Peace Love Moto - Where Motorcycling meets Mindfulness

Paul Kraus - How Vintage Motorcycles Teach Mindfulness

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0600

A vintage motorcycle can be more than a machine. It can be a mirror, a mentor, and sometimes the only quiet place left in a loud week. Paul Kraus joins me for a conversation that starts with a family-restored 1947 Wizard motorbike and expands into why riding and wrenching can be powerful tools for motorcycle mindfulness, stress relief, and better relationships.

We talk about the ritual of gearing up, the way a long ride strips away distraction, and why hands-on craftsmanship still matters in a screen-first world. Paul shares a simple framework he calls the four Ps: patience, presence, perspective, and purpose. We connect it to real life leadership pressure, emotional management, and that hard line many of us struggle to draw between work and home. If you have ever finished a ride feeling more like yourself, you will recognize what we are pointing at.

We also dig into the Colorado Vintage Motorcycle Show and the surprising stories old bikes can pull out of people, plus the deep satisfaction of restoring and maintaining classic motorcycles with your own hands. If you enjoy vintage motorcycle restoration, purpose-driven riding, or you just need a reset, this conversation is for you.

COLORADO VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE SHOW:

https://www.instagram.com/coloradovintagemotorcycle/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/coloradovintagemotorcycleshow/

Tags: Mindfulness, Motorcycle riding, mindful motorcycling, motorcycle therapy, nature connection, peace on two wheels, Rocky Mountain tours, rider self-discovery, spiritual journey, motorcycle community, open road philosophy.

Colorado Destinations - Burt Rashbaum and the Carousel of Happiness

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0600

A motorcycle road can take you somewhere beautiful, but every so often it takes you somewhere Truly Amazing. We point our ride toward Nederland, Colorado, tucked along the Peak to Peak Highway, to visit a place I can’t stop talking about: the Carousel of Happiness. It’s a must-stop for a Colorado motorcycle ride, but it’s also good for your Soul.

I’m joined by Burt Rashbaum, a poet, musician, novelist and Carousel Operator who sometimes dances in it’s center with a clown nose on. Burt shares how a kid from Brooklyn fell in love with the Rockies, why Nederland feels like a haven for outsiders and artists, and what he’s learned from meeting people from around the world one conversation at a time. If you’re hungry for things to do in Nederland, Colorado that aren’t touristy and still feel personal, you’ll want to hear what he describes.

We also dig into the origin story that gives the carousel its weight. Scott Harrison, a Vietnam veteran, began carving as a way to heal and to honor friends he lost. That grief turned into something public, musical, and stubbornly hopeful. Burt tells stories of veterans being seen, older riders weeping without warning, disabled kids lighting up with pure joy, and why the motto “Don’t Delay Joy” is more than a nice slogan.

If you’ve been feeling worn down by the world, this ride is a reminder that real connection still exists and it can change you.

Resources:

https://carouselofhappiness.org/

From Where We Came

Of the Carousel (Poems)

Becoming an American

Tears for My Mother

A Century of Love

Feeling Lucky? Miracles and Motorcycles

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0600

A normal coffee run in downtown Loveland flips a switch in my head. At one table, I’m trying to write and think, and a young man paces near the door, locked into a world I can’t enter. Behind me, six teens with Down syndrome laugh with a kind of joy adults tend to hide. Sitting in that room, it hits me how high the walls can be for some people and how casually the rest of us move through doors we didn’t have to earn.

That perspective follows me back to a recent 280-mile Colorado motorcycle ride on my BMW GS. I crossed the Continental Divide, rolled through Winter Park and old mining towns, and chased the kind of twisty mountain roads that make you slow down in the best way. Adventure riding in Colorado is gorgeous, but the bigger point isn’t the scenery, it’s what it takes to experience it: clear senses, steady balance, fast judgment, and a brain that quietly processes an endless stream of risk and information.

Motorcycle riding is a complex neurological dance we treat as normal. Throttle precision, clutch control, braking, scanning for gravel and shadows, reading traffic, choosing lines, and adjusting to changing traction all happen at speed, often without conscious thought. That ability is autonomy, and autonomy is a gift. If you ride, take a second before you gear up, check your gratitude, and remember that simply reaching the handlebars is something to be thankful for.

Subscribe for more stories that make the miles mean something, share this with a friend who rides, and leave a review if it resonates. What’s one moment that reminded you riding is a privilege?

A Mindful Approach to All The Gear - All The Time

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 22:00:00 -0600

The easiest way to change a ride isn’t a new exhaust or a faster route. It’s the quiet minute before the engine starts, when you pull on your jacket, slide into your gloves, and hear that helmet strap click into place. We’ve all heard ATGATT as a safety rule, but we’ve started to see it as something deeper: a ritual that slows us down, steadies our mind, and helps us ride with real presence.

From cold Colorado mornings to a tour-guide story in Rocky Mountain National Park, we unpack a practical truth riders and hikers both learn fast: your body makes heat, and your clothing traps it. That small detail explains a lot about comfort, wind chill, and why the right motorcycle jacket, helmet, gloves, pants, and boots can turn tension into ease. When you’re warm and properly protected, you’re not wrestling your gear or bracing for discomfort. You’re free to pay attention to the road, your body position, and the moment you’re actually in.

We also go beyond motorcycle safety gear and into mindset. Gearing up can be a form of mindful riding, a discipline that mirrors meditation: deliberate, sensory, and focused. And when you treat protection as gratitude, the whole meaning shifts. The ride matters, but the rider is irreplaceable. If you want more calm on two wheels and a better relationship with risk, preparation, and peace of mind, press play. Subscribe, share this with a riding friend, and leave a review with your favorite pre-ride ritual.

The Voice in His Helmet: John Gorley shares a Father-Daughter Story

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0600

John is "The Voice in My Helmet" on Instagram, but there is so much more to this story.

What if a single ride could reset your sense of time, place, and what truly matters? We sit down with John Gorley from eastern New Mexico—yes, the neighbor down the dirt road where the stars burn bright—to trace a journey that moves from Route 66 nostalgia to the modern meaning of riding for peace, love, and presence. This isn’t a gear checklist or a speed brag. It’s a story of how two wheels can carry us into deeper connection with each other and the land.

We start with small towns and big skies, then zoom into the centennial energy around Route 66 and what happens when interstates bypass history. John’s Honda Goldwing becomes a quiet hero: a machine so smooth it disappears, leaving the ride to do the talking. The heart beats loudest during a father-daughter trip that runs Albuquerque to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas, then drops into Death Valley where June heat boils gas and vapor-lock forces a hard stop. Less than a day later, they’re above 12,000 feet in Yosemite, playing in snow. In between, there’s ice cream, laughter after a parking lot tip-over, Highway 1’s cliffs, the Avenue of the Giants’ humbling scale, and the eerie beauty of Nevada’s Highway 50, the loneliest road with Pony Express ghosts and a horizon that never seems to arrive.

“The voice in my helmet” isn’t a brand—it was his daughter, the navigator, the companion who turned miles into meaning. When she said he’d miss that voice, she named a feeling every rider knows: the way presence sounds when you’re truly in it. John now uses that phrase on Instagram to share short, unscripted notes from the road—sunrises, quiet encouragement, and reminders to notice the light. We talk about why positivity matters, how riding can dissolve worry, and why gratitude grows when we choose the slow road, the older route, the scenic pass. Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway, Silverton’s night silence after the last steam train departs, and the Cumbres and Toltec line add texture to the map and proof that wonder is a renewable resource.

If you crave stories that honor small places, reliable bikes, family bonds, and the simple joy of stepping outside, this one’s for you. Hit play, ride with us through heat and snow, and rediscover the peace that waits on the other side of the next bend. If it resonates, subscribe, share with a riding friend, and leave a review to help others find the road.

Ride With Confidence: Derek Hildreth solves your "Is My Bike Ready?" anxiety

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0700

Most of us don't ride to get somewhere. We ride to get back to ourselves. But there's one thing that has a quiet way of stealing that feeling before you even throw a leg over the bike: the nagging question in the back of your mind. Did I take care of it? Is it ready?

That question hits a little harder when you're planning a big adventure ride or loading up for a long weekend on the road. The last thing you want at mile 200 is to wish you'd checked something at mile zero.

Derek Hildreth is a rider from Belgrade, Montana, who knows that feeling all too well. After one too many sessions scrolling through a mile-long notes app trying to piece together his maintenance history, he did what any self-respecting engineer would do. He built something better. That something is LookOver, a maintenance tracking app built for riders who take care of their own machines, whether that's an adventure bike, a cruiser, or anything else in the garage.

But what struck me most in talking with Derek wasn't the app. It was the why behind it. Because at its core, LookOver exists to protect something we all come here to talk about: that mental space that riding gives you. When your machine is taken care of, you can stop thinking and start riding. Three words sum it up perfectly: Keep Riders Riding.

We talk about Derek's origin story, how the app works, and why that quiet confidence of a well-maintained machine might be one of the most underrated parts of the riding experience.

If this resonates, subscribe, share it with a rider in your life, and leave us a review. And tell us: what does your pre-ride ritual look like? Do you check the bike, or just trust it and go?

Connect with Derek and LookOver:

Website: https://lookover.app

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lookover-powersports/id6742913673

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lookoverpowersports.app

Instagram: https://instagram.com/lookover.app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lookoverapp

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lookover-app

Motorcycles, Mindfulness and Our Community: The Beautiful Mess

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the Peace Love Moto podcast, we explore the metaphor of a diverse musical playlist—ranging from Billy Idol to Karen Carpenter—to describe the eclectic community of motorcycle riders. We acknowledge the weight of modern-day stresses, from global economic shifts to the rise of AI, and positions motorcycling as an essential emotional rescue. Ultimately, the episode celebrates how a shared passion for riding can bridge societal divides, creating a "wonderful world" where differences in gear, bikes, and backgrounds disappear once the garage door opens and the engine starts.

Keywords:

Motorcycle Community
Peace Love Moto
Riding Harmony
Diversity in Biking
Emotional Rescue

Finding Your Zen in Slow Motion: How Motorcycling Can Make You Smarter

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0700

A stubborn work problem melts away somewhere between the wind, the road, and a quiet mind. We open with that moment of surprise clarity—the kind that shows up far from your desk—and follow it to a simple truth: speed isn’t the same as intelligence. By tracing the difference between frantic output and smooth focus, we explore why riding slower can help you think better, decide cleaner, and actually enjoy your time off.

I share the pressures of fast culture—fail fast mantras, last‑minute decks, and AI-fueled urgency—and the real cognitive tax they charge. Then we pivot to an unlikely teacher: a 10 mph scooter ride to a coffee shop. Through that small habit, three insights emerge. The range paradox shows how steady pace preserves mental stamina, much like a battery lasts longer off full throttle. The high-resolution factor proves that lowering speed sharpens perception, turning background blur into the details that feed creativity. And the human connection that shows up at walking pace—hellos, brief chats, shared smiles—reminds us that clear thinking is social as much as it is cerebral.

Across the ride, we talk about practical ways to design slow into a busy life. Think short, intentional low-speed rides without distractions, simple routes near water or trees, and a pocket notebook for when answers surface unannounced. If a motorcycle isn’t handy, swap in a quiet walk or transit ride without headphones; the principle is the same: reduce noise, widen awareness, and let associative thought do its quiet work. We close with honest reflections on time, regret, and the choice to practice mindfulness now rather than someday.

If you’re craving fewer frantic sprints and more real breakthroughs, this one is for you. Take it for a spin, then try a deliberate slow ride before your next big decision. If it sparks something, share the episode, subscribe for more Peace Love Moto stories, and leave a quick review so others can find the show.

Simon Josey: Motorcycle Filmmaking & REEL Riders

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0700

From the rolling hills of New Zealand to the technical Singapore licensing exams, Simon Josey has seen the world from two wheels. I had a blast sitting down with the host of the REEL Riders podcast to talk about our shared love for German engineering, the upcoming Adventure Motorcycle Film Festival in the UK’s stunning Lake District and much more. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to cross three international borders before lunch or why some motorcycle films just feel right, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

The heartbeat of the episode is the launch of the Adventure Motorcycle Film Festival in the UK’s Lake District—a sold-out debut that curated over 50 global submissions down to a dozen standout films. We talk candidly about programming a lineup that moves an audience through tension, humor, and quiet; the logistics of wrangling formats and files across borders; and why keeping the project independent matters to creators and viewers alike. If you’ve ever wondered why some moto films “just feel right,” you’ll leave with a clearer checklist and new favorites to seek out.

Threaded through it all is mental health and community. Weekly rides as ritual. Partners who make time possible. Dogs who reshape a work-from-home life. And the steady truth that two wheels can carry more than a rider—they can carry a week’s worth of noise away.

Subscribe, share this with a rider who needs a lift, and leave a quick review to help more folks find our corner of the road. Then tell us: what motorcycle film captured the feeling best for you?

https://reelriders.buzzsprout.com/

https://www.instagram.com/reel.riders/

https://www.youtube.com/@ReelridersTV

#REELRiders #BMWmotorrad #R1250GS #R1250RT #AdventureRiding #MotorcycleCinema #MotoTravel #NewEpisode

Zen and the Art of the Ride: What is “Quality”?

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0700

The road can feel loud, but the right kind of attention turns that noise into a steady hum you can breathe with. We take you from a crisp Colorado ride to the heart of Robert Persig’s “Quality with a capital Q,” exploring how craftsmanship, presence, and care reshape what it means to be a motorcyclist. This isn’t about escape. It’s about arrival—arriving at a clearer mind, a calmer body, and a deeper relationship with the machine that carries you there.

