With the way that weeks seem to zip by in a blink, it’ll be 2018 before you know it. I’ve been trying to mentally walk back through all the places I’ve been and things I’ve seen this year. As someone who often feels like they never go anywhere and never does anything but work, this type of reminiscing is good for me.
It is so easy for me to succumb to what have you done for me lately thinking. Hell, I just reminded myself that I started the year off by leaving Las Vegas and spending New Years Day in Death Valley, California. I’d completely forgotten. Isn’t that sad?
So on the heels of that, I’m putting together some 2017 in Review posts – photos, notes and whatnot recapping the year. Why not join me on your own blog? Tell us about your 2017.
Now that we are just around the corner from the close of 2011, I find myself reflecting on some of my favorite moments and blog posts throughout the year:
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January
We kicked off the year right with a trip around Manhattan island on New Years Day. Similar to the tradition that says the person you kiss at the stroke of midnight on New Years is the person you will kiss all year – the Isle of Manhattan ride set the tone for the remainder of 2011.
By the time March rolls around, you’re wishing for spring in the worst way. You’ll look for any excuse to get out and spend some time on the bike. I decided that taking a ride around the east end of Long Island to visit it’s windmills would be a perfect way to court the warm weather.
It didn’t work. It was freezing.
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April
April brought us the big milestone of Chloe getting her first motorcycle. Someday, she’ll look back and say “I learned to ride when I was a kid…” and this will be what she remembers about getting her first motorcycle.
Throughout all of 2011 there are a few standout riding moments that really left a mark on me. Once of them was being in the warm, golden light of the late afternoon on the Blue Ridge Parkway with my dear friend, Bill.
When you have a stretch of the Blue Ride all to yourself… it is quite magical. Dare I say, perfect.
July had a few days that were positively SIZZLING. Luckily for us (not) one of the hottest days of the year was the day of the AltRider/Giantloop dual sport adventure ride in Pennsylvania.
Kenny, GL and I spent the day having a blast on the rocks. And I got a chance to meet a couple really nice people, like John from New York, Harold from Giant Loop and Eric from RideAdv.com.
Meeting other bloggers who are out on the road is a cool experience. In August, I hooked up with Chris from EverydayRiding.org while he was on a tour of the Northeast. You never know what you’re going to get when you meet someone you think you “know” from their writing. As it turns out… Chris is a great guy. I felt like I knew him forever.
On my way back down to the ferry to head home, I also got to meet John from John’s Alaska. Bonus!
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September
In September, Kenny and I took our yearly “big trip”. We found ourselves back out in California bumming around. The trip… was heavenly.
Rather than hitting the mall on Black Friday, we did what girls REALLY love to do: we headed out for a family motorcycle ride. I love riding motorcycles with Chloe <3
In December my friends and I donned our big red suits and hit the road. It was absolutely one of my favorite rides of the year. Making someone else happy is the best gift you can give yourself.
2011 was filled with lots of laughter, many happy miles and a few adventures along the way. I hope that you find the same to be true. Wishing you all the best in the new year.
Hope to see you on the road.
XOX, -R.
2009 in Review: 100 Things I’ve Learned About Motorcycling
2009 was an excellent year here in Fuzzygalore-land. I’m blessed with good health, a great family, prosperity and an amazing group of motorcycle friends from around the world.
100 Things I’ve Learned in 2009
If for a split second the thought “I should stop to look at that” crosses my mind, I should indeed stop.
My friends will wait – No excuses necessary.
My motorcycle blog is my blog. I have to remember to not feel bad because it’s not like someone else’s motorcycle blog.
I still need to work on handing out my trust.
I no longer want to do track days. That time has come and gone.
A Costa Rican bike tour is on my short list.
I need to let other people lead and make routes.
It’s okay to make friends with other riders. Not everyone is a squid.
At this point I much prefer a textile jacket.
I’m still not tolerant enough to be nice when people ask if “I’m hot in that.”
When most years come to a close and I take stock of my time riding I always arrive at the same sentiment. I didn’t ride as much as I wanted to. Well, as I sit here on the last day of 2009 it is no different. I didn’t ride as much as I’d have liked to. But, the riding that I did do was pretty great.
Riding through the Daniel Boone National Forest in May. Our friend Pimmie was here from The Netherlands to enjoy it with us. That made it extra special.
Early spring ride out to Montauk. I was just getting my sea legs back and it felt good to just be out in the world. I can still remember what it felt like to eat my lunch in the sunshine.
Finally getting to meet Soth and the guys from SuspectsUnlimited for a dayride. The stopping is just as much fun as the going. Building a friendship with a man who shares a passion for life and riding was an important moment this year.
The Ramapo 500 Covered Bridge Tour. Great riding and sights through New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Looking forward to seeing what their ride for 2010 will be!
I can’t wait to see where the road takes us in 2010!