Colorado in September

It's no secret that I love riding through the Rocky Mountains. But let's not forget about another activity we can all enjoy in Colorado: hiking. So, recently I packed my saddlebags with some hiking gear and took advantage of a beautiful September day, combining two of my favorite activities.

It is fall in the Rockies and mother nature is painting a colorful picture.

Riding around, enjoying the fresh air and the scenery... then a stop to tackle one of my favorite spots: Lilly Mountain, the first hike I ever did in Colorado.

In the background, Long's Peak towers above all others in the Rocky mountain National Park.

Not a bad way to start a Sunday!!!

What's the best ride?

After starting Highway Adventures Motorcycle Tours, LLC, it did not take long for me to realize the great differences between where people like to ride. What some might consider the ride of a lifetime, others might not find interesting at all. I had to accept the fact that, in order to succeed in this business, I would have to put aside my own personal preferences and explore new rides that I had previously found... well... unattractive.

I have always found riding through the Rocky Mountains in Colorado an exhilarating experience. The sheer beauty of the landscape never ceases to take my breath away, no matter how many times I ride over there.

But it turns out that one of the most popular places many riders want to experience is the historical Route 66. To be honest, and at the risk of sounding almost sacrilegious, until recently I had never had the desire to include it in my list of "to do" rides. Sure, I have ridden through parts of it in some of my travels. But mostly in those parts that became incorporated in our current Interstate highway system. I guess that is about to change.

So I have been to the Grand Canyon. Probably won't go back unless I am guiding a tour or actually doing some hiking or camping. Yosemite was pretty cool, but not as cool as Yellowstone. The California coast is a great ride, except for all the cars on the road. Sturgis was a great experience. I have been there three times and would probably go back if the circumstances were right. Somebody asked me to put together a route that includes what many people call the "Musical Circuit". That's probably something I would never do on my own, but will definitely go there to guide a tour.

 

So, I guess the lesson here is: no matter what you like or where you want to go. Just get on your bike and ride. There are many places out there to be explored, many people to meet, many memories to make. Just saddle up and go for some adventures... some Highway Adventures.

So... you want to be a biker?

The motorcycle community is as eclectic as any other. You probably heard it before: "It doesn't matter what you ride, as long as you ride." As much as I agree with that statement, it is also true that people who ride tend to hang out with others who ride similar models and/or have similar riding habits. Besides the old cruiser vs sport bikes debate, another "segregation" issue arises: motorcycle enthusiasts (or motorcyclists) vs bikers. How do you separate them? And, do you have to?

If you ask me the answers would be: easily and yes! So, let's start with a few basics:

1. If you only ride your bike when the weather is nice, you are not a biker.
2. If you think riding 500+ miles in one day is too much, you are not a biker. The exception to this rule would be if you have a medical condition or serious injury.
3. If you worry more about how clean your bike is than about how many miles you are riding, you are not a biker.
4. If your idea of being a biker is wearing as many pieces of Harley gear as you can possibly fit on your body or on your bike, you are not a biker.
5. If you cannot perform the most basic maintenance (such as oil change) on your bike, you are not a biker.

Now, let's move on to some more "advanced" concepts. What follows is an unspoken code of conduct, also known as the "Biker Commandments":

DON'T TAKE ANY BULL. Be kind to women, children and animals but don't take any bull. This is an essential part of being a biker. It has to do with respect and honor. Anyone can be a brash, quick-tempered lout. Be cool, stand tall and back up what you say with action.

NEVER LIE, CHEAT OR STEAL. another way of saying this is to always tell the truth. Bikers are always the greasy bad guys in movies, but every real biker knows that his word is his bond. Your word is all you have in life that is truly yours. Guard it carefully and be about something noble, for you are a true knight of the road.

DON'T SNITCH. If you see a wrong, right it yourself. If you are about anything, you'll take care of problems yourself and never feel the need to snitch someone off. Snitches are the lowest life forms on earth, right up there with bike thieves. This rule goes hand and hand with the next one...