We start with simple, durable truths: a decades-old heated jacket that still works, a bike that lights up without complaint, and the way small acts of care—checking pressures, listening for a rattle, cleaning a connection—compound into trust. From there, we connect the dots between maintenance and mindfulness. Tightening a bolt becomes a practice in patience; the garage becomes a quiet dojo. On the road, that preparation shows up as flow: distractions fall away, the line appears, and rider and bike feel like one moving thought. You don’t push for peace; you notice it, mile by mile.

Along the way we challenge the myth of efficiency as speed. Real efficiency comes from doing fewer things with more care—less hurry, fewer errors, more joy per mile. We share how this shift changes your riding life: smoother inputs, better margins, a friendlier relationship with weather and fatigue. And over time, the machine stops being just technology; it becomes a trusted partner that knows your lean, your touch, and your need for a good, honest smile behind the visor.

If this resonates, ride with us—subscribe, share the episode with a friend who needs a calmer road, and leave a review to help more riders find their way to quality time on two wheels.

Ben Rubin: How A Motorcycle Teaches Hope, Presence and Community

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0700

A motorcycle can’t manufacture peace for you, but it can make just enough space for peace to find you. That’s the heartbeat of our conversation with Ben Rubin, the Mindful Motorcycle, as we explore how presence shows up on the road when you stop forcing outcomes and start meeting each moment as it arrives.

Ben shares the arc from early chaos to long-term sobriety, and how trust rebuilt over time opened the door to riding. A winter slide on a starter bike became a lesson in resilience. Later, a first highway run delivered a surprise: the very same stillness he feels on a meditation cushion. We talk about storms—both literal and personal—and why the buffalo teaches the most honest path forward: through is the fastest way out. Hope isn’t a slogan; it’s the choice to assess your gear, check your tires, ask for help, and proceed with care, knowing weather changes.

We dig into community and recovery, from the power of 12-step rooms to the quiet nod between strangers at a gas station. Under leather and helmets we find softness, the shared vulnerability of people who choose risk for the chance to feel truly alive. We contrast tech comfort with real connection, acknowledging how AI and automation can’t replace eye contact, shared rides, or a kind word offered at the right time. Service becomes the antidote to isolation—give time, give resources, give attention—and watch joy return through the act of helping.

Ben hints at new projects—a YouTube channel, a possible podcast, and rides with listeners—each grounded in the same simple ethic: show up, be present, and let the road do its work. If you’ve ever felt a storm building on your horizon, this conversation offers a map: breathe, gear up, and enter the weather. Peace has a way of meeting you halfway when you move with intention.

If this resonates, subscribe, share with a riding friend, and leave a review. Tell us: where have you found calm when life got loud?

What Happened to Laura? - A Ride, A Stranger and the Mental Health Crisis

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0700

From the archives, first aired on May, 2024, I feel that this was one of our most impactful and important episodes.

In this poignant and unexpected episode of Peace Love Moto, we take a detour from our planned celebration of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to reflect on a chance encounter that left a lasting mark.

While enjoying a quiet afternoon ride to "The Forks" near the Wyoming border, our host crosses paths with a young woman named Laura. Walking alone toward a busy highway and talking to herself, Laura serves as a sudden, heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of the human mind and the invisibility of those suffering from mental illness.

Be the Cowboy: Mastering the Art of Adventure Riding Gear

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0700

Ever wonder why certain riders look like they belong to the road? We dig into that feeling and the function behind it, tracing smart motorcycle gear back to timeless cowboy wisdom. From a Texas upbringing around farms and ranches to mountain passes in Colorado, we share how a practical “uniform” shapes confidence, comfort, and control—and why the right kit matters long before a crash.

We start at the top, treating the helmet like a modern wide-brim hat: a portable shade that cuts sun, wind, and fatigue so your brain stays sharp. Then we break down long-sleeve jackets that prevent dehydration and stop road debris from turning into injuries, with a clear case for armor that actually sits where you land. We get into the realities of lower-body protection, comparing denim and chaps to today’s reinforced pants that handle heat, friction, and the slide you hope never comes. Finally, we plant our feet with real moto boots—why grip and ankle support beat sneakers at an oily stoplight, and how a good sole turns wobbles into control.

Along the way, we talk identity: why some of us prefer dust over shine, how looking the part signals readiness rather than vanity, and how the lineage of travelers—cowboys to riders—shapes the way we move through towns and trails. The stories tie memories of hayfields and tractors to the present-day ride, proving that preparedness is its own kind of freedom. If you’ve ever wondered whether gear changes the experience, this is your nudge to suit up with purpose, not just style.

Ride with us, then tell us your most valuable piece of kit and why it earned its place. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs better boots, and leave a quick review so more riders can find their road.

The Abstract Joy Of Motorcycling

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0700

This may be what Motorcycling is all about. Remember when coloring outside the lines felt like a small act of rebellion that somehow made everything brighter? That spark never left—you just needed a throttle to find it again.

We open the garage and watch the math of daily life fade, replaced by the living canvas of the road. Cars deliver us through a controlled world where settings, lanes, and GPS soothe uncertainty. On a motorcycle, the rules shift. The senses take over. Rain announces itself before the clouds break, canyons exhale cold into your sleeves, and the road’s texture hums through your hands. It’s not transport; it’s a conversation.

Ride with us as we turn the commute’s math into the artist’s canvas, invite the senses to lead, and rediscover peace in the simplest loop around home. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a rider who gets it, and leave a quick review to help others find their way back to the joy of coloring outside the lines.

Three Years of Guests: Peace Love Moto

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 21:00:00 -0700

In this special retrospective episode, we revisit the wisdom, stories, and shared passions of some of the the guests who have helped define Peace Love Moto. From the high peaks of the Himalayas to the rainy streets of Belgium, and from the glossy pages of magazines to the gritty reality of war zones, we explore the common thread that binds us all: the search for peace, connection, and joy on two wheels.

In this episode, we reflect on conversations with:

Florian Neuhauser (Roadrunner Magazine): On carrying a family legacy and the tactical joy of paper maps in a digital world. @roadrunner_motorcycle https://www.roadrunner.travel/
Mark Hawwa (Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride): Breaking macho stereotypes and using classic bikes to save lives. @markhawwa @gentlemansride
Rob Hamilton: Connecting with Mother Nature at "the speed of life." @moto_feelz
Sebastian Schoepe (Eagle Rider): How renting a motorcycle can be a gateway to freedom and family. @eaglerider
Brett & Melissa Wilson (Mountain Zen Den): The parallels between the saddle of a horse and the seat of a motorcycle. @mountainzenden
Ben Rubin (The Mindful Motorcycle): Using the ride as a deliberate practice of presence and healing. @themindfulmotorcycle
Brady McLean (Go Fast, Don’t Die): Why safety isn't about the absence of danger, but the presence of intention. @gofastdontdie
Kirsten Madura (Engines for Change) and Kiki Azim : Motorcycles as vehicles for social good and finding resilience in breakdowns. @enginesforchange @rebels_withacause
Hunter Matthews: A masterclass in gratitude and finding joy when the handlebars are no longer an option.
Neil Bailey: Finding humanity and quiet resilience in war-torn Ukraine. @nealebaylyrides. https://wellspring-outreach.org/
Kim Casaras: The mental fortitude required to ride to Mount Everest Base Camp.
Elysia Skye: On motorcycling as a moving meditation that clears mental burdens. https://elysiaskye.com/. @thebrilliancemethod
Nieta De Jung: Shifting our mindset from wrestling the machine to dancing with it in the rain.
Charlie Hansen Reed (Janice Motorcycles): The stories and memories etched into the metal of our bikes.

The Secret Bond of Bad Weather Riders

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Today, we reflect on why tough rides feel more meaningful than perfect-day cruises and how wind, cold, and grit sharpen presence. Along the way, we explore what the bad-weather wave is, aging with intention, and the quiet joy of doing hard things safely.

Why We Need Classic TV and Motorcycles: The Art of Simplicity

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In a world saturated by 24-hour news cycles, social media notifications, and constant digital noise, we are often left feeling burned out and overwhelmed. In this episode of Peace Love Moto, we explore the "Art of Subtraction."

Ron discusses the surprising mental health benefits of "shows about nothing" (like Seinfeld and SpongeBob SquarePants), shares a personal realization about his vision after retiring from the corporate IT world, and explains why the simple act of a motorcycle ride is the ultimate tool for mindfulness. Join us as we tune out the chaos and tune in to the open road.

Key Topics:

The Saturation Point: Why modern life leaves us mentally exhausted.
The Seinfeld Effect: How watching simple, predictable television helps the brain rest.
A Personal Detox: Ron shares how retiring from Corporate America improved his physical eyesight.
The Flow State: How riding a motorcycle silences the "monkey mind" and replaces multitasking with pure physics.
The Challenge: A simple exercise to test your vision and your peace of mind this week.

Blue Highways: Mindfulness on the Backroads

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 23:00:00 -0700

Step off the interstate and into a different kind of ride. We open with gratitude for a listener who reminded us that joy is a worthy destination, then point our front wheels toward the slower roads that reshape how we see, breathe, and connect. The smells change, the pace softens, and the world stops rushing past. That’s where the ride becomes more than miles.

Guided by William Least Heat-Moon’s Blue Highways, we explore a simple rule that changes everything: skip the main highways and follow the quiet lines on the map. It’s not about nostalgia; it’s about attention. We talk through why motion calms the mind, how rhythmic travel acts like moving meditation, and why the most meaningful moments happen when the kickstand goes down and the helmet comes off. The real treasure isn’t the scenery alone, but the people you meet when you choose to linger—waitresses with town histories, old-timers at gas pumps, and strangers with road tips you’ll never find on an app.

You’ll hear a practical challenge to turn philosophy into practice: plan a highway‑free route, build in stops, and start one real conversation. Trade speed for presence and efficiency for curiosity. Whether you ride Colorado dirt or county lanes in Italy, this approach turns any afternoon into a story worth keeping. Along the way, we tackle the myth that the world is mostly unfriendly, and we make the case that kindness is common—you just have to leave room for it.

If this resonates, share it with a rider who needs a calmer road, subscribe for more mindful moto stories, and tell us your name, where you’re from, and what you ride. Your blue highway is out there—ready to find it with us?

How Much Time Do You Have Left to Ride? Make everyday count.

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 22:00:00 -0700

What if your calendar measured miles, not meetings? Today, I share why I walked away from a globe‑spanning tech role at 63 and how a simple question—how many rides are left—reshaped everything from morning routines to long‑range routes. The story starts with a box of old home videos, a flood of perspective, and a quiet realization that freedom only counts if your body and mind can enjoy it.

We dive into the nuts and bolts of protecting time on two wheels: the health habits that keep you riding longer, the mindset shift from scarcity to intention, and a planning method that turns “someday” into scheduled miles. Ron breaks down how he and his wife prepared for retirement, what business travel took out of him, and what opens up when you swap quarterly reviews for weather windows and mountain passes. Expect practical details—strength and mobility that matter for control and endurance, mental practices that sharpen attention, and a budget‑first approach to dream routes.

You’ll hear a clear, humane framework: take five seconds to estimate your remaining years, then spend the next weeks mapping rides that match your season of life. Prioritize people and places that carry meaning. Translate wishes into dates, routes, and resources. And hold room for joy, kindness, and the courage to go when the weather is “good enough.” If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a love of motorcycles into a life you can actually live, this is your sign to plan it—and to ride it.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a rider who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review to help others find Peace Love Moto.

Why We Travel: Motorcycles, Connection, and the Wisdom of Mark Twain

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Peace Love Moto, we explore the idea that a motorcycle is more than just a machine—it’s a passport to human connection. We look beyond the technical aspects of riding to discuss how being on two wheels makes us vulnerable, approachable, and open to the world in ways a car never could.

Join me as we weave together the wisdom of travel legends Pico Iyer, Mark Twain, and Maya Angelou to understand why we ride. We discuss how travel acts as the ultimate antidote to prejudice, how to "rescue the humanity of places," and why a simple "hello" at a gas station can be the most important part of your trip.

Whether you’re a long-distance tourer or a weekend rider, this episode is a reminder that we are all "carrier pigeons" of culture, transporting stories and kindness wherever the road takes us.

Motorcycles vs. AI: The Analog Antidote to Digital Loneliness

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 21:00:00 -0700

A strange dizziness hit the moment I rolled back into the home station—fifty minutes gone to a glowing feed, attention tunneled and time erased. That jolt became a wake-up call to question how algorithms shaped that day and why a simple motorcycle ride can reset our minds, restore presence, and reconnect us to people who are actually there.

Today, we dive into the mechanics of captured attention, the lure of AI-curated content, and the rising trend of companion chatbots that simulate connection while quietly weakening our social muscles. Then we pivot to the solution: motorcycling as mindfulness in motion. From the first roll-on to the last downshift, riding forces awareness, lowers stress, and returns you to a world with weather, risk, and reward. A spontaneous cafe conversation with a fellow rider shows how quickly real bonds form when shared passions replace infinite scrolls.

Together we will unpack the “connected but lonely” paradox, the concept of empathy atrophy, and why community built on real routes, storms, and coffee stops beats frictionless digital mirroring. Expect practical takeaways: simple ways to put the phone away, ride more intentionally, and meet people in the wild who might become lifelong friends. If you’ve ever looked up from your screen and wondered where the time went, this story brings it back—with wind, road, and human faces.

