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.

Sharing Knowledge Is To Be Divine

Saturday, I decided to get off my sissy pants butt and do a 91 mile motorcycle poker fun run to benefit a local animal shelter.  I telephoned the organizer to tell him I was a novice rider and was the ride up to my skills set.  He said 'no worries, I'll take good care of you'.  91 miles later, I learned how to back the bike up into a spot on a gravel surface; how to start the bike when stopped on a steep hill, how to really look where I want to go on curves - which made for a lot of fun, and to take the plunge on a major highway and let it  go at 65-70mph.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  All along this ride, veteran riders kept giving me pointers and advice and were most kind and generous with their knowledge.They shared their years of experience , offered gentle encouragement, and when I finally backed the bike into a spot without any assistance, they all clapped and cheered me on.  Knowledge is power, but to share it with others is to be Divine.  If you're an expert of anything, be generous...share it with others.  After all, someone gave you a piece of their know-how way back when.  A special thank you to Jim and all the other folks who participated in the Sullivan County Roars For Paws Ride...they raised $1700 for the shelter.  Way to go!