The Joy of Motorcycle Country Riding

Motorcycle rides in country areas are some of the most beautiful rides that can be experienced. From the state of Minnesota with the vast wooded areas and lakes, to the mountains in the Black Hills of South Dakota — what sites there are to be experienced, just in those two adjoining states!

From the different types of flowers, trees and other vegetation, to the animals that roam freely in these areas, this is something not to be missed by any bike enthusiast.

Riding in these areas, although some of the most relaxing, can also be the most stressful to a biker. This stress derives from all the critters that enjoy running in these areas as well. The country areas are home to many critters in Minnesota and North Dakota, as well as adjoining states. These critters can include our winged friends; eagles, owls, geese, ducks, and, yes, even vultures. In addition, we have our four-legged friends, those that become most active at dawn and dusk, such as deer, and then those that prefer nighttime wanderings, such as coyotes and wolves. In Minnesota and South Dakota it is not uncommon for bear and elk to be roaming as well.

God’s critters from the wild have moved from their home territory, i.e., wooded areas and areas near bodies of water, into our areas where we have roads and civilization. Or, is it the other way around? Have our roads and civilizations moved into their wild? I believe with all the trees I see coming down from time to time, that it’s the latter. Regardless of why, civilization must continue, and the work still goes on, so we have to be extra diligent in watching out for the critters for their own continued existence, as well as for our own safety.

During the daytime, the stress level of riding in the country is a little lower because we have a clear line of vision, and there’s typically more traffic to help deter daytime critters from roaming near the roads. That won’t stop the squirrel that sees the shiny nut across the street from making a dash, nor the neighborhood cat that’s spotted a shrew, however. There’s been more than one time I’ve seen birds get way too close to windshields on cars while they are driving down the road. There’s nothing saying they can’t inadvertently do that with a biker as well. Suffice to say, however, due to the daylight, we can usually spot something that might be trouble, and we have time to react.

At dawn, dusk and nighttime, however, things change drastically. I hear dozens and dozens of news stories about deer/vehicle accidents. In these accidents, there typically is some major damage to the vehicle, however, most times anyway, the driver walks away with minimal injuries. There’s a blessing to having all that metal surrounding you in situations such as that. On a bike, we are nothing but flesh and bone and air out there. If we are on the road and an animal darts in front of us, there’s nothing but air between our flesh and bones and the deer. This is why we, as bikers, have to be extra careful in our nighttime driving. Although the temptation of the ‘wind in our face’ may be to go the speed limit on these roads that divide the wooded bliss on either side, we have to stay aware of what is looking at us in those woods that may decide to cross that road at any moment. Because of that, we must keep a slower speed. We must drive at a slower speed and be extra meticulous in our monitoring of our surroundings in the dark.

This same type of caution holds true with our flying nighttime beauties as well, such as eagles and owls. Oh, I guess vultures too; not real beautiful, but God’s critters just the same. If there is some kind of small critter on the road and these winged beauties are in the vicinity, there isn’t much that’s going to stop them from making that dive. Most times they stay in the woods, but I have seen an eagle or two on the side of the road in Minnesota enjoying a feast, seemingly unaware of what’s going on around them. They have become very accustomed to the sights and sounds of traffic. And, as we all know, those vultures love those ‘road kills’ as they are affectionately called here in Minnesota, and there isn’t much that will stop them from diving for a feast either.

In summary, as a biker, you must use extra caution when riding in the country. Be aware of everything surrounding you, not just what’s ahead of you. If you are nervous about driving at night or don’t see well at night, avoid taking your bike out. If you do enjoy night driving, be extra careful. Riding in pairs can really help here, as you can both pay extra attention to a particular side of the road. Also, do research every now and then. There may be new devices coming out that help to make us more visible to deer and other critters, maybe something will be there that can help you.

Designer on Two Wheels Rolls Out Line of Motorcyclist Fashion

(Champlin, Minnesota, August 25, 2010) — By nature, a biker is an adventurer, who enjoys being boldly different and taking risks for pleasure. While motorcyclists must wear protective clothing and helmets, there is no reason why they cannot express their nature and pride in their biker identity when riding. With this in mind, avid motorcyclist and designer Malinda Henderson has introduced the beginning of her new collection of motorcycle fashion for women under the label Open Road Biker Gear. The new collection includes:

● Fitted Black Ladies Biker Shirt
● Fitted Pink Ladies Biker Shirt

Both items, which represent but the very beginning of the new clothing line, are reasonably priced, comfortable, and meant to look elegant while being durable enough for the serious and daring biker.