DON'T SNIVEL. Absolutely no one likes or respects a sniveler. Another way to say this is to hold your mud. Still another way to think of it. Don't sweat the small stuff. Most of life's little inconveniences work themselves out whether you snivel or not. Keep your chin up, darn it. You're a biker, not some lowly mollusk.

NEVER SAY DIE AND NEVER GIVE UP. Whether it's in a fight, a debate, or a business deal, no matter how bad it gets, a biker never gives up. That's why you see a lot of wealthy bikers these days, cause they don't know how to quit in any element of their lives. In the biker world of rugged individualists, only the strong survive.

HELP OTHERS. When a brother or sister is broken down on the side of the road, stop and help them. Even moral support, if that is all that you can give, is better than riding on by. Remember life is about the journey, the ride, not getting there. You already are there and don't just help bikers, show the world that we are better than our image portrays us. Courtesy costs you nothing and gives you everything.

STICK TO YOUR GUNS. Do what you say you'll do, be there when you say you will. This is called integrity. This also goes back to standing for something. Like the song says. You got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything.

LIFE IS NOT A DRILL. Yeah, this isn't a dress rehearsal. This is life. Go out there and take big bites of it. You've got no time to lose and bikers don't stand around waiting for the party to come to them. You only go around once. Tomorrow you could be road kill thanks to a chain-smoker asleep at the wheel of his caddy. Live life now, make the most of each moment. This is not a drill.

All right, now let's review. You are a biker, a modern-day knight of the road. Protect the weak, walk tall and stand proud. Your word is your bond. Stick to your guns. Don't take any bull. Life is not a drill. Now go forth and ride. When in doubt, ride. That's what we do... ride. If you want to ride around in a Day-Glo Hawaiian shirt and sandals, go for it. But if you intend to look like a goot, at least don't act like a goot. These commandments are just a few broad strokes; there is a lot more to being a biker that buying a bike. If you just buy a bike, you are a motorcyclist. Being a biker is a way of life, a proud way of life we hold in high regard and with a burning passion for the open highway and for life.

Now ride, damn it. You Know Who You Are...

Why we ride

We've seen the commercials on TV, and the movies, and the billboards and let's not forget SOA...
They all promote an image of bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts that relates to freedom, simply stating that riding a motorcycle makes you feel free. Although simplistic, this concept is also true. Sure you can be free without riding a motorcycle, but it's a lot more fun if you ride one. :-)

I have to confess I was a late bloomer, and did not get my first bike until after my 30th birthday. Nevertheless, as soon as I took my first ride I knew I was hooked. Thirteen years, and 160,000 miles later, I cannot imagine not having a bike. Even if it is just going to work, being on a bike makes it a whole lot better.

I remember the time when I went for my first ride in the mountains of Colorado. The trip between Loveland and Estes Park had always been one of my favorites, and I had done literally over a hundred times by car or truck. I knew that road like the back of my hand, or so I thought. The first time on a bike felt like... well... the first time. Even though I knew all the curves lying ahead, I could now, for the first time, hear the sounds (I was riding a Honda), smell the scents and, in essence, feel the road and the mountains around me.

Even when riding is not fun or enjoyable at the moment, it becomes a memorable experience that we share with pride and nostalgia on later dates. I can think of the time when it took me and my wife 4 hours to cover 100 miles during a snow storm, or the time when I had to get off the road because of rain that was preventing me from seeing the lines on the road. Let's not forget the time I left for work in 19 degree (Fahrenheit) weather, nor the time the wind was blowing so hard on interstate 40 that it almost blew me off the road. And living in Arizona I could not forget to mention the experience of riding in 115 degrees (Fahrenheit). OK, that is just miserable!

I can honestly say that without my motorcycle I would have not seen many of the places I have been to, or met many of the people that made a difference in my life. So, whether you ride 100 miles or 1000 miles a month, get out there on your bike and enjoy yourself. You never know what you might find in your future adventures... your Highway Adventures.

