Life's Not Fair... (Get Used To It)

That's what I was told growing up by my father. Even though I have a half-sister and half-brother (my dad's first marriage), they were in their late teens when I was born, so I was essentially an 'only child'. 

Of course I had chores and I thought I worked my butt off, so when I was denied the pony I thought I deserved after all my 'hard' work, I cried, "That's not fair!!"

My dad would come right back with, "Life isn't fair... might as well get used to it now."

I thought that was incredibly cruel. This was my father -the person who was supposed to protect and fight for me!! But up until my 8th or 9th birthday I'd go to him with some perceived injustice only to hear the same response:

"Life's not fair D.C., get used to it"

My parents divorced when I was 12 and my mom was granted custody. I'd visit my dad during the holidays and for a month in the summer, although I stopped going to him for help. 

I was surprised at age 18 when he bought me my first car -a 1982 Ford Escort with a 4-speed manual transmission. Of course I didn't have a clue how to work a stick-shift, so he gave me a quick lesson and then left me to figure it out myself. I wanted to cry, "Why couldn't you have gotten me an automatic??!" but knew I'd only hear the old reply... I must have stalled that car at least 500 times! Although I eventually figured it out for myself, with the help of Kim (my BFF from high-school).

Fast forward to January 2019. Krissi (FX Caprara Harley-Davidson's Motorclothes Manager) and myself head out to Phoenix, Arizona for the General Merchandise Rally (formerly known as the Winter Dealer Meeting) put on by the MoCo each winter.

It's our chance to see the clothing that Harley has coming out for Fall & Winter 2019 up close, trying them on, seeing how they fit (there are certain details you just don't see in a catalog). You can see the H-D Moto, 1903 and Garage collection runway shows on the Life Behind Bars Youtube Channel. Licensed Vendors are there too, with their t-shirts, jewelry, purses, wallets, barware, signs, holiday decor, and more.

Because the rally only lasts two days, we took advantage of the 70°F temps and sunny skies, getting outside every chance we got. As tempting as it was to stay, we both have family & friends we wanted to come home to (and who wanted us home!). 

But Winter Storm Harper had other ideas. At first we were supposed to fly on Saturday to Charlotte, and then on to Syracuse, except that was landing 6:30pm EST -right when the storm was expected to hit. So our flight was changed to Chicago and from there to Syracuse, landing at 2:30... however the storm had hit Chi-town first and our flight from Phoenix was delayed 2½ hours (but that did allow us to see a desert sunrise). 

Eventually we did make it to Chicago, only to learn our connecting flight to Syracuse had been cancelled. Called the airline- they got us on a flight to Boston to get a flight back to Syracuse on Sunday... so we spent the night at Best Western O'Hare with Shoeless Joe's Ale House & Grill right next door. Krissi and I had the best meal of the entire trip there!!

And then later that night, with Winter Storm Harper still pounding the Northeast, we learned our connecting flight from Boston to Syracuse had been cancelled. The airlines wouldn't be able to get us home until Wednesday.... three days later! 

Left to our own devices we decided to rent a car and drive the 12 hours (under normal conditions) back to Syracuse -thanks to road conditions and a couple patches of lake effect snow that turned into 15 hours with the big, beautiful Wolf Blood Moon to guide us.

Along the way Krissi and I talked about a number of things (and also some car-pool karaoke!), and our upbringing was one of the topics. I told her about my dad and his quote... and how I realized years ago that my father's so-thought cruelty was actually love, instilling me with certain survival skills. Giving me a 'Biker mentality'. 

The knowledge that Life isn't fair at times has given me the ability to appreciate the small victories when they come and to carry-on despite what others see to be a set back. More than a few people would be stopped in their tracks, playing the victim and screaming how life isn't fair. Of course there's a grieving process, but we must keep moving forward if we are to survive. 

By learning that life isn't and will never be fair when I was young has given me the ability to discard one plan to get home and make another one. 

Thanks Dad!

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.

Who are these HOGs anyways??

