Live Free. Ride Hard. Be Happy.: editorial

Showing posts with label editorial. Show all posts

12.12.2014

Bikers Have Big...Hearts!

Santa briefs Toy Run Participants

I was reminded on Saturday during our annual Toy Run that bikers have big hearts and despite their sometimes-rough appearance, they are good people. It’s sad that society as a whole tends to judge people by the way they look and dress. Based on my experience (limited as it may be), I find those who ride are some of the kindest most generous people I know. Even the toughest motorcycle clubs and 1%’ers give back to their communities by helping raise funds for all types of charitable causes. Less than two-weeks ago a group of Hell’s Angels members waited in line 5 days to buy bikes on Black Friday to give to needy kids in Fresno, California…proving even the baddest aren’t always bad.

Loaded and Ready to Go

I’m encouraged when I see a group of bikers working together for a good cause…like the annual Toy Run. Saturday was cold and it looked like the sky could open-up any minute, but almost 60 braved the weather to participate. On the road, the group stretched out for more than a ¼ mile as Santa led the way to three pick-up points in the New Braunfels/Canyon Lake area. Even though the weather wasn’t the best, everyone was in good spirits and eagerly gathered toys then bungee’d them to their bikes and stuffed them into saddlebags and tour-paks. Once the bikes were loaded, the overflow was packed into a cargo trailer. It didn’t matter if you rode a Honda, a Harley, or a Spyder…everyone worked together knowing they were doing something good. The toys and money collected will be distributed through the local Sherriff’s office and will hopefully brighten more than a few faces this Christmas. This holiday season and throughout the year, I will always be thankful that bikers have big hearts!

Do you have a story about big-hearted bikers? If so, please share it. With all the craziness going on in the world, it’s nice to celebrate the positive. Until next time -- Live Free. Ride Hard. Be Happy!

7.18.2014

The Real Story Behind Harley-Davidson’s Electric Motorcycle

Harley-Davidson Project LiveWire

Four-weeks ago the Motor Company shocked the world (no pun intended) by announcing its exploratory foray into electrics. Headlines like “Hell Freezes Over Harley-Davidson Shows New Electric Motorcycle” captured the sentiment of the day. No one could have imagined the 111-year old Motor Company, creator and champion of arguably the most beloved internal combustion powered motorcycles in history, would ever build anything else. For a few Harley riders, the news was downright sacrilege. After all, an electric motorcycle could never look, feel, or sound like a “real” Harley-Davidson…right? Unfortunately, in the midst of the buzz surrounding the announcement, the real story behind Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle was lost.

The world we live in today is vastly different from the world we lived in 10 years ago… or even five years ago. Social norms are not the same. Right, wrong, or indifferent, even the things people deeply value have changed. To remain successful, companies and individuals must adapt. If they don’t, they face extinction. The Motor Company’s history, rich in tradition, makes their announcement even more heartening because it shows a true willingness to adapt. At the end of the day, Harley-Davidson’s continued success relies on its ability to stay true to its heritage while building a bridge to the future. Project LiveWire does just that…and therein lies the real story.

Manufacturer	Harley- Davidson	Zero Motorcycles	Brammo	Mission Motorcycles	Energica Superbike
Status	Prototype	Production	Production	Production	Production
Range (miles)	~60	158-171	50-128	105-140	62-118
Top Speed (mph)	~92	~100	~110	~150	~150
Price $	???	9.5K-21.9K	11K-19K	32.5K-42.5K	25K-28K

Quick Comparison of Current e-Motorcycle Specifications

No doubt, the Motor Company has a few hurdles to jump in terms of user acceptance and overall range but their efforts to build customer interest and acceptance with the Project LiveWire ExperienceTour and their collaboration with Mission Motors are steps in the right direction. As a bona-fide Harley-Davidson enthusiast and rider, I’m hopeful that other Harley riders will recognize this as a giant leap towards the future and support the Motor Company’s efforts to bring this electric motorcycle to market. Although it might not be feasible to ride 1000-miles in 24 hours on a LiveWire (or any other electric motorcycle) today, urban-suburban commuting is entirely within reason. Given the current specs for existing production electric motorcycles, one can almost bet that the Motor Company has some surprises up their sleeve when it comes time for production.

