka Harley Owners Group) Members logging miles for the Mileage Recognition: remember to have your mileage verified with me, Dawn at FXCHD, or at your local Harley-Davidson dealer.

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.

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.

8 Common Motorcycle Accidents & How to Avoid them

It doesn't matter if you're new to motorcycling or been at it for a while - every Spring you should take some time to dust off your riding skills (if you're lucky enough to live where snow dominates the landscape 6 months out of the year, that is).

In that spirit, here's a reminder of the most common motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them. Feel free to share this blog post with drivers as well to help them understand better what we motorcyclists go though.

1. Entered a corner too fast and you can't stay in your lane: the best approach is to trust the bike and ride it out. The bike is likely more capable than you are, so it's really you that thinks you're not able to make it around. Take as much lean out of the bike as possible by counter leaning, look where you want to go, and be as smooth as possible on the controls. How to Avoid it: Only ride as fast as you can see and use visual cues like telephone polls or signs to judge the sharpness of a corner.
2. A car/truck is merging into your space: beware of situations where lane changes become more possible. Is highway traffic slowing with one lane moving faster than the other? Did the person merging onto the interstate get behind you? (see "Thanks for waving as you tried to crush me"). How to Avoid it: Know

   

   The Truck Driver cannot see any of these bikes!

   where the blind spots are and spend as little time in them as possible.
3. Someone on a group ride decides to show off their "mad riding skillz": Going out on a group ride when one rider wants to demonstrate their stunt riding act (although they're not professionally trained....). They end up doing something stupid, over-correct and cause an accident. How to Avoid it: Make sure everyone knows group riding etiquette and to ride in staggered formation. 
   
4. A Car Door opens into you: You're in the city, stuck in a traffic jam, and it's HOT!! You decide to pass everyone on the right, between the line of traffic and parked cars when, all of a sudden, Nathan No-Look swings his door open into your path. How to avoid it: Don't "lane split" in the first place. In NY it's illegal - in fact, California is the only state that allows you to do it under the law. 
5. You've hit gravel in a blind corner and are losing
   
   traction: You're out riding through a few twisties when you round a corner only to find gravel, sand, wet leaves, or manure in your path. How to Avoid it: Don't hit it in the first place! Ride at a pace where you have time to move your bike. Enter the corner wide so you can see, and once you can see all the way through the turn you can speed up. "Slow in, fast out."
6. Caught out in the Rain and you're playing "slip & slide": Things like manhole covers, 'tar snakes' and painted lines on the road can become slippery during a rain storm. Plus the first rain after a long dry spell can bring up all the oil & gas out of the pavement. How to avoid it: As long as you've got good tread on your tires, your bike will be fine in wet conditions. Just be smooth on your controls, take corners easy, and leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
7. A car/truck turns left in front of you - the most
   
   common type of motorcycle accident: The science behind this happening: a driver looking for cars perceives merely an absence of cars, not the presence of a motorcycle. How to Avoid it: Look for signs that could indicate someone may turn in front of you: a car waiting to turn at an intersection, or come out of a driveway or parking lot. Yes, you do need to take something as innocent as a car waiting in a turn lane as a major and immediate threat to your life. In either situation, slow down, cover your brakes and get ready to take evasive action. And once you’ve identified said threat, you can work through it. Is the driver clearly able to see you? Are they looking at you? Where are their wheels pointing? What’s the road surface like? Is it going to be able to handle the full force of your brakes or are you going to lock them? You do know how to use the full ability of your brakes, right? Look at their wheels, not the car itself, because the wheels will give you the first clue of movement. During all this, also be aware of what’s behind and to your side. Should you need to take evasive action, you’ll need to know your routes of escape. It’s no good braking in time to avoid a turning car, only to be swatted from behind by a tailgating SUV. 
8. The 100% Most Avoidable Accident -
   
   DUI/DWI: You’d think this would be a ‘no brainer’ – we did just cover how, as a rider, you need to develop a precognitive sixth sense. But now you’re out with friends and you think by consuming a beer or two is going to add in on the fun, then ride home after that. It’s not!! You’ve just dulled your senses and taken away your reaction time. How fun is it going to be paying the DUI ticket and state fines? Paying the increases in your insurance premiums? How fun is it going to be when you get demoted at work? How fun is it going to be laying up in a hospital bed, recovering from a major accident? Or that you took someone else's life from them, their family and friends.... How to Avoid it: THINK!! DON'T DRINK AND RIDE!!! I'm not saying you shouldn’t drink at all. Just that when you do, your kick stand is down and your bike is parked for the night.

There you have it so now you can do what my Dad always told me to do, "Plan as if you'll live forever. But LIVE as if you'll die tomorrow."

Do you have any helpful advice to add? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

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!!

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!!

Up, up and away!!

Kate & Dawn - Summer 2012

Kate, FXCHD's Parts & Accessories Manager, and myself are flying to Phoenix for Harley-Davidson's Retail Readiness Event. I'm excited to take this trip - Kate & I have been co-workers and friends for about 5 years now, and this will be our first real 'road trip' together.

I'll get to see over 625 new styles of clothing & riding gear from Harley - plus countless more from their licensed vendors. There are two types of clothing that come directly from Harley: Core which is clothing we can pretty much get anytime; Seasonal which has been created just for that particular time of year in limited quantities. I'll be ordering now for the stuff FXCHD will get for Winter/Holiday 2016 and Spring 2017.