Press play, ride along with me, and if this resonates, share it with a friend and leave a quick review to help other riders find the show. Thank you!

Finding Purpose on a Motorcycle: The Story of the Carousel of Happiness

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0700

Today, we explore how focused, distraction-free riding delivers both joy and a path to purpose. Scott Harrison’s Carousel of Happiness shows how a quiet craft can heal trauma and grow into a gift for the world.

Go out for a ride. Give yourself that essential period of unstructured, distraction-free thinking. An act of Mindfulness that may change your life.

A Guided Meditation for Motorcyclists: Riding the Colorado Rockies

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 17:00:00 -0700

What if your calendar suddenly gave you back one perfect day—no meetings, no deadlines, just a clear sky and a full tank? We take that gift and point it west, trading inboxes for alpine air and finding a quiet center in the hum of a well-loved motorcycle.

The story begins at sunrise with coffee, a light breakfast, and a simple practice of stretching body and mind. Warming the bike is part of the ritual, a way to tune in before the road invites you to choose not a destination, but a direction. As the Colorado foothills rise, breath finds a rhythm, corners flow, and the engine becomes a steady metronome for presence. We talk about riding as moving meditation, holding focus on the line ahead while letting the wider world flood your senses—rivers like silver ribbons, peaks edged with snow, a sky that makes room for bigger thoughts.

Winter Park becomes the unplanned stop, the kind that feels like the road’s idea rather than ours. A vanilla latte on the patio turns into a mindfulness reset: fingers warmed by ceramic, the sweet smell of coffee, the calm of seeing the bike close by. On the ride home, long shadows rewrite the same views, giving the day a second chapter with softer edges and deeper gratitude. Back in the garage, there’s a final ritual—a hand on the tank and a quiet thanks—that seals the memory and sends you into the week lighter and clearer.

If you’ve been craving a reset, this is your sign to take a midweek ride, pick a direction, and let the miles create space for your best thoughts. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a breather, and leave a review so more riders can find their way to peace from the seat of a motorcycle.

Zen and Motorcycles: Nieta De Young Finds Presence & Joy

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0600

What happens when you stop wrestling a motorcycle and start dancing with it? That single shift changed everything for our guest, Nieta De Young, who joins us from Ghent, Belgium to unpack how motorcycling, mindfulness, and daily practice can turn fear into focus and effort into flow. We trade stories about the “bike-dropping era,” the hard-won art of riding slow, and why presence behind the bars feels like stepping into a quiet room—even on a chaotic city street.

Nieta takes us inside Belgium’s demanding path to a license—written tests, maneuver exams with lasers, and road riding that forces split-second decisions around medieval streets. Those constraints refined her craft and nudged her toward Zen, where she learned to meet herself honestly. On the bike, that honesty shows up as small, crucial choices: wave someone by, breathe through frustration, smooth a line instead of forcing it. We explore how weather helps too. As a daily rider in a rainy country, Nieta explains how wet roads sharpen throttle finesse and judgment, building a resilient mindset that carries into work, relationships, and the rest of life.

Community threads through it all. From a peace sign on a mountain highway to rare but instant bonds among women who ride in Belgium, the shared language of helmets, hand signals, and risk creates quick trust. We also talk bike fit and reality—why her Suzuki SV650 is the right partner for city streets, and why comfort and control beat spec-sheet bragging rights. If you’re starting later, you’ll find practical encouragement: keep the healthy fear, invest in slow-speed drills, and let the motorcycle be a teacher of patience, kindness, and joy.

Press play for a grounded conversation about skill, presence, and that simple moment when the engine clicks off and the world feels right. If the blend of Zen and riding resonates, share this with a friend, subscribe for more conversations like this, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

Nieta's Mindfulness@IBM interview: https://on.soundcloud.com/9a1NNUe1Ba7SL9OOXA

Motorcycle Riding & Mother Nature: Rocky Mountain High and Protecting Our Parks

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0600

A one-pound ranger changed my whole ride. I rolled into Rocky Mountain National Park at dusk, layered up at 8,000 feet, and let the quiet find me—wind through pines, a slow river in Endo Valley, and the sharpest voice of the night from a tiny Albert squirrel telling me to move along. That small interruption opened a bigger conversation about how we listen, how we ride, and how we care for the places that move us.

I talk about the practice of letting your ears adjust to wild spaces—how silence isn’t absent, it’s layered—and why I teach that to guests on tours. From there, the road bends toward responsibility. We touch the ache of seeing endless sprawl from the air and the jolt of hearing a single loud exhaust erase a canyon’s calm. Marvin Gaye’s Mercy Mercy Me becomes a clear-eyed warning that still echoes today, while John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High gives language to the surge of joy that leaves you small beneath 13,000-foot peaks and somehow more at home than anywhere else.

This is a love letter to riding and a call to ride with care: tuning for quiet, leaving no trace, choosing routes and habits that honor wildlife and fellow visitors, and backing it up with support for the National Park Foundation and local volunteers. Motorcycles can be more than machines; they can be tools that help us understand the world and our place in it. If nature’s chorus is already singing—the stream, the breeze, the elk, even a fierce little squirrel—our job is to add harmony, not noise. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves the open road, and tell me: what sound of the wild stays with you?

Riding Your Motorcycle Is Legitimate Play That Heals Your Mind

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 21:00:00 -0600

What if the best reason to ride a motorcycle has nothing to do with miles and everything to do with play? We make a case for motorcycling as real, restorative play that lifts stress, sharpens focus, and reconnects us with the fun we knew as kids. It starts with a simple invitation—can you come out to play?—and unfolds into a story about how open-ended rides turn attention, movement, and friendship into peace.

Ready to turn riding back into play? Listen now, share this episode with a friend, and if it resonates, leave a quick review so more riders can find the show. Then send that text: “Come out to play?”

You Can Ride Through the Storms! Just Do It!

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0600

The first fat drops hit your visor and instinct says, find a bridge and wait it out. We take the other line—how preparation and perspective can turn a storm from something to fear into something that deepens the ride. From a solo run through Monument Valley straight into a black-green wall of hail to the quiet joy of forest air after rain, we share how gear, mindset, and community help you keep rolling when the sky gets loud.

You’ll hear practical ways to read weather and ride safely—slowing with intention, widening your margin, managing visibility and grip—paired with simple mental tools that keep panic from taking the bars. Mindfulness becomes the full-face helmet for your thoughts, self-care the waterproof layer for your spirit, and your riding community the warmth that holds when the temperature drops. Along the way, we explore why rain amplifies the senses, how discomfort can sharpen presence, and why some of the best views only appear in your mirrors after you’ve gone through the worst of it.

If you’ve ever huddled under an overpass and wondered what it would feel like to keep going, this is your invitation to gear up and see storms differently. Subscribe for more road-tested reflections, share this with a rider who avoids the rain, and leave a review with your best wet weather tip—we’d love to hear how you ride it out.

From Motorcycles to Mercy: Neale Bayly’s Ukraine Stories

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0600

A latte with a heart, served underground while missiles land nearby. That’s the kind of moment Neale Bayly brings to life as we follow his two-year journey through Ukraine on a motorcycle—seeking peace and love where the news rarely looks. Instead of chasing explosions, Neale sits with amputees at the Superhumans Center, listens to a young mother find words for loss on an 18-hour train, and rides shotgun with a businesswoman who builds drones beneath a department store before driving them into Kherson in a white Jaguar. The war is real—sirens, checkpoints, shattered bridges—but so are the people who make beds, mop floors, and keep serving coffee with care.

We talk about Operation Freelander, a grassroots effort refurbishing Land Rover Freelanders for frontline evacuations and supply runs—and how that mission unlocked a childhood memory of giving that still fuels Neil’s work. We meet volunteers who collect the uncollectable so families can have closure. We hear how a single hug at a rural gas station reframed purpose: tell the human stories that slip past the headlines. Along the way, soldiers hold doors, teenagers thank warriors with shaky hands, and a nation’s dignity shows up in small, stubborn acts.

This conversation moves through fear, shock, anger, joy, and love—then lands on a simple truth: peace isn’t the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of humanity. If you’ve ever believed motorcycles can be a bridge to connection, this ride will prove it. Join us, share it with someone who needs a dose of grounded hope, and if it resonates, tap follow, leave a review, and tell us which story stayed with you. Your support helps more of these voices be heard.

Links
Wellspring Website
wellspring-outreach.org
NBR Facebook
facebook.com/NealeBaylyRides
NBR Instagram
instagram.com/nealebaylyrides

YouTube

www.youtube.com/@NealeBayly

Earplugs and Enlightenment: A Rider's Guide to Mental Peace

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:00:00 -0600

The hum of motorcycle engines, the rushing sound of the wind, and that high-pitched ringing that lingers after long rides—these sounds define our experiences as riders. But what happens when we actively quiet this noise? What clarity emerges when we protect ourselves not just from physical sound, but from mental distractions as well?

After years of riding without adequate ear protection and developing tinnitus, I've discovered something unexpected: wearing quality earplugs doesn't diminish my riding experience—it transforms it. I'm more observant, less fatigued, and see the world around me with newfound clarity. This revelation sparked a deeper question: could we experience similar benefits by reducing the noise that clutters our minds?

We're bombarded daily by an endless stream of information—24-hour news cycles, social media feeds brimming with outrage, work stressors, and constant notifications from every device we own. This mental cacophony is like riding without protection down the highway at 70 mph—a deafening roar that leaves us exhausted and disconnected from what truly matters. "Doom scrolling" triggers chemical reactions that make us crave more negative information while simultaneously draining our emotional reserves.

Our motorcycles offer the perfect antidote—they're freedom machines that naturally guide us into mindfulness. When riding, we instinctively filter out the world's chatter and focus on the present moment: the feel of the bike, the beauty of our surroundings, the subtle cues from our bodies and machines. This state of focused awareness is perhaps the greatest gift of motorcycling.

Challenge yourself this week: spend more time on your motorcycle, identify one source of noise in your life, and consciously limit your exposure to it. Create space for silence and joy. You might be surprised by what you hear when the noise finally quiets—perhaps the voice of your true self, your kind and gentle self who happens to ride a motorcycle.

Road Rage versus Compassion - What a Motorcycle Rider Could Do But Shouldn't

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 10:00:00 -0600

A powerful demonstration of kindness and forgiveness inspired me to reflect on how we motorcyclists interact with drivers who seem careless around us. When someone cuts us off or fails to see us, our default reaction is anger—labeling them as "idiot drivers" who don't value our safety. But what if we're missing crucial context? That driver who turned in front of you might be fleeing a traumatic situation, vision blurred by tears, world crumbling around them. We never truly know what battles others are fighting behind their windshields.

By choosing kindness over condemnation—a friendly wave indicating "it's okay" rather than an angry gesture—we might not only diffuse our own negative emotions but potentially inspire greater awareness for motorcyclists. The space between helmets and steering wheels contains human hearts capable of both tremendous hurt and healing. Craig's story reminds us that beneath our protective gear, we're neighbors and friends with capacity for extraordinary compassion.

What act of unexpected kindness have you witnessed recently? Share your story and help spread this message of compassion that our roads—and our world—so desperately need.

Eagle Rider CEO Sebastian Schoepe: The Joy of Two-Wheel Adventures

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 19:00:00 -0600

Sebastian Schoepe, CEO of Eagle Rider, returns to share exciting updates on the company's expansion and his personal motorcycle adventures over the past year. We dive deep into Eagle Rider's growing fleet diversity, their innovative subscription model, and the transformative power of guided motorcycle tours that turn strangers into lifelong friends.

If you're interested in motorcycle rentals, guided tours, or want to experience the freedom of two wheels without ownership, visit eaglerider.com to explore all their offerings and find a location near you.

https://www.eaglerider.com/

Peace, Love, & Eagles: A Motorcycle Ride to Freedom

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:00:00 -0600

Freedom takes many forms, but rarely is it as beautifully illustrated as when a beautiful Bald Eagle decides to share your journey. Riding through the expansive high plains of southern Wyoming, where the sky stretches endlessly and human presence fades away, I encountered something truly extraordinary – a curious bald eagle who chose to follow me for miles.

Standing on my pegs, cruising at a modest 30 mph along the dirt roads near the Colorado-Wyoming border, I first spotted this magnificent creature perched atop a pine tree. As I passed by, trying not to disturb its solitude, something unexpected happened. The eagle took flight and began following me, soaring about a hundred feet above my right shoulder against the brilliant blue sky. For five remarkable miles, we shared the landscape – a rider on his steel horse and the king of the skies, both experiencing the same freedom in our own ways.

This encounter resonated deeply with Steve Miller's iconic "Fly Like an Eagle." The song speaks of personal revolution, of breaking free from constraints – exactly what motorcycling represents for so many of us. When we ride, we shed anxieties and expectations, declaring our independence from the mundane. We experience transformation with every mile. The eagle seemed to understand this, swooping down as if to communicate a profound truth: that out there, away from the noise and busyness of modern life, we can find perfect presence. We can learn to live for today, to simply fly and be free.

Next time you're on your bike, whether navigating busy streets or remote trails, remember to slow down occasionally. Stand on your pegs. Take in the world around you. You never know what magic awaits – perhaps your own eagle, ready to teach you something about freedom, connection, and the incredible perspective that belongs uniquely to those of us on two wheels. Share your own magical riding moments and leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover these stories of peace, love, and the special freedom that comes with motorcycling.

