Expand Your Horizons and Get Out of the Box

Over the weekend, I participated in O'Toole's Harley-Davison's demo ride weekend.  This means that if you have a motorcycle license and can ride a bike, you are entitled to sign up to test ride any 2013 model Harley for free.  I ride a 883 Sportster Low which is a very nice bike but it was time to get 'out of the comfort zone' and try something different.  So, I took off my little girl sissypants and put the big girl panties on and rode Soft Tails.  Wow, what a difference the center of gravity made.  These motorcycles are heavier, have more muscle and are bigger overalll, but just so elegant to ride.  Curves were easy-breezy and turning them 90 degrees was just so effortless. Afterward, when I rode my own little Sportster, I found that I was handling it better than ever.  The little Sportster used to make me a little nervous, but after riding the bigger Soft Tails, me and my little bike are best friends.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day: It takes a bit of courage sometimes to get to where you'd like to be or enjoy certain experiences.  Pull up your boots, put the big pants on and sink your teeth into a challenge.  You'll be surprised that your consternation of the unknown is usually unfounded.  I had some great rides, I'm hooked on those Harley Soft Tails, but now, me and my little Sportster have become best-est buddies.  A special thank you to O'Toole's for giving me such a wonderful experience and sharing their fleet of Harleys.

For Fun Today...Anyone Selling Avon Products?

This past weekend, I was on my motorcycle and was suddenly riding in a huge deluge of rain and wind.  I had just bought some fabulous MAC lengthening mascara - black of course and after less than 4 minutes in the rain, my face was streaked with black and I had to constantly blink my eyes from the mascara dripping into my eyeballs.  Not safe for riding a motorcycle and definitely not a good look when taking off the goggles.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  In all the years I've trained and fought, I never did either without my mascara and lipstick.  Avon waterproof mascara was the best...never ran and pretty difficult to remove at the end of the day.  Ladies, if you're going out on a motorcycle, take my advice for safety and good looks....wear waterproof mascara.  If anyone out there has a better suggestion re:  brand of mascara that won't run and lengthens lashes....please share!  Otherwise, I'm off to purchase some Avon today!  Just one more tip they didn't tell us in motorcycle safety school.

Motorcycle Safety School for Your Good Health

This past weekend, I attended the advanced class of Motorcycle Safety School (MSS).  They are held for drivers who have had their own motorcycles and want to enhance their riding skills.  I've only had my 883 Sportster Low for a few months and this was the 6th time I'd been on the bike.  It rained all day long, so this was my intro to maneouving the bike and riding it in the rain...no more fear here about riding on a wet road!

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Maintain good health and keep all your bones and limbs intact.  If you are thinking of riding a motorcycle or have had one for a while, sign up for MSS today and learn to ride properly or enhance your riding skills.  This can make you a better rider and in the long, might prevent serious injury.  Hey...even Henry the Bear went to school this past weekend with me!

Make Someone's Day Special

This past weekend, I took my first two real motorcycle rides.  It's a bit daunting to be on the road, practicing downshifting, upshifting, braking...all on two wheels, going fairly fast and in traffic.  I was originally planning on going with just two other riders - one to ride in front of me and the other to take the back.  Well, before I knew it, there were two more riders who wanted to join along on the virgin ride.  It made me more nervous to think I might not brake quickly enough and smash into one of them.  Off we went up and down country roads, through curves and swerves, stop signs, lights...you name it.  All my riding companions went slow enough for my comfort level, but fast enough so I had to ride well enough to keep up the pace.  Every time we needed to stop for a light or stop sign, I was always asked 'are you ok?', 'do you want to keep moving'?  Their concern and camraderie was pretty amazing and touching.  The next day, I went out again with just one female rider who watched my back...it was up to me to learn the roads ahead, read and negociate the signs on the road and take on the swerves and curves.  By the end of the day, I was riding down the road, doing 55mph, experiencing all the different types of maneouvers I was taught in motorcycle safety school; the wind in my face and blowing bubbles from the bubble gum she gave me.  And there she was, riding at my back so no other vehicles would come close to me.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  You are blessed if you have comrades to help you through the daunting times of your life.  Embrace these people and appreciate them.  Then, when you are presented with an opportunity to help someone else, do it!  Remember, there was someone there for you!
A special thank you to all those wonderful riders who made my virgin rides memorable fun experiences I will take with me to a very old age.

Digging Dirt and Riding a Motorcycle

Just for fun today...I had the opportunity this weekend to help out some friends who needed work done in their dealership parking lot.  About 30ft by 4ft of years of accumulated dirt, vines, weeds and shrubs needed to be removed, so clients could park their motorcycles.  I volunteered to take on the task; I've had plenty of life experience weilding a shovel and spade and chopper; I haven't done this type of work in over 20 years and figured 'what the heck'?  After a few hours of chopping digging, sweeping and hauling dirt into a dumpster, I thought I'd take a break and take my virgin ride on my Buell Blast (500cc - just enough for me).  Having just obtained my motorcycle license a week ago, I practiced figure-8's over and over and over again in the parking lot until I was tired.  I then went back to my shovelling project.  Then, I polished the bike a little bit.  I did this seesaw of exercises all day long.  What I found out was this:  after a completely different activity, getting back onto the bike made the figure 8's easier and smoother.  Going back to my digging project gave me food for thought as I cleared more and more of the parking lot.  Polishing the bike was like prayer...silent meditative work.  At the end of the day, I felt great both physically and mentally...and slept great!  So...what's the point? 
Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Diversify your activities; do something different every day.  This will help you think out of the box and revisit a task or activity with a fresh mind and attitude.  Next week, I know I'm ready for some side streets on the bike.  I've got about 12ft more to go in the parking lot.  I'm going to detail the bike.  Then, I'm going to think about expanding my herbal garden this year and practice riding so that I can take the bike up to the farmer's market and poke around a bit.