Lessons From A Canadian Motorcycle Ride in JANUARY

This weekend has been absolutely gorgeous. I know that overall Global warming is a bad thing, but sometimes it's hard to keep that in perspective when it's January in Ontario! Yesterday as I was driving home from a friends house, I rolled down my window and the fresh "spring" air called to me. I HAD to ride. 

The ride with Candy (my motorcycle) was amazing, but this post isn't about the ride itself. This post is about what I learned about life during my ride. With that, I will jump right into it.

1- Preparation is important, but it can only take you so far. I brought everything I needed- battery, seat, tools to install the battery/seat, warm gloves, full face helmet... I had it all planned out. However, about 20 minutes into the ride I realized I needed one more thing... CHAPS (I've put them on the list). The life lesson here is that you can and should prepare for your challenges in life, but you will never be able to plan for it all. Be OK with that.

The tools of the trade

2- A different perspective can change the game. I took my usual route- the one I have taken maybe 50 times before. The amazing part is how many new things I saw this time. With all of the trees bare, I was able to see landscapes, estates, and buildings I never knew existed. The life lesson here is that when something is boring or you are stuck on a project, go away, come back at a different time and reevaluate. You may see something that you never saw before.

In the Summer, this picture looks far different.

3- Roadblocks are temporary. Early in the spring the city installed speed bumps on the Forks of the Credit road, near Belfountain, Ontario. I had assumed that they were a permanent fixture. Turns out- they have to be removed in the Winter so that the snow plow can get by. Life lesson; Nothing is permanent- If you are experiencing a roadblock be persistent. Conditions can change and the roadblock can go away.

Smooth Sailing

3- It's not about avoiding mistakes, it's about how you act after they occur. I pulled into a lot on my route where I often stop to have a break or take pictures. I cruised right in and then as I went to stop I realized the whole lot was a sheet of wet ice... lovely. At this point, I could either worry about getting the bike out of the lot, or keep with my original plan of taking a break and some pictures. I did the latter. Afterall, I was already there and no matter what I would have to struggle to get the bike off the ice without wiping out... might as well get some pics! The life lesson here is that you WILL make mistakes (some smart and others not so much), but the important part is about figuring out how to deal with these mistakes. 

Traction? They only have that in the movies!

4- Helping people drives true satisfaction and happiness. As I was struggling to recover from my mistakes, a nice old couple pulled into the lot. They were trying to find the Caledon Ski Club, to which I gave them detailed directions (it was right around the corner). Despite my happiness about being able to take Candy for a spin, this was the most rewarding part of my day. They were so grateful for the help. Life Lesson here- Take time to help people. Even small acts will make you feel good and make the world a better place.

5- Getting dirty is required- Might as well enjoy it. Although it was warm, the roads were wet, sandy, and conditions were far from ideal. My jacket, helmet, boots, pants, and bike were all FILTHY by the time I was done. It didn't matter. The life lesson here is that to have any fun or get any of your goals accomplished you will have to get dirty. Don't worry about it, as you can always take a shower and start fresh anytime you like.

Anyone have a blow dryer?

6- Action is all that matters. There were so many reasons NOT to go for a ride, but it was worth the trouble. The life lesson is that many people can talk about their ideas and what could be true, but those who take action get ahead and reach their goals. Start something today.