Steve Miller Band “Fly like an Eagle”

Elysia Skye: The Road to Inner Peace through Gratitude and Mindfulness

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0600

In today's hyper-connected world, finding that peaceful state of mind has become increasingly difficult. The 24-hour news cycle, addictive social media platforms, and constant digital stimulation have created unprecedented mental burdens. Many motorcyclists find themselves wondering: can we ever reclaim that pure, carefree joy we once knew on two wheels?

Author and Mindfulness expert Elysia Skye believes we absolutely can. With remarkable insight, she explains how motorcycling naturally cultivates mindfulness—the practice of being fully present in the moment. When we ride, we must focus intently on our surroundings, creating a natural state of presence that counteracts the mindless scrolling that dominates modern life. This presence, combined with the sensory experience of riding, creates perfect conditions for reconnecting with our authentic selves.

Eylisa shares fascinating perspectives on how technology affects us on multiple levels—from the content we consume to the actual frequencies embedded in our devices and social media platforms. She offers practical strategies for grounding ourselves through simple acts like touching trees, feeling the earth beneath our feet, or embracing the vibrations of our motorcycles. These physical connections help reset our overwhelmed nervous systems and return us to a state of calm awareness.

Perhaps most powerfully, Elysia and Ron discuss how motorcycling can become a gateway to greater purpose and connection with others. When we experience the peace that comes through mindful riding, we naturally feel more gratitude and compassion, which often manifests as generosity toward others—whether stopping to help a stranded motorist or simply offering a genuine smile to someone in need.

Ready to transform your rides into journeys of mindfulness and purpose? Listen now to discover how motorcycle therapy might be exactly what your soul has been craving. Then share your own experiences finding peace on two wheels in the comments or on social media—we'd love to hear how riding has helped you reconnect with your happy place.

Resources for reaching Elysia:

Adventure Overlanding: How an Expo & Mindfulness May Transform Your Ride

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 20:00:00 -0600

Adventure begins where the pavement ends, but the real journey happens within. Drawing inspiration from iconic action films like James Bond and Mission Impossible, I've discovered that the heart-pounding excitement I seek isn't just found in movie theaters—it's waiting on dirt roads and mountain passes aboard my BMW 1250 GS Adventure.

The Overland Expo recently returned to Loveland, Colorado, bringing together a community of explorers who understand something profound: getting away from the 24-hour news cycle and constant digital connectivity isn't just enjoyable—it's essential. While overlanding typically involves massive vehicles equipped for extended self-sufficient travel, the mindset shares remarkable parallels with adventure motorcycling. Both offer pathways to mindfulness in a world that rarely slows down.

Mindfulness transforms motorcycle adventures from mere trips into journeys of personal growth. Rather than focusing solely on destinations or perfect Instagram moments, truly mindful riding means noticing the subtle sensations—the changing patterns of wind, the vibration of your engine, the play of light across the landscape. When unexpected challenges arise, as they inevitably will, this present-moment awareness helps you respond with resilience rather than frustration. The self-reliance developed on remote roads builds confidence that extends far beyond your adventures. So before reaching for your phone at that breathtaking vista, take a moment to simply be there, letting the experience sink deeply into your heart. The freedom of motorcycle travel isn't just about where you go—it's about the space it creates for self-discovery and deeper connection to the world around you. One mile, one breathtaking view, one quiet moment at a time.

Take It Easy: Motorcycling for Rest

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0600

Ever feel like you're caught in life's turbulence with no escape button? After a week of corporate travel, bumpy flights, and the constant rush that defines modern existence, I discovered once again that my motorcycle holds the key to reclaiming peace of mind.

There's something magical about peeling off business attire, throwing on your favorite riding gear, and hitting those familiar roads as the sun sets. My "Masonville loop" – a simple 25-mile ride through the foothills west of my Colorado home – transforms from a physical journey into a spiritual reset. The contrast is striking: from the collective "whoas" of nervous airplane passengers to the peaceful "ahs" of solitary riding.

Motorcycling creates the perfect conditions for natural mindfulness to flourish. Like the Eagles sang about taking it easy, or Lionel Richie's smooth reminder about being "Easy Like Sunday Morning," riding helps us shed expectations and reconnect with the present moment. It's a moving meditation where the journey truly becomes the destination. No schedules, no digital distractions – just you, your bike, and the rhythm of the road allowing your mind to finally breathe. When was the last time you gave yourself permission to simply take it easy? Maybe it's time to gear up, roll out, and rediscover that peaceful, easy feeling that's waiting for you on two wheels.

#gofastdontdie

Why I Chased a Train: Rediscovering Joy in Your 60s

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 21:00:00 -0600

Remember what it feels like to have something to prove? To show your family—and yourself—that age hasn't dimmed your spirit? That's exactly what drove me to orchestrate one of the most exhilarating motorcycle adventures of my life: purchasing Amtrak tickets for my family's westbound journey through the Rocky Mountains, then chasing that train along parallel country roads on my motorcycle while they watched and filmed from the windows.

The pure joy on my eight-year-old grandson's face as he spotted his sixty-something "Papa" racing alongside their train was worth every mile. This wasn't just about showing off—it was about creating a memory that might someday become family legend, a story he'll hopefully tell his own children about his grandfather who truly embraced life's adventures.

This experience perfectly captures what makes riding country roads so magical. Whether paved or dirt, these lesser-traveled paths offer a unique form of soul therapy you simply can't find on highways. The moment your tires hit loose gravel, time slows down. You're no longer just passing through a landscape; you're becoming part of it—breathing in pine-scented air, feeling the earth beneath your wheels, and experiencing a meditative connection to nature that washes away the stresses of modern life. Like John Denver's iconic "Country Roads," these journeys represent more than just physical travel; they're pathways to rediscovering joy, peace, and that essential spark that keeps us feeling alive regardless of our age. Why not take the road less traveled on your next ride? The memories you create just might last generations.

Motorcycle Therapy: Escaping the Noise & Finding Peace on Two Wheels

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0600

Abraham Lincoln once shared his deepest thoughts with a friend during a simple carriage ride down a country lane—an undistracted conversation that seems almost foreign today. Yet this is what motorcycling still offers: a chance to be present, to experience reality directly, to defy a world that wants to numb us. When you swing your leg over your motorcycle, you're not just going for a ride—you're making a deliberate choice to feel alive, to connect with what's real, to tune out artificially amplified negative voices and engage with the beautiful world that's actually out there. Ready to experience life more fully?

Colorado Destinations - Allie Wagner and The Carousel of Happiness

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 19:00:00 -0600

Destination rides in the mountains of Colorado can be magical. Hidden in the mountain town of Nederland, Colorado, sits a treasure unlike any other. A treasure built and shared by a Vietnam veteran, Scott Harrison.

In this deeply moving conversation with Allie Wagner, the Carousel of Happiness Outreach Director and podcast host, we discover how this labor of love has transformed nearly 1.2 million riders. Allie shares fascinating insights about the carousel's unique features – from the meticulously researched animals to the "Somewhere Else" wall where visitors honor loved ones who have passed. She explains the almost magical effect the carousel has on visitors, who often find themselves moved to tears or compelled to share their life stories upon entering.

For motorcycle enthusiasts traveling Colorado's stunning Peak to Peak Highway, the Carousel of Happiness offers more than just a charming stop. It provides a rare opportunity to reconnect with childlike wonder and presence – similar to the feeling riders experience on the open road. As Allie beautifully articulates, joy is our birthright as humans, something we intuitively understand as children before life's complexities create distance from that truth.

Whether you're planning a ride through the Colorado mountains or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation reminds us of the profound impact one person's healing journey can have on the entire world. The carousel stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of not delaying joy – a three-minute ride that just might change your perspective on what matters most.

Carousel of Happiness podcast

CBS On the Road featuring Scott Harrison and the Carousel of Happiness

CBS Sunday Morning with Steve Hartman

Atlas Obscura feature

Zen and the Art of Not Growing Up

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 23:00:00 -0600

Reflecting on childhood experiences on a mini bike reveals that Mindfulness isn't complicated. It's about being fully present in the moment just like an 11-year-old on a tiny motorcycle. Today, we explore how motorcycle riding creates the perfect conditions for Mindfulness through sensory engagement and gratitude.

Coffee, Community, and the Kindness of Motorcycle Riders

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 21:00:00 -0600

From Moon Frog Coffee Shop in Winter Park supporting adaptive skiing programs to chance encounters with animal rescuers at local hangouts, the motorcycle journey repeatedly intersects with community heroes who demonstrate extraordinary heart. These encounters remind us why the motorcycling community remains one of the most generous groups around—because riders understand what it means to rely on others, to help those in need, and to appreciate the gift of freedom that comes with two wheels.

Mentioned in this episode:

Rocky Mountain Motorsports: 1405 Madison Ave #4065, Loveland, CO 80538 (970) 669-6565

Moon Frog Coffee: https://moonfrog0.wixsite.com/my-site

The Grounds Internet & Coffee Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/thegroundslaramie#

Buddy's House Dog Fosters: https://buddysfosters.org/

Motorcycling Phone-Free: Sharpen Your Senses while having a Mindful Experience

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 21:00:00 -0600

The constant buzz of notifications has become the soundtrack to our lives. That little device in your pocket connects you to everything and everyone—except perhaps what's directly in front of you. For motorcyclists, this digital tether creates an ironic disconnect from the very experience we seek.

Remember when communication required intention? When a pager meant someone truly needed to reach you, and finding a payphone was part of the adventure? Today's always-on culture has its conveniences, but while riding, your attention is your most precious resource. The dance between rider, machine, and landscape demands complete presence—something increasingly rare in our notification-saturated world.

The magic happens when you deliberately unplug. Tucked away in my saddlebag, silenced and forgotten, my phone no longer competes for attention with the journey itself. What emerges is nothing short of transformative: heightened awareness of sunlight filtering through trees, the changing colors of passing fields, the rich tapestry of scents from pine forests to approaching rain. The soundtrack shifts from notification pings to the harmonious blend of engine hum, rushing wind, and nature's chorus.

Beyond these sensory delights lies something even more valuable—a mental settling, a focused calm that comes when your mind isn't pulled in countless digital directions. This state of flow becomes a moving meditation, a genuine antidote to modern stress. The ride transforms from mere transportation to a profound reconnection with life itself.

I challenge you to try it on your next ride. Leave your phone out of reach. The initial discomfort of disconnection quickly gives way to something richer and more satisfying—a journey experienced fully, with all your senses engaged. Because motorcycling isn't just about covering miles; it's about being fully present for every one of them. Sometimes the simplest step—unplugging—opens the door to the biggest adventures. Ready to rediscover what you've been missing?

Disney Dreams vs. Motorcycle Reality: Finding Magic in the Wild

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Have you ever wondered what separates manufactured experiences from authentic adventures? Fresh from spinning teacups and crowded pathways at Disneyland with my adult son, I found myself contemplating the profound difference between engineered entertainment and the raw reality of motorcycle journeys through wild places.

Disneyland stands as a marvel of imagination and customer service—a meticulously crafted illusion where every detail from the synchronized parades to the impossibly clean streets creates a seamless fantasy world. We pay a premium for this predictability, knowing exactly where our next thrill will come from and confident in our safety throughout. It's entertainment perfection by design.

Contrast this with throwing a leg over an adventure motorcycle and heading into the Colorado Rockies, where nothing is choreographed and everything is gloriously unpredictable. Weather changes in minutes, dusty trails transform unexpectedly, and real challenges emerge without warning. Yet it's precisely these unscripted moments that deliver the deepest rewards—a profound sense of self-reliance, genuine connection with nature, and the meditative clarity that comes only when we're fully present. While Disneyland offers instant gratification, motorcycle journeys offer transformation.

This isn't about declaring one experience superior to another—my time bonding with my son at Disneyland was genuinely precious. Rather, it's about recognizing that different journeys serve different purposes in our lives. Sometimes we need the fantasy and escape of perfectly engineered experiences. But for those seeking genuine transformation, perhaps the happiest place on earth isn't found where everything goes according to plan, but rather where the pavement ends and the wild begins. What kind of adventure are you seeking next?

Adventure Riding for the Soul: Finding Peace and Purpose on Two Wheels

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Peace Love Moto, I share one of the most powerful moments I've experienced as a tour guide in Rocky Mountain National Park—when a guest from Chicago stood beside me and said, “Ron, I feel the presence of God here.”

That moment reminded me why I ride and why I guide—to help others connect with something greater. I will share about the deep contrast between my corporate day job and the stillness I find on a motorcycle in the wilderness.

Adventure riding isn’t just about dirt roads and distant views—it’s about mindfulness, healing, and peace. We reflect on how the open road helps peel back the layers of everyday stress and reveals something deeper.

Whether it's a Jeep Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park or a solo ride into the mountains, I believe these experiences change us. Riding is therapy. It's spiritual. It's real. In this episode, I invite you to ride with me—not just through the mountains of Colorado, but into a deeper part of yourself.

Let’s talk about resilience, reflection, and rediscovering purpose on two wheels. Join me as we chase peace, love, and that presence we can feel—but not always explain.

Two-Stroke Motorcycles and Hobo Coins: Chris Tope and his "Utopeia" Moto Company

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:00:00 -0600

The moment you restore an old motorcycle, you're not just fixing a machine—you're preserving history, creating art, and joining a global community of kindred spirits. This truth resonates powerfully throughout my conversation with Chris Tope, the visionary builder behind Utopeia Moto Company. That's right, uTOPEia. Get it???