Navigant Research - Top 10 e-Motorcycle/e-Scooter Players Today

(Photo from zeromotorcyles.com)

Fellow moto-blogger, Chris Cope, wrote that Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle represents a seismic shift in motorcycling. I couldn’t agree more. According to Navigant Research, the market is in the early stages of development and its key players are relatively new manufacturers with limited distribution channels. Harley-Davidson has the name recognition, capital, and worldwide distribution channels needed to electrify a market projected to grow by 30% a year (in North America and Europe) for the next decade. With LiveWire, Harley-Davidson is poised to become THE dominant player in the electric motorcycle market. Seismic shift, indeed!

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References:

6.19.2014

Saddle-Up and Put a Little Sunshine in Your Life

The world we live in can be a scary place. Open a newspaper, skim a newsfeed, or watch television for more than a few minutes and you’re bombarded with stories of just how terrible things really are…crime and conflict are rampant, death and decay are everywhere, no one is safe from evil doers. It seems for every positive headline or story there are a hundred that are negative. It makes you wonder how anyone ever makes it out of bed. It’s just sad. Surely, there’s a way out of this proverbial darkness?

It ain't a pony but it'll make you smile

I believe the answer lies in a story I heard as a teenager about two boys participating in a scientific study. One boy was put into a room of beautiful, brand new toys and the other into a room full of horse manure. The boy in the room full of toys immediately burst into tears, while the boy in the room full of manure jumped up and down excitedly and begged for a shovel. When the researcher asked why he was crying, the boy in the room full of toys replied, “I know as soon as I touch something it’ll break and I’ll get in trouble.” When the researcher ask the boy in the room full of manure why he wanted a shovel, the boy grinned from ear-to-ear and said, “With this much manure, there’s bound to be a pony in here somewhere and I’m going to find it!”

So, how do we carry on when the world around us is going to hell in a hand-basket? The second boy had the answer. We need to pull out our shovels and start shoveling. We might not be able to control much but we can control our attitude and outlook. We can choose to look for the pony. I think most motorcycle riders do this instinctively. As riders, we don’t dwell on the risks and dangers of riding. If we did, we’d likely be paralyzed by fear. Instead, we focus on the positives…the overwhelming sense of freedom and sheer exhilaration we experience when tearing up the twisties or eating up the miles on a deserted stretch of highway. We need to nurture this instinct and apply it to all aspects of our life.

Need an attitude adjustment? Ride

Fortunately, we have an excellent tool to help us…our motorcycles. Every time we roll back on the throttle we shovel away the darkness and negativity that surrounds us and we let a little sunshine in. When I’ve had a bad day, feel down, angry, or otherwise need an attitude adjustment I know I can saddle-up and ride. Within minutes, my whole outlook has improved and all is good. Riding a motorcycle is excellent therapy. It provides a new and brighter lens from which to view the world and gives us a fresh perspective on life. It helps us find the pony buried in a room full of manure.

Will you look for the pony? I sincerely hope that you LiveFree, Ride Hard, Be Happy and shovel, shovel, shovel.

6.05.2014

Love'em or Hate'em Harley-Davidson Has Earned A Little Loyalty

Love’em or hate’em the Harley-Davidson Motor Company is the indisputable King of building lasting relationships with its customers. As a Harley owner, I’m impressed with the Motor Company’s efforts to create a bond between the company and those of us who buy their motorcycles. I’ll be the first to admit their primary motivation for creating this bond is to sell more product…but I don’t care. It’s great that Harley-Davidson values our business enough to create and promote an environment where people from all walks of life can come together to share the freedom and passion of riding. I don’t know of any other motorcycle company that even tries to do that.

