When Is It Safe to Ride with Your Kids?

I was fortunate enough to be able to spend some quality time with my two boys while home on vacation. We took a great hike, got muddy and climbed some trees. The day could not have been better! Often I have thought that I would love to take one of the boys on a cycle ride. Heck, my wife used to ride with me all the time, but now she refuses stating, “If we got into an accident then the boys would have no one”. Her logic is clear enough, and it stems from her love of our children, so who am I to judge. Now my oldest child is turning seven, and I would love to include him in my love for anything motorcycles. I am not talking about a two week trek. What I am talking about are just quick jaunts to local hiking trails, the park, the lake and the ice cream stands. The quality time we could spend together would be immeasurable. The argument is moot because my wife will not allow it, but I still wonder about the question “when is safe for a child to ride on a motorcycle?”
I believe ultimately that it must be the parent’s choice, but I know that there must be some individual state laws that say something about it. Any thoughts on the subject?

Kiss a Veteran Every Day

We live in the microcosms of our own lives, and we rarely self reflect on the ills of our fellow man. Every day we should think about those less fortunate than ourselves and hopefully take action to assist others in need. On November 11th we celebrate the service of our Veterans. It is my belief that Veterans should be honored on a daily basis not just once a year.
Veterans Day gets its history from the end of World War I. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Germans signed an Armistice to end the war, which was supposed to end all wars.
Legislation was passed in 1938 to make Armistice Day a National Holiday dedicated to the cause of world peace and gave tribute to World War I Veterans as well. In 1954, the United States officially made Armistice Day into Veterans Day.
Veterans Day is a special time to remember deceased veterans as well as thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military. Memorial Day honors service members who died in service to their country.

Jury Duty Has Its Privileges

It was a call to perform Jury Duty which brought me home from Atlanta, GA and I was able to slip one last ride along the Erie Canal before Old Man Winter covers this whole region with a blanket of snow. The Erie Canal connects Lake Erie with the Hudson River along approximately 363 miles of artificial waterways. Construction of the canal began in 1817 and was completed in 1832. Back in the day the Erie Canal was immensely successful. The railroads, the St. Lawrence Seaway and the New York State Thruway sealed the Erie Canals commercial demise. In the 1990’s the Erie Canal received a major overhaul and now is a recreation way which consist of mostly pleasure boats.

A Distance to Travel

Being on a cycle moves me, literally and figuratively. There is nothing like going for a quick jaunt down to the local park or taking a day ride through the rural areas of your own back yard. These expeditious trips do much for the betterment of mind and body. After a few hours on the cycle, I usually feel bliss beyond measure. The day’s journey on the road does its part by making me a better husband, dad and provider. For many of us two wheeled fanatics, these trips serve us as a quasi fountain of youth. We may look old on the exterior, but inside we’re as new and vibrant as our fondest memories. Though these excursions are fantastic, it is the 6 to 8 day road trip that brings my soul to another dimension. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to take 3 different far-reaching adventures on my cycle. Each excursion has been approximately 1500 miles of pure soulful joy. It’s not about the places I have been; it’s about how I felt getting there.

Rules of My Road Trip-
1.Itineraries are for office dwellers. Leave them home along with your watch.
2.Locals are the best resource for great routes and places to see.
3.Live outside the box. As long as it’s safe then give it a try.
4.Take in all the wondrous moment while on the road and save them for a rainy day.

Last year my goal was to get to Nova Scotia. Well I never did make it into Canada, but had the time of my life trying to get there.
In reality every individual is different in the way in which they like to plan their route and trip. No way is better than the other. The important thing is that you are out on two wheels searching for that permanent smile beyond the horizon.