Chris's journey from Richardson, Texas to the mountains of West Virginia reveals how motorcycles can become the thread connecting seemingly disparate lives. His passion began at 14 with a neglected Yamaha moped from an abandoned storage unit, which he lovingly restored while dreaming of impressing girls (despite it being a single-seater). This early mechanical education blossomed into a lifelong dedication to rescuing forgotten motorcycles—particularly two-strokes like Hodakas, Pentons, and other brands that have largely vanished from America's roads and trails.

What makes Chris's work truly exceptional is his integration of natural elements reflecting his background as a biologist. Each build features thoughtful details like epoxy resin grips, gemstone accents, paint schemes inspired by butterfly wings, and his signature "hobo coin" tribute. "I try to make the coolest two-strokes in the industry," he explains, focusing on models overlooked by mainstream builders. This approach has earned him invitations to prestigious shows from Portland to Austin, allowing him to connect with luminaries including DGR founder Mark Hawwa and musician/motorcycle enthusiast Lyle Lovett.

Perhaps most inspiring is how Chris transformed his passion into community service. Discovering West Virginia lacked a Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, he founded one in his small town of Fayetteville (population 3,000), growing from 25 riders to 46 and raising $25,000 for men's health causes. He also established the annual "Utopeia Give Back Giveaway," distributing $10,000 in donated motorcycle gear to community members during the winter months when riding spirits often need lifting. Connect with Chris on Instagram at Utopeia Moto Company to see his remarkable creations and perhaps commission your own piece of motorcycle artistry—though with twin nine-month-old boys at home and a biology career, he limits himself to about one custom build annually.

https://www.instagram.com/utopeia_moto_company/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063995115243

Meaningful Connections: Hearts and Horses and The Carousel of Happiness

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 22:00:00 -0600

Some announcements carry more weight than others, and this one comes straight from the heart. Peace Love Moto is now officially sponsoring two remarkable Northern Colorado nonprofits that embody the spirit of joy, healing, and community connection.

The Carousel of Happiness in Nederland stands as a testament to resilience and wonder. My friend Scott Harrison, a Vietnam veteran who found solace in a tiny music box during combat, dedicated 26 years to hand-carving 56 magnificent animals. These creatures now bring joy to visitors from around the world as they ride the restored 1910 carousel to the melodies of a century-old Wurlitzer band organ. It's a place where joy isn't just an emotion – it's a tangible presence, carefully crafted and freely shared.

Just minutes from my home, Hearts and Horses offers another kind of healing magic. This therapeutic riding center serves children with disabilities, veterans battling PTSD, and individuals with dementia through equine-assisted therapy. With approximately 30 horses and a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers, they create safe spaces where physical and emotional healing blossoms through the unique bond between humans and horses.

These initiatives have awakened something profound in me – a calling to create more meaningful connections with you, my listeners. While I may record this podcast from my son's former bedroom in Loveland, the feedback I receive suggests many of you crave authentic experiences: riding Colorado's back roads, witnessing nature's magnificence, and meeting extraordinary people making a difference in our world. I'm actively exploring ways we might connect beyond these audio episodes – perhaps through shared motorcycle journeys where together we can seek that elusive peace of mind we all desire. The path forward isn't entirely clear yet, but the destination feels right – finding joy, purpose, and connection in an increasingly disconnected world. Stay tuned as this vision takes shape.

Mindfulness and the Art of Riding Slow

Fri, 30 May 2025 14:00:00 -0600

Discover the surprising power of slowing down in a world obsessed with speed. While anyone can twist a throttle and go fast, the true art of motorcycling—and living—reveals itself when we master the delicate balance of going slow.

Riding at a crawl demands exceptional skill and mindful awareness. That perfect balance point where you can come to a complete stop at a stop sign, then moving forward again, all without putting your foot down? It requires practice, patience, and presence. This mastery on two wheels mirrors the challenge we face in our daily lives: not just slowing down from frantic to a bit slower, but achieving genuine presence and intentional movement.

Next time you're riding, find a quiet stretch of road and practice the art of going slow. Feel your breathing align with your movement. Notice how your awareness sharpens when you're not rushing. Experience what it means to ride like you're "meditating on two wheels." This mindful approach to motorcycling doesn't just make you a better rider—it connects you to that peaceful, easy feeling we're all seeking on the road and in life. After all, true mastery isn't found in how fast you can go, but in how present you can be at any speed.

The Motorcycle Philosophy of Arthur (Fonzie) Fonzarelli

Fri, 23 May 2025 20:00:00 -0600

Remember Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli? That leather-jacketed, motorcycle-riding tough guy from Happy Days who could start a jukebox with a tap of his elbow and had girls flocking to him with a snap of his fingers? Beyond the coolness factor, Fonzie represents something profound for motorcycle riders.

The beauty of Fonzie's character lies in what's underneath. On the surface, he was the classic biker stereotype—independent, slightly dangerous, utterly self-assured on his Triumph. Yet beneath that tough exterior beat a heart of pure gold. He was fiercely loyal to the Cunningham family, offered surprisingly profound advice to Richie and friends, and consistently used his influence to protect rather than intimidate. Fonzie showed us that true strength isn't about dominating others but lifting them up.

As motorcyclists, we can learn valuable lessons from this cultural icon. Fonzie taught us that appearances can be deceiving, that you can be strong while still showing vulnerability, and that authentic kindness never diminishes your cool factor. His character reminds us that when we're out on the open road, we carry more than just our bikes—we carry the opportunity to break stereotypes and demonstrate that riders can embody both toughness and tenderness. In a world that often judges books by their covers, Fonzie showed that the most rebellious thing might just be having the courage to be kind. So the next time you're suited up for a ride, remember the Fonz—and consider how you might bring a little more peace and love to the roads you travel.

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride - An Interview with Mark Hawwa

Fri, 16 May 2025 14:00:00 -0600

Mark Hawwa's compassionate vision became the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, a global motorcycle event that raises awareness and vital funds for men's health, focusing on suicide prevention and prostate cancer research. Growing up with immigrant parents who instilled values of service and compassion, Mark explains how these principles became the foundation for the DGR. What began as a way to challenge negative stereotypes about motorcyclists has evolved into something far more profound – a safe space where men can openly discuss health challenges that were once considered taboo. As Mark poignantly shares, "We're making it easier for guys to be comfortable in their own skin, more comfortable to talk about mental health, and more comfortable to reach out for support."

The conversation takes us through the evolution of the movement, including the launch of the Distinguished Gentleman's Drive for classic car enthusiasts and the logistical challenges of coordinating events across diverse international jurisdictions. Mark's initial concerns about sustainability have proven unfounded as participation continues to grow stronger each year, demonstrating the power of bringing people together around shared passions while serving a greater good. His candid reflections reveal both the tremendous work behind the scenes and the unexpected ways the movement has touched lives worldwide. Whether you're a longtime participant or new to the DGR community, this episode provides profound insights into how motorcycles, style, and compassion are creating lasting change in men's health awareness globally.

The Long Way Home: A Motorcycle Journey to My Parents' Past

Sat, 10 May 2025 10:00:00 -0600

For years, I'd listened to my parents—now in their 90s—share stories about their brief time in California during the 1950s when my father was drafted for basic training. As a young Texas couple who had barely left their small hometown, their journey to the Pacific coast represented both a frightening challenge and an incredible adventure. Though I could have flown and reached my destination in hours, I knew that experiencing this meaningful place required the unfiltered perspective that only motorcycle travel provides.

If you're fortunate enough to own a motorcycle, you possess not just a vehicle but a gateway to experiences that can't be replicated any other way. The open road awaits with both its challenges and rewards. When you return, you'll carry not just memories of places visited, but of conversations had, kindnesses exchanged, and a deeper understanding of both the world around you and your place within it. What journey are you putting off that might change how you see everything?

Keywords: Motorcycle travel, Fort Ord, solo road trip, family history, California coast, veteran stories, American West, motorcycle adventure, spiritual journey, podcast storytelling

Preparing for a Long Motorcycle Journey: Mental and Physical Readiness

Fri, 02 May 2025 05:00:00 -0600

There’s something very special about that quiet time before the ride—when the map’s still folded, the bike’s waiting, and your heart’s just starting to lean toward whatever you may find down the road. That’s when the journey really begins.

In this episode, we get into the soul of trip planning—not just the “where,” but the deeper “why.” Are you riding to shake loose the dust of everyday life? To chase a dream route that’s lived in your head for years? Or maybe to feel that kind of freedom you only get when it’s just you, the bike, and the open road. Whatever it is, let that purpose guide your plans. It’ll shape your ride in ways a GPS never could.

We’ll also talk practical prep—because a well-loved motorcycle deserves some love before the adventure. Do your maintenance early. Take her out for a shakedown ride. Pack with purpose: layers, tools, tape, and those little things that become lifesavers when you're miles from the nearest town. Think of your route like jazz—lay down the structure, but leave space for improvisation. Rest days matter. Getting lost can be beautiful. And yes, stop for that homemade pie.

Whether you’re riding solo or with your crew, planning isn’t about controlling the ride—it’s about creating space to be present. To wave at a kid in the back seat. To pull over for a view that stops your breath. To feel the road not just under your tires, but in your soul.

I'd love to hear what you’re planning and why you ride. Drop me a line at ron@peacelovemoto.com

Why We Ride: The Danger and Joy of Motorcycling

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 23:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Peace Love Moto, we dive deep into the eternal tension between the joy of motorcycling and the risks that come with it. Ron shares real-life stories, hard-earned wisdom, and heartfelt reflections on what it means to ride with mindfulness, purpose, and protection. From dealing with concerned friends and family to navigating the unpredictable nature of the open road, this episode explores how riders can embrace safety without sacrificing the soul of the ride. We cover everything from proper gear, road awareness, animal hazards in the Rockies, to the mental discipline it takes to ride smart. If you love motorcycling and want to keep riding for years to come, this is your reminder to ride with gratitude—and gear up with intention.

Keywords: motorcycle safety tips, mindful motorcycling, riding gear, motorcycle risk vs reward, safe riding mindset, motorcycling in Colorado, why wear a helmet, Rocky Mountain rides, motorcycle road hazards, Peace Love Moto podcast

Riding through Anxiety: How Bob Marley and Motorcycles Cure What Ails You

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0600

Have you ever noticed how anxiety seems to disappear the moment you throw your leg over your motorcycle? There's something almost magical about the way riding cuts through mental noise, bringing us back to a state of presence that's increasingly rare in our notification-saturated world.

This episode explores the profound connection between motorcycle riding and mental wellness, inspired by the timeless wisdom in Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds." We dive into why riding works as natural anxiety therapy—how the full-body engagement, sensory experience, and mandatory presence required to ride safely creates a unique form of mindfulness unlike anything else. When you're scanning the road, feeling the lean of your bike, and moving with the rhythm of the pavement, anxiety has no choice but to take a back seat.

The motorcycle community offers another dimension of healing. Riders share their stories of finding connection and acceptance when social anxiety would otherwise keep them isolated. There's something about meeting fellow motorcyclists that strips away pretense, allowing for authentic connections based on shared experiences rather than social performance. As one rider put it, "When I'm riding with others, I'm in my own space together with them"—a beautiful paradox that creates safety for even the most socially anxious among us.

Perhaps most importantly, motorcycling teaches us the art of letting go. On the road, we quickly learn that control is an illusion—weather changes, road conditions surprise us, and all we can truly manage is our response. This practical experience of handling uncertainty while maintaining composure builds resilience that extends far beyond our time in the saddle. Just as Bob Marley reminds us, "Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing's gonna be alright," riding helps us embody this truth in a visceral way. If you're struggling with anxiety, maybe the answer isn't more worry—maybe it's more riding. Take a deep breath, hit the road, and discover the peace that awaits when you trade anxiety for adventure.

The video: https://youtu.be/BXlzxDl32ic?si=1a-b_sDnsZjyfpHd

Zen and the Art of Peace of Mind - A Rider’s Reflection

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0600

That deep connection between rider and machine isn't just sentimentality—it's at the heart of Robert Persig's philosophical masterpiece, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance."

Today we're winding through the philosophical landscapes of Persig's influential work, exploring what it means to truly engage with our motorcycles and, by extension, with life itself. When we're cruising at 70mph and it suddenly feels like we're perfectly still while the world moves around us—that's Peace. That's presence. That moment when time disappears as you work on your bike late into the night, completely absorbed in the task—that's mindfulness.

Persig suggests we can look at motorcycles (and life) in two ways: as fragmented collections of parts or as unified living systems. This perspective shapes everything—how we maintain our bikes, how we approach problems, and how we find harmony in a world that feels increasingly disconnected. We explore "gumption traps"—those frustrations like stripped screws or self-doubt that drain our enthusiasm—and the practices that restore our energy and focus. At its core, motorcycling offers us a path to that elusive peace of mind we're all searching for, if we approach the journey with awareness and care.

Ready to find your Zen on two wheels?

Motorcycles and 1980's Rock & Roll: How an Anthem Speaks to Wandering Souls

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0600

In this soul-searching episode of Peace Love Moto, we will explore the powerful connection between Bob Seger's 1982 anthem Roll Me Away and the spirit of motorcycling. More than just a classic 1980's rock ballad, this song has become a guiding light for some riders—and anyone at a crossroads—searching for meaning, direction, and freedom.

Whether you're facing uncertainty in life, standing at a metaphorical fork in the road, or just longing to ride toward something more, listen as we break down the emotional depth of Seger's lyrics and how they mirror the transformative journey of motorcycle riders just like you and me.