Our Northern New York Harley Owners Group (sponsored by FX Caprara Harley-Davidson) -or NNY H.O.G. for short- had their Annual Christmas Party celebration, this year at the Watertown VFW. The food was excellent, the staff kind and professional, and great fun was had during the Great Card Game Gift Exchange. To see more pictures, just click over to NorthernNewYorkHOG.com

But who are these HOGs and how did they get here?? To answer that we've got to go back -way back to 1919 with Ray Weishaar, the Wrecking Crew, and a little piglet named Johnny. The newspapers related how the factory race team 'hogged' all the race track records. This led to the term "hog" as referring to a Harley-Davidson motorcycle: "Nice Hog, man."

Fast forward to 1983 and times are lean. The Motor Company had bought itself back from AMF just two years before, but the tarnished reputation was still there. To strengthen the bond between dealers and customers, Willie G. Davidson (grandson of co-founder William A. Davidson) and some other company execs went on a cross-country ride.

Willie G. is on the far right, standing

As they rode, they figured out that riding, having fun and connecting with people who share the same passion of the open road is a great thing. Why not start a club where they could promote motorcycling, offer benefits & services, and develop a close relationship with those who are passionate about riding?

Then they took the term "hog" and created an acronym: Harley Owners Group. Almost immediately H.O.G. becomes the largest factory sponsored club in the world. 

To join a local H.O.G. chapter you need to be a National H.O.G. Member first. That's easy to do -just own a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and go to HOG.com. There's all sorts of benefits to being a member: discounts on insurance, hotels, motorcycle shipping and more, mileage and membership year recognition, rallies, events and rides, and tons more.

Even though our NNY H.O.G. Chapter isn't riding right now, we still like to have fun. All through the winter months we'll have monthly get-togethers, meet up occasionally for breakfasts and dinners, and have parties at Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter. Then during the riding season it's on! We'll have all that plus day and overnight rides.

With bloodlines like ours, it's no wonder that our motto is: 

We like to Ride and Have Fun!

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!!

How to stay sane during the off-season

Bye, bye bike for the next five to six months... (but hopefully sooner). How to survive?

In case jetting off to someplace warmer where you can ride isn't in your budget -just like us at FXCHD- here's some ideas on how you can stay sane when you're off you bike:

• Winter is pretty - get outside!! You already love to be outside riding your motorcycle... maybe try renting a snowmobile and get a hobby to keep you occupied and outside during the winter months.

• It is officially Snow Shoveling Season -which really is good exercise (you could burn 300-400 calories in 30 minutes). Just be sure to do it safely: follow these tips from Insidehook. You'll be fit in no time!

• Watch as many motorcycle movies and television shows as possible. 21 Days Under the Sky, Easy Rider, On Any Sunday, Sons of Anarchy, etc., etc. Living vicariously through others is one way to escape the winter blues.

• Bank your Time Off: if you're lucky enough to work where you can save up your paid vacation till you want to use it (as opposed to being told when you get vacation), bank 'em up. And/or you can get a part-time seasonal job to save up- that way you can take even more time off during the summer riding season. 

• Do any engine upgrades now and take advantage of the down-time. You'll have fun turning your bike into a beast and will be ready to unleash it come spring-time.

• Plan your next motorcycle adventure: start doing research now, choose your destination, where you'll stay, the roads to get there and what you'd like to see. But remember to leave enough 'wiggle room' to allow for exploration.

• Socialize! Join your local H.O.G. Chapter -our NNY Harley Owners Group always has stuff going on, even in the 'off' months.

Sure spring is months away, but the next Riding Season starts now!

3 Reasons Why Fall is a Good Time to Buy a Motorcycle

Shorter days, changing leaves and dropping temps all herald the end of the Riding Season (at least for us in Northern New York and similar climates). 

One last ride before my bike went for her nap!

You might be thinking that, since you'll probably be storing any motorcycle you get now until Spring, it isn't the best time to buy one. 