A pic from the 2015 HDMC Summer Dealer Meeting

Kate will take a look at all the accessories and learn from product experts. At the show she'll be able to review and learn all about LED Lighting, Screamin' Eagle Street Performance Parts, BOOM! Audio and get the New Product Highlights.

Of course the best part of any work convention is meeting up with our friends in the industry. I'm looking forward to seeing (and of course partying with!) my friends from Harley-Davidson of Atlanta, Hellbender Harley-Davidson, Harley-Davidson of Rochester, and North End Harley-Davidson to name just a few. 

The Mythical Phoenix - rising from the ashes 

Another plus is that while Kate & I are there the weather is expected to be a sunny 70°F - I guess that's how Phoenix got the nickname "Valley Of The Sun" (oh, and I'm looking forward to some great Mexican Food!!).

It's been over 30 years since I've been to Phoenix - my parents took me to see the city, the Painted Desert and (of course) the Grand Canyon. So be on the lookout for my blog post from Arizona - I promise I'll take more pictures than I did at FX Caprara Car Company Christmas Party!!

New Year = New Stuff!!

The year 2016 is officially here (and winter along with it for the time being), and with it all new possibilities as well as new stuff. This year really does feel different - with personal technology (think GoPro Cameras & Fit Bits) gaining by leaps and bounds - I think there's a lot of things that'll be changed by the end of this year. So let's get right into it:

First up is Riding Jackets with brake & turn signal lights built into it. Those of us

who ride are always playing the game "Can You See Me Now?" with cagers, so any technology that helps us be seen is always a good thing. At first glance in order for these jackets to work, it looks as if you have to install something on your bike for the lights to link up. I'm sure as this technology becomes more widespread Harley-Davidson will integrate this into their riding jackets. For now you can check out Speed Society - New Technology, Ryde Bright, and this YouTube video. 

Next is a 'Reverse Trike' kit. Many of Harley-Davidson's core customers will tell me, "One day I'm going to get a Trike!" Do to time passing and injuries, at some point they may not be able to hold up the 900+ pound touring bikes that we have all become found of. But that's not going to stop us from riding!! Enter trike conversion kits that will take your current Harley from two to three wheels. Then in 2009 Harley came out with their factory Tri-Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCUTG < that's what we call Harley's alphabet soup) which is built in York, PA. These are traditional trikes with one front wheel and two rear wheels. In 2007 Can-Am introduced it's Spyder - with two front wheels and one rear wheel. A lot of us feel like these are just snowmobiles with wheels since they handle about the same. But the recurring theme between all three is the same: the vehicle does not lean in the curves. When you're riding through the "twisties", leaning your bike one way, then the next, it's just too much fun (this is why bikers LOVE the Tail of the Dragon!). 

Welcome Tilting Motor Works into the picture. They've designed a 'Reverse

Trike Kit' which allows the bike to actually lean through the curves and yet still be a three wheeled trike. The company is based in Washington State, so I only have Charles Fleming's test ride to go from (read his review in the LA Times here) - but still I must say the conversion does look interesting!

Last, but certainly not least, Harley-Davidson is extending their 'Heroes Ride Free' program to all First Responders (law enforcement, EMS & firefighters) as well as to our U.S. Military men and women. This is in effort to thank all those who fight for us and help to protect us, day in & day out. All current and former U.S. Military and First Responders can learn to ride for FREE with Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. 

Now my dad always used to tell me, "There isn't one thing in this life for free. Somewhere, someone has got to pay." But in this case, with the Heroes Ride Free program, I can assure you that it really is free to those who qualify. Harley-Davidson is picking up the tab for you to take the Basic Riders Course which, as long as you pass, will get you that "M" endorsement on your driver's license (and you may even get a discount on your auto insurance - the BRC makes you a better cager too!). Click on Heroes Ride Free for more info, or head on over to your local Harley-Davidson dealership.  


With that I whole-heartedly welcome 2016!! It looks to be an exciting year with lots of good stuff happening.

The Greatest Gift of All

A great time was had by all at the FX Caprara Car

Companies annual Christmas party. Unfortunately Captain

Morgan and I tied one on pretty good and I failed to take any pictures myself.... It happens!! That just means I relied on others - so that's what these pictures are. We can clean up pretty good!!

And then shortly after that Christmas day arrived at last. I am thankful for all the gifts I received - and it seems at least one person reads this blog!! That, along with a bottle of Irish Cream, new clothes, and the complete set of Ballykissangel were just some I received. 

I'd like to think I gave as good of gifts as I got.... I gave soft,

cuddly and warm pj pants to my daughter so she can relax during her time off from school (it's her freshman year in college this year). To my son I gave a replica of the bike Jax Teller rode in the last episode of Sons of Anarchy - this is something even his dad doesn't have - giving him the gift of having the upper hand. 

But of all that, the absolute best gift I received this year was

both kids being home for the holidays. Since they're both young adults and finding their own way in life, I don't know how much longer that will happen - so I'll take it while I can get it.

All the while looking forward to the new year - at FXCHD we have lots of good things coming up in 2016. Kate & I will be going to Phoenix for Harley-Davidson's winter meeting. Then on January 23rd we will be hosting our first ever Artistry in Iron Paint Party - something I'm really looking forward to! Also in 2016 look forward to H-D 101 which is for those who want to take the

first step into the world of motorcycling. And we have more in the works, so be sure to check in on our Website Events Page and/or our Facebook Events.

This is my last post for the year - I'm taking this week off to spend with my kids. So, until next year, all of us at FXCHD wish you the best and may you have all that you need in 2016!