Motorcycles serve as more than machines—they become moving sanctuaries for clarity, healing, and growth. Discover why “rolling away” isn’t about running from life but about embracing the unknown to rediscover yourself.

What My Grandparents' Farm Taught Me About Motorcycle Life

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 21:00:00 -0600

Remember when you first started your motorcycle and felt that sense of freedom wash over you? It's a feeling that connects surprisingly well with the wisdom coming from America's heartland. This episode explores the unexpected parallels between the farmer's way of life and the motorcyclist's journey, revealing how both share a profound relationship with machinery, nature, and community.

Growing up visiting my grandparents' farm gave me perspective that shapes my riding today. At just 10 years old, my grandfather taught me to drive a 1966 Chevrolet C10 pickup with simple instructions: "don't run over anything." That early lesson in machinery and responsibility mirrors what we experience as riders - respecting our motorcycles, maintaining them properly, and understanding their importance to our freedom.

Farmers face the unpredictability of Mother Nature every day, with their livelihoods dependent on weather patterns beyond their control. Similarly, as motorcyclists, we confront changing road conditions, unexpected storms, and mechanical challenges that require adaptability and composure. Both farmers and riders develop a special relationship with the outdoors - experiencing the world through all senses rather than through screens.

The wisdom from the fields applies perfectly to the open road: respect your machine, embrace the journey, adapt when necessary, and value the community around you. While most of us aren't rising at dawn to milk cows or harvest crops, we can learn from the farmer's steady resilience and passion. When was the last time you appreciated your motorcycle as not just transportation but as a dream fulfilled - your own personal connection to freedom and the natural world?

Listen now and discover how embracing the farmer's mindset might just transform your next ride. Share your thoughts about how these two worlds connect in your own experience. How has your motorcycle become more than just a machine to you?

More than an Escape - Motorcycling with a Purpose

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:00:00 -0600

Motorcycling offers more than escape—it provides a path to mindfulness and purpose through our interactions with others on the road. George Bernard Shaw's century-old wisdom about living for something greater than ourselves perfectly captures the spirit of what it means to ride with intention and community consciousness.

A simple wave or nod to a driver who makes a mistake can transform how all motorcyclists are perceived. Kind interactions with drivers may make them more likely to watch for and respect motorcyclists in the future. The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride exemplifies how our passion for motorcycling can support important causes. Shaw's quote reminds us not to be "a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances" but to live with purpose. Motorcycling forces us to be present, letting everyday grievances fade away. The community of motorcycling creates a brotherhood/sisterhood united by our love of riding. Like the song "This Little Light of Mine," we're called to shine brightly and make a difference through our riding

Twisties, Peaks, and Cherry Pie: A Local Guide for Your Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Adventure

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0600

Saddle up for the ultimate motorcyclist's guide to Rocky Mountain National Park from a true local expert with nearly three decades of riding experience in northern Colorado. As both an avid rider and part-time tour guide in Rocky Mountain National Park, I'm pulling back the curtain on the region's most spectacular routes, hidden gems, and insider strategies for avoiding the tourist crowds that can turn dream rides into traffic nightmares.

Did you know that over 4.3 million visitors flood Rocky Mountain National Park annually, with most arriving between June and September? I'll share why Monday through Thursday rides offer dramatically better experiences and why you should absolutely avoid the July 4th week at all costs. You'll learn the critical differences between Estes Park (the gateway town) and the national park itself, plus where to find the best coffee, burgers, and cherry pies when you need a break from the saddle.

Trail Ridge Road stands as the crown jewel – the highest continuous paved road in America topping 12,000 feet in elevation – but I'll also guide you through less-traveled alternatives that showcase stunning mountain landscapes without the traffic. From the twisting canyon roads of the Narrows along Highway 34 to the steep switchbacks of County Road 43 that reveal breathtaking views of Longs Peak, this episode maps out perfect day rides and multi-day adventures through some of America's most magnificent landscapes.

Weather at these elevations can be unpredictable – I've encountered fresh July snowfall at the highest elevations – so I'll equip you with practical knowledge about seasonal timing, gas station locations, accommodation recommendations, and alternative return routes that can transform your journey into an unforgettable loop ride. Whether you're planning your first Rocky Mountain adventure or looking to discover new paths through familiar territory, this comprehensive guide will elevate your riding experience with authentic local insights that no travel website can provide.

Riding with Mother Nature - Appreciating Her Power

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0600

The powerful connection motorcyclists share with Mother Nature defines our riding experience in profound ways most travelers never understand. When we throw a leg over our bikes, we enter into a relationship with forces larger than ourselves—sometimes gentle, sometimes fierce, but always present.

Unlike our caged counterparts, motorcyclists directly feel every temperature shift, weather change, and atmospheric mood. This heightened awareness creates a unique mindset where we simultaneously prepare for nature's challenges while surrendering to her ultimate control. There's something strangely liberating in acknowledging we cannot tame the crosswind or halt the approaching storm—we can only adapt, adjust, and continue forward.

The contrast between urban riding environments and those lonely country roads reveals where Mother Nature speaks most clearly. While city streets offer danger and discomfort, those routes alongside lakes, through forests, or near mountains become spaces for genuine connection. Remember that crisp morning air as the sun rises? Perhaps that's her way of saying good morning. The cooling breeze on your skin during a summer ride? Maybe she's wishing you a pleasant journey.

Even in challenging moments—like my ride through Monument Valley's sudden hailstorm—Mother Nature often has something beautiful to show us if we maintain the right perspective. Emerging from that storm to discover a double rainbow in my rearview mirror became a powerful metaphor for perseverance. Like riders such as "Itchy Boots" who maintain positivity through difficult worldwide journeys, we can choose to embrace weather challenges as essential parts of the motorcycling experience rather than inconveniences.

Next time you ride, take a moment to acknowledge Mother Nature's presence. Appreciate her gentle days, respect her power, and most importantly, embrace the incredible freedom we enjoy experiencing the world on two wheels. What a gift indeed! Have you had a memorable encounter with Mother Nature during a ride? I'd love to hear your story.

Learning to Ride as an Adult - A bold and wonderful decision

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0600

Discover the transformative journey of learning to ride a motorcycle in our latest episode. Delve into the rich emotional tapestry that new riders experience, filled with excitement, anxiety, and triumph. We explore how adults of all ages choose to embark on this thrilling adventure and what drives them to pursue motorcycling later in life. The episode captures the joy of observing a class of new riders, showcasing their diverse backgrounds and motivations—each path uniquely inspiring while echoing a common theme of freedom and self-discovery.

Listen as we facilitate a heartfelt discussion about the allure of the open road, the connections formed within the riding community, and the personal growth that can come with conquering fear and mastering a challenging skill. The podcast also addresses the transformative power of embracing new experiences, encouraging individuals to reflect on their own passions and goals. This episode is not just a guide for potential riders—it’s an invitation to join a welcoming community that celebrates adventure and joy.

Embrace your inner rider—subscribe today to continue your journey with us and share your stories and experiences!

Motorcycles and the Winter Blues: Solutions for Seasonal Depression

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0700

What happens when the cold winds of Colorado winter threaten the freedom and joy that come with motorcycling? Join me on a heartfelt journey dedicated to my friend Sandra, as we confront the unique challenges of riding during the chilly months. We'll explore the impact of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) on motorcycle enthusiasts and share actionable insights on how to combat it. From my eye doctor's sage advice on the mental benefits of walking outdoors, to meaningful conversations with Sandra about staying connected with our riding community, this episode is a beacon of warmth and hope for riders battling the winter blues.

Together, we'll navigate ways to keep the spirit of riding alive, even when the roads are too icy for our beloved motorcycles. We'll discuss the importance of staying active, spending time with fellow riders, and finding gratitude in every season. Also, a heartfelt nod to the wisdom of the Beatles, reminding us of brighter days ahead. So, if the winter has you feeling down, listen in for encouragement, camaraderie, and a reminder that spring—and a new riding season—are just around the corner. Let Sandra's inspiration guide us through these cold months until we can hit the open road once again.

The Mindful Motorcycle - Finding Connection and Inner Joy with Ben Rubin

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0700

Imagine a world where the sound of a motorcycle engine is a call to mindfulness and connection. That's precisely the journey we embarked on with Ben Rubin, affectionately known as "The Mindful Motorcycle" on Instagram. Ben reveals how a thoughtful gift from his partner led to his passion for motorcycling, transforming it into a path of personal growth and mindful living. The bonds formed within the motorcycle community are anything but ordinary; they're a testament to the unspoken understanding that exists among riders who share the open road.

Referenced in this Episode are:

Brady McLain and Go Fast Don't Die ( https://www.gofastdontdie.com/ )

Rob Hamilton and MotoFeelz ( https://www.motofeelz.com/ )

How to Stay Comfortable on Long Motorcycle Rides

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 20:00:00 -0700

Comfortable long rides are key to enjoying the journey and finding the ever elusive Peace of Mind we seek. This episode covers how to select the right gear, the importance of hydration, and maintaining a positive mindset while riding.

Achieve unparalleled comfort on your long motorcycle rides with insights from our latest episode, where we promise to transform every mile into a joyful journey. Discover why the right gear, especially a well-fitting helmet, is as crucial as finding the perfect pair of shoes. We discuss the critical role of choosing a bike designed for endurance, not just style, ensuring you can focus on the thrill of the ride without unnecessary discomfort. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to enhance your riding experience, ensuring that each adventure is as comfortable as it is exhilarating.

Channeling the sheer joy and gratitude that comes with motorcycle riding, we emphasize the power of a positive mindset. It's more than just a ride; it's about appreciating the privilege of being part of a tight-knit community and embracing the peace and happiness found on the open road. Listen in as we share tips to keep your spirits high and your body at ease on even the longest rides. As we reflect on the shared experiences and camaraderie among fellow riders, we send you off with wishes of peace and love for your future riding journeys.

The Positive Power of Community Found in Motorcycling

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Sometimes it feels like contrasting realities. For some, their world view is driven by negative social media, but we can find hope in our positive motorcycling community. Want to know how? Just look around.

Have you ever found yourself in a moment so heartwarming and uplifting, only to be jolted back by an encounter with negativity? Picture a radiant summer day in Loveland, Colorado, where my wife and I offered free coffee at a local 10K run, all while sparking connections over our shared love for motorcycling. The open road and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts have always been my sanctuary, a theme that resonated deeply as I handed out my "Peace, Love, Moto" cards. Conversations flowed easily with folks clad in Klim and Harley Davidson gear, reminding me how our shared passions can unite us. Yet, amidst this joy, an encounter with a man wearing a vile, hate-filled shirt was a stark reminder of the harsh realities that linger in our world, even amidst positivity.

Reflecting on this experience, the episode takes a deeper look at the dual nature of our society—where words of hate can be as pervasive as they are damaging, from t-shirts to tweets. Despite this, I am inspired by the warmth and kindness of the global motorcycling community, which rallies for meaningful causes like the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride. Our community’s dedication to promoting men's health is a testament to the power of our collective spirit. Join me as I celebrate the transformative nature of shared passions and mutual respect, which shine brightly on the open road and beyond, even in the face of negativity.

Neale Bayly's Journey for Peace and Love: From Motorcycles to Global Philanthropy

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0700

Neale Bayly turned his thirst for adventure by motorcycle into a powerful vehicle for spreading peace, love, and compassion across the war-torn Ukraine, Peru, and the World. From the early influences of literature like "Jupiter's Travels" to becoming a voice for global connections, Neale's story is a testament to the transformative power of following your passions. Check out: https://wellspring-outreach.org

Rediscovering a Legacy - A Motorbike's Journey Through Time

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0700

Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden family treasure? Join us as we hear the heartwarming story of Paul Kraus and his father's 1947 Whizzer motorbike that sparked a restoration journey that revived a priceless piece of history. As Paul shares his experiences with the Colorado Vintage Motorcycle Group, you'll hear about the vibrant camaraderie and passion that these classic machines inspire.

Vintage motorcycles and classic cars carry stories and memories as rich as their history. From the cherished Schwinn bicycle frame with a Whizzer kit motor to the iconic 1926 Ford Model T, we explore the deep emotional connections formed through these heirlooms. This episode shines a light on the supportive community that rallies around these timeless vehicles, emphasizing not just the joy of the ride, but the bonds forged through a shared love for preserving family heritage and history. Whether it's discovering original documents or maintaining these beautiful machines, enthusiasts find a sense of belonging and a link to the past.

Motorcycling is more than a hobby—it's a vehicle for community and support. Through events like the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride and local initiatives, we celebrate how this passion unites people for meaningful causes. Across various chapters, we emphasize the importance of welcoming the younger generation, embracing both petrol and electric motorcycles, and fostering inclusive connections. This episode invites you to experience the joy, love, and camaraderie that the motorcycle world offers, demonstrating its power to inspire and bring people together across all walks of life.

How to Ride Happy - It's all about perspective

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0700

Today we're diving deep into the heart of why we ride – finding that elusive "ride happy" feeling, which if we’re lucky, takes us to a whole other level of happiness. The all elusive Peace of Mind.

Ever found yourself stranded in the Nevada desert, only to discover that the journey is as exhilarating as the destination? Join us as we explore the unwavering joy and resilience that motorcycling offers, despite the challenges like breakdowns and inclement weather. Through personal tales of childhood spills and unexpected adventures, we dive into the fascinating contrast between the unwavering dedication of passionate riders and those who fold after a few miles. This episode unwraps the inexplicable happiness that motorcycling brings and highlights the profound peace of mind that comes with disconnecting from daily stressors. Whether you’re meeting new people on the open road or savoring the solitude, the call of the motorcycle is a beautiful journey worth every risk.

