The holiday season affords us the opportunity to get together with loved ones, our friends and our families.
Whether in big or intimate groups, there are always moments when you escape into your mind and reflect on the past year.
It could be in the midst of a Christmas carol, while sipping “adult” eggnog, while the kids are screaming or when the dog needs to go for a walk.
Thoughts like, “Where would I rather be now?” or “What am I going to do next year that I’ve always wanted to do?”
They’re thoughts that can take up fragments of our time, or can consume the better parts of hours.
Sitting in the living room with the fire on, combined with the smell of a freshly cut tree and turkey lingering is a beautiful thing. But it can be tough for a motorcycle enthusiast.
We just want to be out there on the road. We’re counting the days until we take the bikes out of winter storage, slap on the insurance plates and go for that reunion ride.
Take the road less traveled on a trials bike.
Alexandra Straub,
But until then …
Looking back, did you get on your bike as much as you wanted? Did you have those Zen moments while riding your favourite route? Did you travel the road less traveled and love it? How many kilometres did you put on your machine? Did you want to put on more? If so, how are you going to do that this coming season?
The end of year is a time when we can all reflect on how grateful we are for what we have.
Riding a Royal Enfield in London was a highlight of the year.
Alexandra Straub,
The chance to visit the Ace Cafe in London, then ride the resurrected Royal Enfield Continental GT (albeit they’re now Indian-made machines) to Brooklands Museum — the birthplace of British motorsports — and the Brighton Pier made a lasting impression. I felt like quite the “Rocker!”
To have legendary rider and coach Keith Code give me pointers on how to attack my right-hand turns more confidently at the California Superbike School was priceless. And to just hop on a Honda CBR600RR and ride because I felt like it also has me feeling exceptionally grateful.
It’s also a time when we look forward to what adventures lay ahead of us.
And if you’re looking for an adventure, they’re not too hard to find, whether locally or internationally.
For the ladies, if you’ve always wanted to get out on the mountains on a snowmobile, but you weren’t keen on doing it in a coed setting, check out She Shreds snowmobile clinics (www.sheshreds.ca)
Or have you always dreamt of riding Ducatis in Italy on a track?
Your wish is their command.
Dream of riding a Ducati in Italy? Start putting the numbers together and do it!
Alexandra Straub,
The Ducati Ride Experience (type those words into a search engine for dates and places) offers various courses on two wheels. Take a basic, intermediate or racing level course and maybe stick around a couple of extra days to enjoy the scenery. And the pizza.
Instead of watching MotoGP on TV, experience it first hand.
Alexandra Straub,
Or if you’ve always wanted to experience motorcycle racing first-hand, why not make a pilgrimage to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Tex., for the MotoGP race? Or perhaps the Isle of Man TT?
But it’s not just about saving up the money and traveling to exotic locations to enjoy the companionship of a motorcycle.
How about taking a mechanic’s course to better familiarize yourself with your machine?
Or even learn how to change your own oil? They’re simple things but can ultimately lead to a stronger connection with your bike.
What about branching out of your comfort zone and learning a totally new style of riding?
Have you tried a trials bike? I know it’s something I’d love to do.
So, this holiday, give yourself the gift of insight. Of planning. Of knowledge. And of happiness. Stop dreaming and start doing. Even if it takes years of planning. You’ll be that much closer to your motorcycle fantasies. And you’ll thank yourself when you’ve just finished riding through the Alps on an adventure bike. Or ridden off the track after putting down your best times on two wheels.
You’re probably smiling just thinking of it.
That’s your motivation right there.
Shiftinggearsgirl@gmail.com
Twitter.com/cargirlsgarage