Shade Tree Saloon

This past weekend I attended a customer appreciation event sponsored by my local dealer, Gruene Harley-Davidson. The dealership organized a ride to the Shade Tree Saloon & Grill, a local watering hole, in Spring Branch, Texas and bought everyone’s lunch. There were 200+ people and 150+ bikes that participated. As I moved through the crowd, I was amazed at how easily the conversation flowed. No one cared whether you were blue-collar, white-collar, or no-collar. What was important was that you enjoyed riding. There was an unspoken sense of family. It was a great event!

Besides giving away free food and drink, which can be found on almost any weekend at many Harley dealerships around the country, the Motor Company also promotes the Harley Owners Group (HOG) as a way to bring like-minded individuals together. Whether you’re a new rider or one that’s ridden your entire life, HOG is a great way to meet folks who just want to ride and have fun. HOG has been around for 31 years and boasts over 1,400 chapters with more than one-million members worldwide. Now, that’s a lot of motorcycle love. If you own a Harley-Davidson, you should check out your local HOG Chapter (most Harley dealerships sponsor a chapter). As a member of the Gruene HOG Chapter, I’ve participated in countless group rides, eaten some great food, seen some terrific places, helped raise money for charity, and met some really cool people.

My involvement with HOG has been very positive. While I enjoy riding by myself, riding with other Chapter members adds a new dynamic to the whole experience. There’s something almost magical about riding in a crisp staggered formation with people you’ve grown to trust…and it’s nice knowing you’re not alone when you have trouble along the road. Had the Harley-Davidson Motor Company not pushed and promoted HOG, I certainly would have missed some great times and may have never fully understood the camaraderie shared by those who ride. That’s worth something.

Just a few of the many Bikes at Shade Tree

I know there are other motorcycle manufacturers out there and I’m not such a Harley disciple that I would never consider another brand. But…wait for it…I’ll always look at Harleys first because the Motor Company has earned a little loyalty. As I stated in the beginning, I know of no other motorcycle manufacturer that invests as much in their customers as Harley-Davidson. Maybe that’s what makes them an American icon.

I’d like to know if my experience is unique, so please share your experiences with me. And if I’ve missed something in terms of other motorcycle manufacturers and how they treat their customers, by all means, please share your story because at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what you ride. It only matters that you ride.

1.16.2014

Six Words That Could Change Your Life

When was the last time you seriously thought about life and how you want to live it? At the beginning of every year, many of us make a list of resolutions and then quickly forget them. Sure, we have great intentions of losing weight, quitting smoking, staying fit, riding more, or spending less money, but sadly only 8% of us keep the resolutions we make. Why is that? Maybe we’d be more successful if we didn't put so much pressure on ourselves by waiting for some ball to drop in Times Square before getting started. We shouldn’t wait on a “new” year or some arbitrary date on a calendar to begin making incremental changes in our lives. We should commit to making those changes in the moment and work on implementing them one-step at a time, one-day at a time. Unfortunately, sometimes our outlook on life and our mental framework holds us back. So where does that leave us? We need a NEW outlook.

While riding back from a bike blessing on New Year’s Day, I had an epiphany. In moment of quiet solitude, I realized that life could be simpler and I could set myself up for success by embracing the ideals behind six small but powerful words…Live Free. Ride Hard. Be Happy. These words are powerful because they can transform your outlook on life and give you a new lens with which to view the world. Think about it for a moment…

Live Free

Living free means having the ability to choose your own path and living with the consequences of your choices. You are responsible for yourself…you decide who you want to be, where you want to go, and how you want to get there. You must hold yourself accountable for your successes and failures. When something doesn't turn out the way you planned, don't blame someone else. It is not your father’s, your mother’s, your sister’s, your brother’s, your spouse’s, and certainly not your government’s fault…or responsibility. When you abdicate responsibility for your life to someone or something else, you are no longer truly free. Cherish your freedom!

