Out Front,

    Still working out of town but I’ve been able to make the meetings and the weekend rides. The 555 ride in June was great, southern Ohio is just what we / I were hoping for. The ride down took most of the day and the weather was wonderful. Arrived at the motel unpacked had some dinner went for ice cream, perfect. Just for the record most of those that didn’t ride home with Loren and me got wet.

    Barb and I were able to make the Traverse City Run in July. We had to deal with motel reservation problems late in the planning stages, but we made different arrangements and all stayed at the same place. Scheduling conflicts and work situations prevented some from making the trip. Day one, left dealership 7:30 breakfast in Lansing 10:00, two stops between breakfast and the cabins near Crystal Lake and the Betsie River . Arrived at the cabins about 2:30 having traveled about 275 mi. We moved into our accommodations, surveyed the area, gathered the group together and went to dinner. After dinner we rode around Crystal Lake which is near Lake Mich. Enjoyed the view of Lake Michigan with the sun setting, we walked downtown Frankfort and had ice cream. Dinner ride and ice cream 75 mi. Day two: Left for a french toast breakfast at 7:30am in Charlevoix, after breakfast we traveled the Tunnel of Trees on our way to Mackinaw City and the Bridge. Stopped for dinner in Petoskey, rode back to Traverse City picked up some snacks, stopped at Moomers Ice Cream before returning to the cabins. 350 mi. Day three: Was Leelanau Peninsula day, after an eighty five mile ride to Charlevoix for French toast, worth the trip. The Leelanau Peninsula is on the west side of Grand Traverse Bay , just a great spot. We stopped in Leeland for smoked fish to have at the campfire along with our smacks and beverages. We also stopped in Glen Arbor at the Cherry Republic , for our cherry fix. Items from cherry hamburgers, to cherry salsa, chocolate covered cherries, cherry wine, cherry granola, you get the picture. Returning to Benzonia Mi. where the cabins were located in time to enjoy the campfire and all of our food treasures. 250 mi. Tried to eat and drink all we had purchased no room on the bikes for anything but what we brought, and maybe a jar of cherry salsa. Day four: on the road at 8:00. rode till we needed gas and food. Filled ourselves and the gas tanks in Mt. Pleasant Mi. stopped in Jackson for gas and to let the skies clear some and move to the east and north. Left with our rain gear on but never needed it. Home about 4:00pm. 270 mi. Barb and I had friends join us on this Traverse City weekend. Dana and Kelli are finding out what this Harley thing is all about, with Dana’s permission I would like you to read the e-mail he sent soon after the ride. Read and enjoy.

A few things I learned on my motorcycle trip, Dana Johnson:

For the last few days, I can't help but keep thinking back about my first motorcycle trip.  I keep thinking about how it has affected and even changed me, and how maybe I should write about it. Here are a few of the things I have learned (and/or been reminded of) so far...

1) You don't always need to know where you are, or where you are going to have a great time.   You don't have to be going anywhere in particular.   Life really is as much or more about the journey as it is the destination.

2) Some things are just better done with groups of people, instead of just alone or in pairs.

3) You don't always need as much as you may think you do in order to be just fine.  In fact, sometimes less is better.

4) A little pain is not always a bad thing.  Maybe it is just a sign that you are doing something, and even growing.  Pain is all just another part of life.  Shake it off if you can and smile through it, and look for the good hidden behind it.  It usually fades quick enough, and makes it easier to bear.

5) You can grow close to people very quickly, even when you don't do a lot of talking.  Traveling and eating together, trusting and watching out for each other, and sharing common experiences together means a lot.

6) You can do things that you did not think or even realize you can do, especially with a little encouragement, guidance and support.  You can go farther, see and do more than you think if you do not limit yourself too quickly.  

7) There is no substitute for experience.   So, appreciate all the experiences you have had and are having now, and experience all you can.  And respect the experience of others, because you can learn and grow through their experiences too.

8) The weather changes every few thousand feet or so.  I imagine that people who got around on horseback knew this quite well.  But I think that most people getting around in cars and trucks don't realize how alive, changing, diverse and dynamic the living world around them really is.  They go through it semi-conscious.  Fully conscious is better.  I love all kinds of weather.

9) No matter how much you prepare and try to protect yourself, sometimes you are just going to get caught in a downpour.  It pays to be able to laugh. 

10) Now is what really matters most.   Do what you can to make your now the best it can be.  This has more to do with your mind than anything else.  Don't worry too much about the past or the future.  Be as fully present as you can be, wherever you are.   This has more to do with relaxing than with focus.

11) I am blessed with the greatest wife in the world  (I knew this one before my trip, but I got to be reminded of it).    I am blessed with some really cool friends too.

That's pretty much it for now.  Thank you to everyone who played a part in accompanying me on my journey of discovery.  It's nice to know I can still learn so much in my 50's.  This was one of the best and most needed vacations I have had in quite some time.  You all added to my experience and I am forever grateful.

LIVE TO RIDE,  RIDE TO LIVE.  (I really get it now)

Love, DR J

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