But it actually is. Here's why:

1. Less is More: I've blogged about how Bikes Call to People no matter what time of year we're in. However, those who bought their bike at the beginning of and during the season are now no longer looking. This translates to less competition and more opportunities for you, the buyer.
2. Other Ways to Save: Having less people after the same bike you want means you have a little more time to shop banks & lenders -especially if you've got a good to great credit score. This will potentially save you thousands in interest! Keep in mind tho- a little time is not a lot... give it 8 business days max. 
3. Extended Manufacturer's Warranty: The MoCo is offering an extension on their limited Two Year Warranty when you get a new 2016 through 2018 model year H-D® Motorcycle*, to make up for the 'lost' winter months we won't be riding. Who said leftovers were a bad thing? Get the deets by clicking here.

So, if you've been wanting to get a motorcycle all summer long and somehow didn't, allow this to be your motivation to get it done. NOW!

5 Driving Mistakes Bikers Can't Stand

Days are getting shorter, temps are decreasing... soon enough all of us will be caging it (aka back behind the steering wheel of our daily driver). 

(*crying inside)

Since it's coming to that soon, we at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson thought we'd go over the stuff that drives us insane, no matter if we're riding or driving.

Photo by Logan Fisher on Unsplash

You see, most of us have taken the Basic Riders Course to get the "M" endorsement on our Driver's License, which makes us better drivers as well (that's why your auto insurance company will give you a discount after completing the class). 

Hopefully you know enough not to be doing these mistakes... but if you're guilty please stop it now. You are putting yourself and others at risk of an accident that could have been avoided - not cool.

5) Not using your Turn Signals

Those are the signals you give to indicate which way you're going to turn or when you wish to change lanes. I know every modern car and truck have them! So when you see a Biker getting upset because you changed lanes or slowed down to turn into a parking lot without signaling, now you know we didn't know what you were doing. Tell us which way you're going to go and we'll be ok with that.

4) Crossing the White/Fog Line to pass on the right

While it isn't illegal to do so in most states, it is something that drives Bikers mad and here's why: It's true motorcycles take up less room on the road, however we still like our 'cushion' room. A Biker has their 'personal space' even while riding and when a driver invades that space, s/he takes it kind of personally. Please give us the same room you'd give a car.

Photo by David Guenther on Unsplash

3) Jumping the Light 

We get it- you're in a hurry because you woke up late, got stuck behind the school bus or snow plow, or the dog got sick and you had to clean it up, etc., etc. Now you're waiting for the light to turn green, which you can see it'll do soon since the cross-traffic light is changing to yellow, soon to be red. There's no traffic coming... You decide you can just go ahead and go before you actually get the green light.

What you didn't see was that other vehicle -be it Biker or Driver- who is also in a hurry. Or maybe they decided they wouldn't be able to stop in time for the light and 'went for it' instead. Either way now you're both trying to be in the same space at the same time -not good! 

This is why there's a delay between when the stop light turns red for the other direction and your light turning green. Take your time and wait your turn.

2) Driving too slow in the Passing Lane

Two-lanes traveling in the same direction on a highway or interstate, the left lane is called the 'Passing Lane'. That means you travel in the right lane and, when you encounter a vehicle going slower than you, you move to the left, pass them, and then move back.

Drivers who 'hang out' in the Passing Lane, especially when they are not passing anyone, are most aggravating. Also, when they're going just 68mph passing someone doing 65mph.... so we'll say it again:

Using the left lane, actively pass the slower vehicle in the right lane, and then move back over!! 

No matter who is calling, put the phone down and drive!

1) Distracted Driving and Driving Under the Influence

Drivers that are on their phone, doing make-up, trying to eat their fast food, and those too drunk to even know where they are = the biggest threats to our lives when we're on the road. 

You don't see hardly anyone or know what's going on around you. You're the equivalent of a small bomb poised to potentially really screw-up an innocent person's day (and possibly even their life) as well as your own.

Put the phone down. Do your make-up at home. Stop somewhere to eat. Call a friend, a cab or Uber rather than drive. The life you save will be your own.