Imagine traversing a snowy landscape, battling the cold, yet feeling overwhelming gratitude for the sheer ability to ride. We'll reflect on this sense of thankfulness for the privilege of owning a bike and the freedom it offers, encouraging listeners to appreciate the world around them. By sharing your experiences on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, you help foster a positive view of motorcycle culture. As we wrap up, we extend warm wishes for safety, happiness, peace, and love to all fellow riders, reminding everyone of the unique, transformative journey that motorcycling provides.

What happens if...? - The Hunter Matthews Interview

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 18:00:00 -0700

While we frequently discuss the Peace of Mind many of us find from the seat of a motorcycle, what if that's no longer an option? After a devastating accident, Hunter Matthews could have given up, but he hasn't. Instead, he encourages us to explore alternative paths to inner peace and fulfillment while he maintains found memories of his riding days. It's a power reminder about gratitude and seizing life’s opportunities. Prepare to be inspired.

Motorcycles Change Lives (Part 2) - Kiki Azim and Kirsten Midura

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Now for the conclusion of my two part conversation with Kiki Azim and Kirsten Midura. In our previous episode #80, you could hear it in their voices. A passion for empowering our motorcycling community to find peace of mind by demonstrating a love for others. The poor, the innocent, those who believe that no one cares for them.

So how do you demonstrate a love for others? Volunteer, donate or both! You’re blessed with the opportunity to find joy riding your motorcycle. Now you can bring that joy to others who really need it. Click the links in the show notes for details or feel free to email me at ron@peacelovemoto.com for specific information.

You can help! Make your tax-deductible donation TODAY!

Engines for Change: https://www.enginesforchange.org/
Rebels with a Cause: https://www.rebelstour.com/
Rebels donations: https://givebutter.com/E4C-Rebels-With-A-Cause

Motorcycles Change Lives (Part 1) - Kiki Azim and Kirsten Midura

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0700

Today, we hear part 1 of my fascinating conversation with Kiki Azim and Kirsten Midura. Two friends with a common heart. A common love for motorcycling and a shared passion for healing a hurting world. People like them have changed the world! You can too!

You can help! Make your tax-deductible donation TODAY!
Engines for Change: https://www.enginesforchange.org/
Rebels with a Cause: https://www.rebelstour.com/
Rebels donations: https://givebutter.com/E4C-Rebels-With-A-Cause

A Motorcycling Encounter: "Hello" Changed Everything

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 21:00:00 -0700

I just said "hello". He followed me on his new motorcycle into the mountains then down into the valley to my favorite coffee shop. What he told me there left me speechless.

In this episode, we reflect on the blessings of motorcycling and the unexpected connections it brings.

This heartfelt episode serves as a reminder of the power of human connection, especially within the motorcycling community. Whether through a shared passion for the open road or a quiet moment of understanding, we have the ability to lift each other up in ways we may never fully realize. Join us for this touching story of loss, hope, and the unexpected friendships that make life’s journey all the more meaningful.

The Ride That Found Its Purpose: A Sunday Journey

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 22:00:00 -0700

Do you ever feel the need to escape the noise of everyday life, hop on your motorcycle, and just ride? That urge to hit the open road, feeling the wind and the freedom of the journey—it’s something every rider knows. But what if that ride is more than just an escape? What if it leads to a moment where your presence is truly needed?

In this episode of Peace Love Moto, I share a personal story about one of those unforgettable rides. One Sunday morning, instead of heading to church, I followed the call of the road. My route took me through the breathtaking landscapes of northern Colorado—over Horsetooth Reservoir, along Highway 287, and past the historic Forks stage stop. But what started as a solo ride for peace of mind turned into a chance encounter that reminded me why we ride—not just for ourselves, but for others too.

On a lonely stretch of highway near the Wyoming border, I spotted a stranded car. A young woman, stuck without cell service, had already turned away one passing driver. But when I pulled up on my bike, something changed—she felt safe. What followed was a powerful conversation about life, connection, and the unseen plans that bring people together at just the right time.

Motorcycling isn’t just about the ride—it’s about being present, being open, and sometimes, being exactly where you’re meant to be. Join me for this story of serendipity, kindness, and the unique way motorcycles bring people together.

Motorcycling in your Flow State

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 14:00:00 -0700

Have you ever found yourself in a Flow State? Ah… nice. It’s good to find yourself riding in the Zone. Maybe that’s a glimpse of Heaven. So how do we find it on our next ride?

Her Perfect Vehicle - Magical motorcycle writings

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0700

I can’t always find the words to express how meaningful riding is to me and for so many of us around the world. But others have very effectively found those words. One such person is Melissa Holbrook Pierson from her 1997 book, The Perfect Vehicle. So today, we will hear from the most eloquent Forward that I’ve ever heard. I’ll have a link in the show notes for how you can get your own copy of this book. So for now, I ask you to relax, pour yourself a favorite coffee or tea, take a couple of deep slow breaths, and listen to these poetic words that describe our beautiful world of motorcycling.

https://www.melissaholbrookpierson.com/the-perfect-vehicle

Safety in Motorcycling and Life: Increasing Your Margin

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 23:00:00 -0700

Sometimes our motorcycle rides are fast paced. Yes, that’s fun, but a fast paced life? That’s not so fun. It can be high-risk and destructive. There are ways of building some cushion of safety, both in motorcycling and in life. Creating some “ Margin" as they call it. We need to know when to adjust the load, when to slow down, when to make a change, when to rest, before something happens that could impact our ability to ride. This is important stuff.

Your Wonderful Life - The Value of You on Your Motorcycle

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 21:00:00 -0700

My hope for you and for myself is that we will be just like George Bailey at the end of the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”. By having a motorcycle, the ability to ride to ride it and the many friends and family who love us, we will recognize how very blessed you are right now. We’ll be reminded that yeah, we are having a Wonderful Life.

Go Fast Don’t Die - A Conversation with Brady McLean

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0600

Brady McLean, the founder of Go Fast Don’t Die, has a story to share. Yeah, that’s a cool slogan and he loves motorcycling, but you’ll learn that there’s much more to Brady than business and bikes. He knows a lot about living a full life. Honestly, I just felt lucky to be in a conversation with a guy like him. Get ready for a transformative conversation.

Kim Casares Motorcycles to the Mount Everest Base Camp - No kidding!

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 21:00:00 -0600

Kim Casares is an amazing motorcycle rider who pushed the limits of courage and strength to reach her goal of riding a motorcycle to the Base Camp of Mount Everest. Here is my interview with my new friend, a true Motorcycle Adventurer.

Motorcycles to the Rescue - Be a Hero

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0600

Riding a motorcycle isn’t just about the open road—it’s about strengthening yourself so you can better serve others.

In this episode of Peace Love Moto, we explore how riding helps us recharge mentally and physically, allowing us to be there for those who depend on us. Much like the airplane safety rule—put your oxygen mask on first—taking care of ourselves through motorcycling makes us stronger, happier, and more capable of helping others.

From first responders like firefighters and medics to everyday heroes, we all have a role to play in lifting others up. Through personal stories, including a life-changing moment in an operating room, we reflect on the power of resilience, gratitude, and the strength gained from two wheels.

Listen in and discover how motorcycling can be more than a passion—it can be a way to become the hero someone else needs. Tune in, ride strong, and share your joy.

Playing with Our Toys - Motorcycling with Friends

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Motorcycling. It’s transportation and a cool means for travel, but if you’re like me, it’s the same play that I experienced in my childhood. When we go out for a ride, we go out to play, sometimes alone and sometimes with our friends, and that’s a beautiful thing. What a gift to be able to do that!

The Little Motorcycle Wisdom Book

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 21:00:00 -0600

Today, we take a few minutes just to relax and we do that by reading passages from a little book that not only takes us on our motorcycles down the road, but it also reminds us why we have such a desire to be on the road in the first place. Published in 2013 and edited by Malcolm Nelson and Kristen Lassen, it’s called The Little Black Book of Motorcycle Wisdom.

The Little Black Book of Motorcycle Wisdom

Motorcycle Riders Never Leave Reality

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 21:00:00 -0600

I hear it often, even from motorcycle riders traveling on vacation. I often hear it as I meet vacationers in the National Park. If people tell me that they are leaving for home the next day, they often say “We have to go back to reality”. Maybe, they’ve got it all wrong. Maybe they have it backwards. Perhaps they have been in reality all along.

Motorcycling and Pursuit of Perfection

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 21:00:00 -0600

There is value in understanding that we don’t have to be perfect. With each new ride, we have the opportunity to get become a better rider and during that process, let’s just be satisfied with the fact that we’ve found something that we love.

Sky-High on Montana’s BearTooth Highway

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 13:00:00 -0600

My brother-in-law and I got ski-high together. No, not a chemical high through whatever means, but he on his Triumph and me on my BMW, no hallucinations going on here at all. This is real. Climbing so high on mountain roads, temperatures dropping over by 30 degrees. Seeing for miles and miles in every direction, it gives you a new perspective. Maybe a new perspective on life. The world… is beautiful and there are lots and lots of amazing open space everywhere, especially here in the western United States. We just have to see it to believe it.

Sebastian Schoepe of EagleRider - An experience you may need.

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:00:00 -0600

I’ll never forget our group ride here in Colorado and the smile on my friend's face. He rented his dream motorcycle from EagleRider, a business that is led by a motorcycle rider who also cares about people. My friend's smile means mission accomplished.

I'm excited to visit today with the CEO of EagleRider, Sebastian Schoepe!

Learn more about EagleRider at: EagleRider.com

Riding Like Some Kind of Psycho

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Many of our motorcycle rides are just circles. Some 5 mile loops others 500 miles, but usually we start from home and return home. Why do we do the same thing over and over again? Well, we riders know why. Yes, crazy can be fun!

Andreas Metzger - Mountain Motorcycling with Friends

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0600

I’m excited to share with you an unedited conversation with my friend Andreas Metzger. Andreas and his wife Lisa joined me for a long Saturday ride through arguably the most beautiful spaces on Earth here in Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming. I gave Andreas no prep time. I just handed him a clip-on microphone and told him “OK buddy, let’s talk”.

A Close Call and a Lesson in Forgiveness

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:00:00 -0600

Today we replay what I feel is one of the more important episodes thus far. It’s one about forgiveness. It’s about compassion. It’s about showing love for a stranger. It’s about a wrong assumption about a driver who almost killed you.

Discovering Your Motorcycling Community

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 22:00:00 -0600

Are you looking for a community? A sense of belonging? Well, you already have your membership card. It’s the motorcycle you ride! It’s the jacket you’re wearing. It’s the helmet you carry into the coffee shop. You’re in! You are a part of a growing community of motorcycling riders. How great is that?

How to Ride Through the Rain - As in Life

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 18:00:00 -0600

While preparing every Episode for this podcast, I make an effort to refresh my memory on how I feel when I’m out on my bike. Since I had determined that I would call this episode, Riding in the Rain, well then, I needed to ride in the rain!

So this afternoon the timing was perfect. Here in Colorado, most afternoons or evenings, a rainstorm will likely come through. I saw on the weather radar that 30 miles from my home, there was a storm brewing. So, for you, for my listening audience, I prepared for my ride, I confirmed that I had all of my rain gear, hopped on my Triumph Bonneville, and rode through the storm. Such is life.

Motorcycling to the Smallest of Colorado Towns - Visiting Virginia Dale

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 18:00:00 -0600

About 50 miles northwest from my home in Loveland, Colorado are two places where I ride my motorcycle quite often. Following Highway 287 in vast, wide open spaces, just before the Colorado Wyoming border we arrive in a place called Virginia Dale. Here are two very different places of worship. Each with it's own methods for a common goal. A great place to ride, to stop, to take a seat and to listen.

Serenity Found - The Joy of Motorcycling the Backroads to Coffee Shops

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 18:00:00 -0600

My hope for this short episode is that you can ride your motorcycle to your own place of Serenity, such as Serenity Coffee in Riverside, Wyoming. To stop, relax, take in the scenery, and know that, at least for that moment, you are the luckiest guy or gal in the world, and all is well with your world.

Serenity Coffee, Riverside, Wyoming

Music by:
Gary Schmidt Music
William_King and Olexy from Pixabay

Motorcycling When Things Go Wrong

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 21:00:00 -0600

It was two days after my motorcycle broke down in the Nevada Desert that I made the recording. It’s actually a video where I described how everything was going great, until it wasn’t going so great. Most importantly, I shared my feelings at that moment. Not a feeling of despair, or disappointment that my motorcycle journey had ended so abruptly. Instead, it was about feelings of overwhelming gratitude. Gratitude for a world just full of people who will help a stranger in need. This time, I was that stranger and I was in need.

In today’s episode, I’ll share with you the raw, unedited audit that I captured that day back in the Nevada Desert to where my bike broke down. My hope is that you’ll hear it in my voice, the gratitude that I felt toward so many good people, who came to my physical and emotional rescue.

Motorcycling New England - Moto-Cyco Touring Adventures

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0600

A trip of a lifetime. How often have you experienced that? Today, we travel to New England and visit with Pat, Greg and Scott from Moto-Cyco Touring Adventures. I so enjoyed talking with these guys about the amazing motorcycle tours that they offer. Now I have an addition to my personal touring bucket list. You may too!

https://www.moto-cyco.com/
ride@moto-cyco.com
978.417.9930

Motorcycling through a Lonely World - What Happened to Laura?