Motorcycle Rallies Simple Rules

I think it is fair to say that most bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts (Yes! There is a difference) look forward to motorcycle rallies. Places like Sturgis, Daytona Beach, Laughlin, Laconia and others have become an integral part of our culture.

These events have become more and more popular, attracting bigger crowds and lots of businesses trying to make a profit. I won't get into the whole discussion about the commercialization of these gatherings, or how ridiculous it is that some of us (you know who we are) are now being discriminated against at what used to be a celebration of our lifestyle.

What I will focus on is a safety issue. More specifically the safety issue created by those "riders" who take their bikes out of the garage a handful of times each year and decide to ride in a crowded area, although they lack the skills to do so and, in many instances, while consuming alcohol. So, how about following some simple rules:

1. Use common sense and leave your ego at home: riding your bike in these rallies involves a lot of stop and go, speeding up and slowing down very quickly, maneuvering in close quarters, etc. If you don't have the skills to ride in a rally environment, don't do it. As much as I think those guys who ski off the sides of mountains look pretty cool, you would not find my ass on a double black diamond.
2. Stay sober: I know that's a no-brainer, but that is a hard one to follow for some people even on a regular weekend. It gets much worse during a rally simply because of the huge number of bikes on the road. The worst part is that usually the drunk dumbasses end up hurting other people.
3. Know and maintain your bike: check your tires, brakes, fluids, etc. Even if there is nothing wrong with you, if your bike is not safe to ride you can find yourself, and others, in a bad situation.
4. Pay attention: you might have followed all the previous rules, but the person next to you might have followed none. In this scenario "Look out for Motorcycles" doesn't apply to cars only.

And finally...

     5.  Have a great time!!!

Norway

Traveling has always been one of my favorite things to do. There is just so much to see out there. Traveling is great... traveling on a motorcycle is AWESOME! A couple of years ago my wife and I had the chance to visit Norway and, thanks to the great brotherhood we found over there, we got to ride a bike from Oslo to Bergen and more. What an unforgettable experience...

We spent a few days sightseeing in and around Oslo.

Then it was time to hit the road and head west. The weather was less than optimal, but we didn't care. We felt exhilarated to be riding a motorcycle in a foreign land for the first time.

Lærdal Tunnel (24.5 Km) is the longest road tunnel in the world.

Norway's natural landscape is breathtaking...

...the seafood is delicious!

And its history is rich.

We can't wait for the next time we get the chance to go on a trip like this. Sure, you can see places traveling by plane, bus, car... but on a motorcycle you get to experience the places, feel them. It's not just a trip, it's an adventure... a Highway Adventure.

Colorado 2013

This has always been one of my favorite trips.There is something about riding in the Rocky Mountains that is very special to me. So I took off from Phoenix on a Saturday morning and rode the first leg of the trip to Durango. This part of the trip is the least scenic, so the only picture is the one above welcoming me to the Centennial State.

After a nice meal and a relaxing evening in Durango, it was time to hit the road and start exploring the majestic scenery Colorado has to offer. I rode through some familiar roads, but also tried to take some new ones to discover unseen sites. I succeeded. :-)

At the top of Monarch pass I was tempted to take the little tramway that takes you all the way to the top. The quickly approaching storm changed my mind. You gotta love the weather in the Rockies!

On the next day, after spending the night in Golden with friends, it was time to cover my old stomping grounds: the Rocky Mountain National Park. In through Grand Lake and out in Estes Park.

On the next day, a little more of Estes Park  and its picturesque downtown shops where you can get anything and everything Colorado. Then down to Loveland and Denver - the Mile High City - with its many attractions and a night life that offers options to all tastes.

Then it was time to head west and explore some new roads. I honestly didn't care about the bad weather as I turned south after Glenwood Springs to find roads where I had not ridden before.

The last night was also spent in Durango where I sat and watched the rain fall, finding great satisfaction on the journey I had just completed and wondering where my next adventure would take me...