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.