Open Road Biker Gear plans to expand its line to include:

● A full line of functional and bold biker fashion for women
● A full line of men’s biker wear
● Clothing for children, teens and tweens

The Open Road Biker Gear motorcycle fashion collection will be bold and daring, and proudly proclaim its wearers as serious and dedicated bikers. As it is meant for wearing while riding, it will be functional, comfortable and protective as well and the line will soon include full biker outfits for all riders. The price for the items in the Open Road Biker Gear collection will always be reasonable considering the quality and originality of the clothing. At present, the introductory pieces are available on the designer’s website, on which the designer also shares her background and inspiration as a biker who designs clothing for fellow motorcycle enthusiasts.

CONTACT:
Malinda Henderson
(612) 384-6025
malinda@OpenRoadBikerGear.biz

http://www.OpenRoadBikerGear.biz

What a great video on Forgiveness

The best gift we can give ourselves! Forgiveness…

I’m looking forward to a GREAT 2010!

I just recently joined LA Fitness and went today with both my children – what a great time to spend with your family (and healthy too!). I’m looking forward to getting back in shape and feeling great about myself! Happy Monday to all!

Goal Setting – Is a MUST!!!

Here’s a quick story for you….

In the 1950′s, there was a study carried out at Harvard University where the students were questioned about who had goals. Not surprisingly, virtually everyone said they did.

They were then asked how many had actually put these goals into writing.

The answer was only 3% of the group.

This study was followed up 30 years later – and the 3% that had written down their goals were worth more than the other 97% combined.

Amazing or just a coincidence?

That’s up to you to decide. But as long as your goals remain inside your head you run the risk of them only ever being dreams.

Please now be HONEST with yourself….

Have you put your goals into writing?

Most people have not.

Most people of course want to do well, but when asked ‘what is your goal’ they more often than not have a vague ‘I-just-want-to-make-some-money’ sort of answer.

You need to change this.

You need to have a laser-focused pin-pointed immediate answer of EXACTLY what it is you want to achieve.

If it’s a certain figure you are striving for every month – then visualize this EXACT figure.

If it’s to change a certain situation you are currently in – then visualize the exact resolution that you want.

This is important – because most people do not have an actual answer to the question ‘what is your goal?’

Writing down your goal will achieve this answer for you. And let me tell you – seeing what you want written down – is very empowering!

Try it!

Write it down!

Slap it on your PC or your medicine cabinet or your refrigerator so you see it each day.

It suddenly makes everything ‘real’!

www.theeasywebdesign.com

Love the video…gets ya a little teary

Added 2010 Motorcycle Rallies, Runs and Events

I am in the process of adding all the 2010 Motorcycle Rallies, Runs and Events to my website . Feel free to e-mail me any of your favorite Motorcycle Rallies, Runs and Events and I will add them to the site!

Thank you!!

The Best Movie Ever!!!

You have to check out this movie – spread the word!!

http://www.thebeautifultruthmovie.com/

My Website

My website www.becomeabiker.com is finally coming together! Please feel free to share your comments and/or suggestions!

Building a new Web site – www.becomeabiker.com

I’m looking forward to building a new biker website  - http://www.becomeabiker.com.  Feel free to email me any suggestions or comments.  Thank you!

Learning HTML

I’m having a blast learning HTML and to one day own and operate my own motorcycle for women site!!!  Thank you for visiting my blog.

Great Word of the Day!

OPPORTUNITY OFTEN KNOCKS-ONLY TO FIND NO ONE IN.

The world is filled with unfortunate souls who didn’t hear opportunity’s knock at the door because they were down at the convenience store buying lottery tickets. They have never learned that, as Branch Rickey, general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1942-50, once observed, “Luck is the residue of design.” You will be surprised how much your luck will improve when you make sure you are prepared to take advantage of opportunities. How many times have you had a great idea that you failed to act upon, only to discover later that someone used the same idea to start a business, get a promotion, or find a better job? Resolve now to get into action when you have a good idea. Don’t wait for something to happen-make it happen!

It’s almost Birthday Time…

Looking forward to hanging out with my family and friends to celebrate my birthday – I just love ‘em

Trying to build my website

I’ve spent a ton of time trying to put my website together…if anyone out there knows a lot of web design please email me….I would be so grateful for your help!!!

New Twitter Account

I’ve just added a Twitter Account check it out…http://twitter.com/Hog_Heaven

I’ve just learned how to do UTube

Check out my family video I created