Despite all the lousy drivers why do I still ride?

Its been said that only a motorcycle rider understands why a dog hangs its head out the window of a moving vehicle. If you've never done a road trip on a bike you probably won't understand how true this is or its meaning.

I've had the privilege of a life on the road. Away from home for days on end, eating in a restaurant you hope will be good, sleeping in strange new areas.
To some that seems like a horrible existence whereas I cannot understand how people can drive the same clogged roads every day, week after week, to be stuck in the same office, warehouse or other pay-cheque prison only to go home to the exact same locale at the end of each day.

As a former long haul transport driver and now a traveling entertainer I have seen a lot of pavement. I have witnessed sunsets and sunrises in places I normally would've never visited. I've been the recipient of great late night shows by aurora borealis on remote roads that have stirred my soul.

Now that I am dedicated to seeing the planet on 2 wheels I get to revisit some of these same roads...only, they are different when viewed from the open cockpit of a touring motorcycle.
Familiar roads become new again, and often just days apart from your last visit.
Why?
Unlike a car, where you just sit in a moving, climate-controlled room so removed from the environment, on a bike you live what is happening every second you are out there.
Please note: I said "live" over "experience". When I am on a motorcycle trip I feel more alive than any other waking moment. Even when the moment is not pleasant. It beats an office or car prison.

Car drivers will never know the warm embrace of the sun when it pokes its head out of a chilly, cloudy day. How it can smell so vivid! While you may detect some of the odors and fragrances in a car, it is usually after you have passed the source, thus missing the connection to the area you were just part of.

That grove of cedar trees you may or may not have seen as you droned along in a car just treated my nose to a treat that you will never know in the same way.
See that mountain stream in the shaded gully? It just gave me a quick shot of nature's air conditioning. Instantly! I know that the temperature in that corner is different. Those in a car will only experience the same climate inside their cage.

The same string of corners that may make a car passenger nauseous is a thrill on a bike as you lean into them.  Feeling the rhythm of the road and, not to sound cheesy, you become one with it. You learn its personality.
Instant gratification. That is what motorcycle travel is all about. As a stand-up comic that is a drug. It is why I get on stage to hear your laughs. Instant gratification. It only makes sense to me to combine the two.
I can already hear car drivers thinking I've lost it or smoked something funny.

No, I've taken life by the handle bars and am riding it all the way! Every cool view, every roadside attraction that strikes my fancy and every wonderful curve sweeping through the countryside. I want to see it all but will settle for as many as I can get in during this life's ride.
Riding helps me escape the negative news, the injustices in society and enjoy the wonderful, if not simple, pleasures of LIFE.

I can only encourage you to do the same. Find what makes you feel alive and try to put it into as much of your life as you can. Try and see as much of this wonderful planet....before the world goes crazy!

Biker chicks are the coolest!

Recently my company put on the first Ladies Motorcycle Retreat in an effort to support the fastest growing segment of the market- lady riders.
On the suggestion of a few female pals I decided this would be a good idea and as we set it up I started to panic. "What am I doing? What if this flops? I don't know what the female mind wants...that's why I'm a bachelor!"

My fears were unjustified as it was a smashing success! A group of ladies descended upon the Nakoda Lodge, most of the attendees meeting each other for the first time. The nervousness of the first evening melted as soon as the fun and bubbly motor cycle racer, Ali Cohen did her presentation at the meet and greet.
Within and hour you could see the girls bonding, becoming friends with each other. I have never seen a group of strangers meld so quickly.


After Ali's presentation there was debate on doing a bonfire but the huge lobby fireplace seemed more inviting.
Wood burned, drinks flowed and lively chatter and laughter filled the hotel into wee hours. I too was the recipient of new found friends and helped provide some comic relief with a personal, fireplace comedy experience. What a cool bunch of people! These ladies came to make the most of the weekend and the energy was electric. I feel like I have a new group of riding sisters.

Some have asked why would a guy set up a ladies riding retreat? I asked myself that very question when it was presented to me.  What did I know about retreats, that's a girl thing. After some research I discovered that, while many motorcycle events exist, many are still very male oriented or for couples. With female riders representing the fastest growing segment of new riders they had yet to be catered to.
As fun as many motorcycle events are they have little to offer directly to the fairer sex other than music and beer tents.
We created instructional workshops geared specifically for the ladies without the interference of the guys around. A relaxing atmosphere for the girls to gain knowledge on bike maintenance , touring and riding techniques.
My team and I started to look into what to offer and, without sounding overly proud, would have to say we did a pretty damn good first attempt. The gals had such a great time they set up their own Facebook group to keep in touch and many offered to help set up/promote the next one.

This was great news for what I want to achieve in the motorcycle community.
My mission, besides seeing as much of the planet as I can on 2 wheels is:

1) Promote Safety

I  found when speaking to female riders that they are much more receptive to the concept of proper riding gear and becoming ATGATT riders, something I very much encourage. For those of you that think riding gear is too expensive or that "it will never happen to you", think about how expensive it is to take time off work to heal from injuries you may have been able to prevent...or worse. No one wants their life changed in an instant so why not reduce 

2) Help motorcycling grow

I wish to encourage more people, men and women, to get their motorcycle license, buy a bike and find out what they have been missing. Being on a motorcycle is one of the most freeing experiences I know of. You really haven't seen the planet until you've viewed it through your own 2 wheels.

Many ladies understand, riding is better when you are in control and not just a passenger. I sometime  see a look of shock and amazement from non-riders when they see a female rider. I for one encourage it!
We have to admit the sport has been male dominated since its birth however some guys are not very good role models for our image. More lady riders gives a less macho-hooligan face to the sport and in the mind of the public. That is a good thing. Their example may help change attitudes on both sides of the equation.


3) Bring riders and non-riders together
During my time on this planet I have learned, and accept, that woman, on average, are much better at social organizing than most men. If you want to get a group of friends out for fun, a female is the better choice to make sure all invitees attend as planned. Men quite often make plans for social events and then forget about them on the day of, only to find themselves still having that "one beer" hours later totally forgetting plans made previous. I am guilty as charged on more than a few occassions.

What's next? How about a motorcycle camping trip for you ladies? We are calling it the "Pamered Camper Trip" and will be to a motorcycle resort in BC with meals catered, camping in luxury and nothing to do but enjoy the ride and the trip. We've taken care of the details. Stay tuned for info very soon.
In the meantime, please check out the latest Planet Tour video.

 

Its riding season again, so please, lets all share the road.

Cheers