Ride Hard

Riding hard means riding your motorcycle and living life with balls-to-the wall gusto. It requires focus, determination, and perseverance. When the road gets long you can’t be distracted by the unimportant, you have to dig-deep and give your best effort mile after mile. Never give-up!

Be Happy

Being happy means having a good attitude and looking for the positive. In today’s world that can be difficult, but it’s a choice that you can make. Being happy is a frame of mind. Frown less and smile more. Build lasting friendships and be optimistic about life. When thrown into a room full of horseshit and a shovel, look for the pony. Remember, happiness is a choice. Be happy!

So, what did you resolve to do this year? If you’re like most, chances are you’ve already given up (I hope that isn’t the case), but, if your struggling with change try looking at life through a different lens. Harness the transformative power of…Live Free. Ride Hard. Be Happy.

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Resource Links

12.15.2013

Get Your Heart On

One of the things I’ve discovered over the past couple of years is that bikers have big hearts. Most people don’t realize this fact and many have some pretty bad misperceptions about the biker community. Yes, some who ride motorcycles are downright scary, but under that tough exterior is generally a heart of gold. In my community and many other communities across our nation, bikers are in the front of the line when it comes to supporting great causes. Whether it be to help raise money for children with cancer, another biker who has been in an accident, or supporting our troops…bikers are always there.

I witnessed this on Saturday when over 115 bikes from all over San Antonio converged at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery to pay tribute to our nation’s heroes during the Wreaths Across America wreath laying ceremony. It was a heartwarming sight. Bikers from various clubs and chapters stood side-by-side, forming a flag line to serve as a patriotic backdrop during the official ceremony. Afterwards, bikers joined others in the community to honor and remember those who served by placing over 16,000 wreaths on the tombstones of the fallen.

As a 21 year veteran of the Air Force I’m proud to be a part of the biker community. I’m thankful for the opportunity to ride with men and women who understand the feeling and meaning of freedom…and who are willing to give their time, talents, and treasures to support it. It’s my wish during this holiday season and throughout the coming year that we, the biker community, will continue to look for ways to be of service and support the communities in which we live.

Let’s get our hearts on!

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Learn more about Wreaths Across America

Learn more about Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

11.08.2013

No Dinosaurs Here…HD to Build 500cc and 750cc Motorcycles

If you’re like me, you may have been a little surprised to learn that Harley-Davidson® will manufacture 500 and 750cc bikes starting in 2014. I mean it’s been 35+ years since the Motor Company sold a HD branded small displacement bike and even then it was from Italian subsidiary, Aermacchi. So why the revival now? In a word -- DEMOGRAPHICS.

Middle-aged men like me are only getting older and let’s face it, one day we won’t be able to ride those big touring bikes we’ve grown to love. What about the Motor Company then? Visions of dinosaurs come to mind, and we all know what happened to the dinosaurs…they became extinct. In order for the Motor Company to survive and thrive, they need to expand the brand appeal to a much more diverse demographic. Over the past few years, they’ve worked hard to do just that and I applaud them for it. The Motor Company’s focus on the IronElite, the Harlistas, and women riders has already increased the size and diversity of the Harley-Davidson® family. However, there’s still more work to do in bringing in the next generation of Harley enthusiasts. The new HD Speed™ 500 and 750 should help by appealing to younger riders.

As a member of both the National and Gruene Chapter of the Harley Owners Group (HOG), I’m hoping these bikes will bring new and younger riders into our ranks. If we’re lucky, the launch of the Speed™ 500 and 750 will give us a tool to ignite the passion for riding and love of all things Harley in a new generation of riders. I believe this will be good for the riding community and will help ensure Harley-Davidson’s next 110 years are as rich with mystique and heritage as the last 110 years. No dinosaurs allowed!

Check out the specs and pass the info along to a new/young rider…let’s welcome the new demographic these bikes will bring into the Harley-Davidson® family with open arms.

Speed™ 500 (494 CC Liquid Cooled Engine) – priced at $6,700

· Speed™ 750 (794 CC Liquid Cooled Engine) – priced at $7,500

6 Speed Transmission
Belt Dive
2 Into 1 Exhaust
Mid-Mount Controls
Single Caliper Disc Brakes
Specially Tuned Suspension
2 Up Seat w/ Passenger Pegs
LED Tail Lights and Bullet Signals
V Twin 60° 4 Valves per Head
Wheel Size: 17” Front, 15” Rear
Wheelbase: 59.5”
Weight: 480 lbs (Wet)

Learn more about the bikes at http://street.harley-davidson.com/en_US

To stay informed on whats going on in the biker community check out Biker News Online, it was one of the first blogs to report on the unveiling of the new bikes in Milan, Italy on Monday.

8.05.2013

Who Cares What You Ride...As Long As You Ride

Does it really matter what kind of motorcycle a person rides? I’d like to think the answer to that question is a resounding, “Hell, No!” Unfortunately, if you listen to how some motorcyclists talk about one another you might think differently. It amazes me that there’s not more camaraderie within the motorcycle community.

I was on the /r/motorcycles sub-Reddit the other day when I came across a thread discussing the customary motorcyclist wave. The consensus seemed to be that Harley riders are pompous assholes that never wave to anyone but other Harley riders. As a Harley rider that waves to everyone, I was a little surprised. Almost to a person, the Sport bike riders who had commented related horrific stories about how they had been wronged by a poser on a Harley. All I could think is, “really”?

It’s sad that any one group of riders would disparage another. But, I suppose their perception is their reality and the fact is I have heard a few Harley riders make unkind remarks about those who ride “Jap” bikes…or basically any bike that isn’t a Harley-Davidson. As bikers, we should all accept some good-natured ribbing about our rides but we should avoid becoming mean-spirited and ugly about it.

Regardless of what we ride, we’re still a part of a unique and exciting community…and we shouldn't forget that fact. I don’t care what type of bike you ride as long as you ride. If I see you on the road, I’ll wave. I can only hope you’ll wave back and acknowledge that we're both part of something bigger than ourselves. We’re part of a community that loves life and knows better than most what true freedom is all about.

Let’s work harder at accepting and respecting one another. Let’s live free and ride hard!

7.29.2013

Group or Solo Rider…Which Are You?

When it comes time to choose between a group and solo ride, have you ever felt like Harvey Dent’s alter ego, Two-Face, in the movie Dark Knight? I have. At times I’ve felt torn between the solitude and reflection afforded by riding solo, and the sense of camaraderie and belonging experienced when riding in a group. Both types of riding can be fun and challenging.

Group rides offer the opportunity to share the riding experience with like-minded individuals, to get to know other riders and their riding styles. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of moving down the highway in a properly spaced staggered formation. It’s like watching a flock of birds as they make their way across the sky. It is poetry. I remember my first group ride. I was extremely self-conscious about my position...was I too close or too far from the bikes in front of me. I rode with a death grip on the handlebars fearing that it would be just my luck to rear end someone. I was nervous and excited at the same time. When the ride was over, I felt as though I was part of something bigger than myself. I felt a sense of accomplishment.

For riders who are apprehensive about group riding, don’t be. You still ride your own ride. You don’t have to be overly concerned about spacing, just pay attention and don’t run into the rider in front of you. The more you ride with a group, the more comfortable you will become. One nice thing about group riding is you never have to worry about getting lost, unless of course, you’re leading the ride. And remember, there is safety in numbers. Cagers will see a group of motorcycles much sooner than they will see a single bike. If you’ve never ridden in a group, make a point to do at least one group ride. You’ll be glad you did.

While group rides provide an opportunity to share the riding experience, solo rides give us the opportunity to reflect on the deeper meaning of life and become more in-tune with ourselves. Now, I have to admit my first solo ride didn’t bring about any big revelation. I was more concerned with just getting my bike home from the dealership in one piece. Forty-five miles per hour seemed really fast and going much above that was just plain scary. What a difference time and experience make.

My first long solo ride from San Antonio, TX to Louisville, KY and the return trip via the Natchez Trace Parkway will forever be etched in my memory. I rode over 2,500 miles on that trip in both the cold and in the rain. I learned that even when I’m uncomfortable, I still love to ride. More importantly, I realized that to really live we can’t be afraid to step out of our comfort zone because that’s how we grow. Solo riding is good for the soul.

Which are you, a group or solo rider? The great thing is you don’t have to choose, you can be both. In fact, I believe that to be a well-rounded rider, you should make a point to mix it up. So, when the time comes for you to choose between a group and solo ride, just do like Two-Face. Take a coin from your pocket and toss it into the air. Heads is group; tails is solo…either way you win!

Leave me a comment and let me know what you thing about group and solo riding. Until next time, Live Free and Ride Hard.

6.28.2013

Never Ride Faster Than Your Angel Can Fly

One of the first patches I bought for my Harley Owners Group vest said, “Never Ride Faster Than Your Angel Can Fly”. I don’t know what it was about that patch, but it spoke to me. Mostly because it reminded me of my mother and the thought that she would always be riding with me…she is my guardian angel.

On several occasions while riding the Interstate I’ve said to her, “Mom, fly faster” as I laid on the throttle hard in an effort to eat up the miles. The adrenaline rush and complete sense of freedom felt when blasting down the highway is almost indescribable. It’s definitely a thrill…but it can be scary too. Especially when something you don’t anticipate causes your sphincter to pucker-up tighter than a baby eating sour candy. Anyone who’s ridden awhile knows what I mean because all riders experience a high “pucker factor” moment, at least once.

While my mom can fly really fast, she shouldn’t have to. I think that’s the real meaning behind the patch. Speed can be dangerous. As bikers, we inherently know this is true but many times we just don’t take the time to think about it. This video from Australia made me pause for a moment and think about speed and just how important it can be.

We should all pause from time-to-time to think about our riding habits and how they not only affect our safety but the safety of those around us. The great thing about motorcycling is what we ride, where we ride, when we ride, and how we ride is a personal choice.

So let’s make educated choices…and Live Free and Ride Hard!

6.12.2013

Biker Down…Two Words You Never Want To Hear

The Biker Down benefit I attended this past weekend at Gruene Harley-Davidson made me think about some of the dangers we face as riders. Statistically, we’re 22 times more likely to be killed in a crash than someone in a cage[1]. While that number isn’t anything to dwell on it should cause us to pause and consider the choices we make while riding.

We all try to make good choices…but in retrospect some of them may not be the best from an overall safety standpoint. Take riding in a sleeveless shirt for example. In the heat of summer I frequently ride sans sleeves as do many I ride with. It’s comfortable and hey, it looks cool (have you seen my biceps J). Problem is, if I ever go “Biker Down” it’ll most likely leave a mark.

Ouch! I never really gave riding without sleeves much thought before seeing this video…now it’s something I’ll consider before I ride. Will I ride in just a sleeveless shirt again? Probably, but at least I’ll do it with a better understanding of the potential hazards. For me, the bottom line is I need to consider that what I wear when I ride could make the difference in becoming a statistic if involved in a “Biker Down” situation.

Now, I’m not proposing we all wear a suit of armor when we ride. I just think we need to make informed choices. Personal protective gear is most definitely a choice and everyone has to make their own decisions when it comes to balancing risk and comfort. I can say without hesitation you'll never see me riding without a helmet in shorts and flip-flops.

Living free and riding hard means the freedom to make our own choices and to live our lives to the fullest. Let's Live Free and Ride Hard...and pray that the ones we love never hear, "Biker Down".

Do you have an opinion on personal protective gear and the Live Free, Ride Hard philosophy? Let's hear it.

[1] Based on NHTSA 2011 Fatalities and Fatality Rates (http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Trends/TrendsGeneral.aspx)

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