Thu, 23 May 2024 21:00:00 -0600

The Sheriffs Officer said that her name is Laura and that he would try to keep an eye on her. But unless she broke the law or got hurt, I think there was little he could do.

My intent for today’s episode was to celebrate the great success of this past Sunday’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. It was fabulous, but if it’s OK, I feel the need to share with you the experience that I had out in the country on my motorcycle just 2 hours ago.

2024 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride - What Love Looks Like

Fri, 17 May 2024 22:00:00 -0600

On Sunday, May 19th, 2024, I’ll see love in this world. I’ll feel it. And so will over 100,000 motorcycle riders. On Sunday morning, literally around the world, there will be a Global hug. An expression of love for those we know and also a love for total strangers. Maybe you’ll even feel it from wherever you are. A warmth from human connections. Hearts beating together. Am I being a bit over-dramatic? No, I don’t think so. I’ve seen it first hand. I’ve felt it. It’s real.

Motorcycling While You Still Can - Windows of Opportunity Not to be Missed

Sat, 04 May 2024 09:00:00 -0600

“Windows of Opportunity”. We assume that there'll always be time for this or that. Until there is no time left. Whether it’s planning our next motorcycle journeys or sharing a coffee with an old friend, in today’s episode, let’s share some ideas for making every Window of Opportunity count.

Today we feature the wisdom of Ben Giese from Vahna Magazine:
https://vahna.com/

MotoGP Live - The Sound of a Motorcycling Community

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 19:00:00 -0600

Miguel Oliveira is amazing and so is MotoGP in which he competes. Today I share my experience attending the 2024 MotoGP races at the Circuit of the Americas with my longtime friend, Kent. We talk about the bikes, the riders, their families and our own.

Motorcycling the Cowboy Way

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 15:00:00 -0600

Jeff Johnson said "I’m drawn to open country. It’s where everything becomes clear. It’s where the world makes the most sense. When I put myself out there, I always return with something new. The best journeys are those that answer questions that in the beginning, you never thought to ask". (2010 - 180 Degrees South)

Whether it’s imagining yourself as a cowboy, or some kind of adventurer, riding a motorcycle takes us to a new space and time. It’s hard to explain, isn't it. As for me, out on the lonely dirt roads up in the mountains, often standing on the pegs and riding slowly, yep, I’m a cowboy.

Just like Jeff Johnson said in that movie, I too am drawn to open country. Out there, the world does seem to make the most sense.

Losing Control and Finding Rainbows

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 20:00:00 -0600

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass: it’s about learning how to ride in the rain! We have to ride with some degree of confidence that all will go ok in the end. If we are in fear all the time, well, we’d should probably sell the bike and switch to pickleball. Nothing against pickleball, but as for quitting? We won’t do that.

We love motorcycling too much. It means too much to our heart and soul. We accept the fact that we don’t have 100% control in motorcycling, or in life for that matter. And that’s OK. Maybe that’s the best part!

Kirsten Midura - Changemaker and Motorcyclists

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0700

Courageous people. People who step out when others won’t. Those are people that we call heros. I had heard about such a person. And when I learned that she also has a passion for motorcycling, well that’s someone I really wanted to talk with.

Kirsten Midura is a change agent in the environmental and social good spaces. Professionally, Kirsten is a career consultant in sustainability, renewable energy, and marine conservation, with experience in nonprofit, corporate, and startup environments.

In her spare time, Kirsten runs Engines for Change, a nonprofit that uses motorcycles as tools for environmental and social good. She is an avid motorcyclist, diver, sailor, writer, filmmaker, photographer, and community-builder. The common thread? Everything she does is driven by a cause.

I’m excited today to share with you my conversation with a true hero. Kirsten Midura.

Kirsten's Website: https://kirstenmidura.com/

Want to be a Changemaker? Consider donating!

Engines for Change: https://www.enginesforchange.org/ - Our mission is to build and foster a community of changemakers who use motorcycles as tools to address today's most pressing global issues, and to provide education and resources that informs and inspires others to make a difference in their own ways.
Rebels With a Cause - Pakistan humanitarian tour
Be Nice Rally - Bay Area event supporting Tiba Foundation and their Boda Girls (women moto taxi riders)
Bright Future Kenya - Delivering food, medicine, and clothing to street children and families in slums throughout Kenya
Ride My Road - Using motorcycles and photography to support survivors of human trafficking
Motorcycle Missions - Using motorcycle builds to help veterans and survivors of domestic abuse address PTSD
Twende Solar - Partners for the Peru solar project

Why Motorcycle Riders Do the Biker Wave - You've Got a Friend!

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0700

The"Biker Wave" with the left hand comes in several forms ya know, but to me it means just one thing. It means that you care. And that is what the Peace Love Moto podcast is all about. It’s about spreading the good news that riders do care for that total stranger who’s also out on two wheels. You may be out on a solo ride, in the middle of nowhere, but just about guaranteed, if another motorcycle rider is coming your way, you’ll see a wave. And once you see that wave, and you respond back, then yes, you've got a friend.

The Basics of Motorcycling - Ain’t Nobody Feelin’ No Pain

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 13:00:00 -0700

Some folks say that you can never go back in time. But I think we can. As a child on my first motorcycle, I was moving through the air with a motor and two wheels under me. Wandering from place to place with just the sound of the bike and the open road ahead of me.

You and I can do that now! Why not go back in your mind to a wonderful place and time. Your happy place. Your Luckenbach, Texas where there "Ain't nobody feelin' no pain". On your next ride, go there! So will I.

Motorcycling while Helpless and Speechless and Breathless

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 13:00:00 -0700

I had to learn to be quiet. Because that’s when Mother Nature can speak to you. In today's episode, we talk about riding East to the plains of Nebraska, meeting a rancher with an amazing story, and then experiences with quoting from James Taylor in Rocky Mountain National Park. Motorcycles are a perfect transport into a conversation with your mother. Mother Nature.

Motorcycling to Glen Echo, Colorado and Other Amazing Things!

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 22:00:00 -0700

I could hear those motorcycles coming my direction. They had to be going fast! Echoing down through the canyon on that steep dirt road. There’s no guard rails up there! Slide off the road and you're a goner. Coming my way. Coming really fast! Those engines screaming. Two KTM’s roared up and parked near my bike, right next to the outdoor table where I was having breakfast up there in that mountain village. 2 matching KTM 500 Enduros. The riders, also in matching KTM off-road racing gear. Klim adventure helmets as I recall, neck braces, KTM jerseys, enduro pants and boots. Oh yes, these two were pros. They knew how to ride.

And the shock that ran threw me when they pulled their helmets off….? Wow, you’ve got to be kidding me!!! Ha ha, I’ll tell ya about it.

The Art of Slow Motorcycling - As in Life

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 16:00:00 -0700

We’ve just got to slow down sometimes, now more than ever. No, I’m not warning against riding fast, I’m referring to the speeds that our brains and emotions are built for. With 24*7 news cycle, constant social media updates, work stress. Now we’ve got Artificial Intelligence creating more and more content out there to absorb, like Youtube videos that are clearly not narrated by humans, and much of the content is either inaccurate or at best misleading I think. We can’t keep going at that pace and keep our sanity anyway.

Fast all the time is not good for us. I firmly believe that. We’re not made for that. So when we’re on our bikes, just pick a place sometimes and stop. Turn off the bike. Be quiet. Look around. That’s hard, but I’m convinced that it’s worth it. Let’s talk about it. Thank you for joining me today!

Motorcycling Songs and the Road Ahead

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0700

What music do you hear in your head when you ride? The Doobie Brothers? Pearl Jam? John Denver? The Mormon Tabernacle Choir?

For me, it’s any one of those music styles, playing over and over in my head as I ride, but for yesterday’s ride, about a 300 miler, the song in my head changed multiple times. I didn’t have a plan for this ride, but I felt compelled to ride for a few hours, out into the open spaces. Yesterday, I needed the road time. Maybe to un-clutter my head. And guess what? It worked.

Motorcycling with a Purpose - Creating Picture Perfect Moments

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 18:00:00 -0700

My grandmother was Nettie Mae. That’s a beautiful name, isn’t it. A little lady, full of spirit. I remember when I was a kid, 10 or 11 years old, going fishing with her way out in the country near Blue Ridge, Texas. She drove my cousin and I in an old pickup truck out to the fields where our grandfather was working, usually driving a tractor.

I didn’t realize that what I was experiencing was a picture perfect moment. Maybe we as motorcycle riders need to keep our eyes open for those picture perfect moments, because we probably are exposed to those with every ride.

Motorcycling in Colorado - Hidden Cafes, Porches, Coffee Shops and More!

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0700

Are you planning a motorcycle trip to Colorado? Maybe visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park region? Oh, we need to talk. Ha ha. This is my 25th year of living and motorcycling all around Northern Colorado. This is a great place to ride! As a tour guide in the National Park, spending a lot of time up in the mountains, I have gotten to know of those really special places that are not in the guidebooks and I love sharing the info with you!

You and I know that when you take a trip by motorcycle, the real fun of your vacation begins not when you’ve reached your destination, but it begins as soon as you back you motorcycle out of the garage. We are so lucky as riders that the fun begins right away. That’s what you’ll find as you ride to these destinations that I’ll be describing, cool places that are a whole lot of fun to ride to and these places are relatively unknown, and I don’t know why.

Be ready to take some notes because today I’m sharing with you some of my favorite hidden cafes, porches, coffee shops and maybe a couple of surprises, all to be found here in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

Summary of Episodes 21-39 - The Roads We've Traveled

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0700

Late November and that means it’s Thanksgiving holiday here in the US. Hard to believe that 2023 is beginning to reach its close. It’s been snowing the past couple of days here in Loveland, Colorado. Time to browse through our motorcycling magazine and plan for rides on those nice days coming up.

Yeah we do have a lot to be thankful don’t we. This motorcycling thing that we’re so crazy about, what a gift. Maybe now it’s good timing to reflect back on some stories and interviews we’ve shared these past weeks.

Seems that it wasn’t that long ago that we reflected back on the first 20 episodes, starting with breakfast with a stranger on Route 66. I had no idea. No idea, that conversation in Gallop, New Mexico would turn as it did. I’ll never forget that man. That was Episode 1.

So if this podcast is new to you, maybe start with Episode 20 to hear summaries of the first 19. But for today, let’s talk briefly about where we’ve been starting with Episode 21. Thank you for joining me today!

Motorcycles and the Art of Wandering

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0700

Young riders pick a destination and go. Old riders pick a direction and go. That's good. I get it.

Henry David Thoreau talked it way back in the 1860s, this idea of wandering. As motorcycle riders, we have the freedom to wander aimlessly, and nobody’s going to question us about it. Some of us feel compelled to do that as we ride.

We don't always have to be going from point A to point B. We don’t always need to be accomplishing something. What we do need is peace of mind, freedom of both mind and body. Wandering around without a specific destination in mind can be amazing.

Where will your motorcycle take you? Let’s talk about it. Thank you for joining me today!

Motorcycling: A Pure and Simple Return to Reality

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0700

There are lots and lots of things we love about motorcycling and for me, an overarching thing that I most appreciate. Motorcycling is real. There’s no Virtual Reality. There’s no AI. Nothing Artificial going on here.

For those of us lucky enough to have a motorcycle in the garage and the ability to ride it, …. Wow, we are just so fortunate! I think that riding is not so much an escape from reality. Riding motorcycles returns us to reality. And for that, we can be very grateful.

The Film Festival referenced in this Episode: https://vahna.com/

Staying Healthy and Thinking like a Hippie: Motorcycling may be what you need.

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0600

It was there, boarding our motorcycles onto the ferry, that the fellow next to me pulled off his jacket to reveal a t-shirt that not only caught me by surprise, but made me laugh. We struck up a conversation right away. His black t-shirt had a simple slogan on it that said “Go Fast, Don’t Die”. Oh, now that’s genius! I get it! I’m sure that statement could be interpreted in many ways, but for me it means, do what you can, while you can. I guess, live life to the fullest. Mindfulness helps! Do what makes you happy.

I love the feedback and want to hear from you! Here’s my request. Send me an email: ron@peacelovemoto.com. Thank you!

https://www.gofastdontdie.com/

https://youtube.com/shorts/-4fwQ10BCdY?si=p7q_E6xbYXmSmh-6

Music by:

Gary Schmidt: https://www.garyschmidtmusic.com/

Brett Wilson: https://www.mountainzenden.com/

Oleg Kirilkov from Pixabay

Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay

Vitalii Korol from Pixabay

Wow! Charlie at Janus Motorcycle hears that a lot. An interview with Charlie Hansen-Reed.

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 20:00:00 -0600

I had stopped for lunch in a tiny mountain town here in Colorado when he rode up on this unbelievable motorcycle. I know that my first word to Charlie was “Wow”, followed by “What kind of motorcycle is that”?

He briefly described how this bike was handcrafted in Indiana with some of the fabrication done by the local Amish community. Yes, you heard right. The same Amish folks that you see using buggies pulled by horse for transportation. You talk about a beautiful, well made machine!

I had to get to know this guy and beg for a chance to ride his Janus Motorcycle. That’s spelled Janus. A bike like I’ve never seen outside of a history book. Not only did I get to spend an afternoon riding with Charlie high up in the mountains, he let me ride it! Oh, that was cool!!!

I’m so excited today to share with you an interview with my new friend, Charlie Hansen-Reed, Design Engineer with Janus Motorcycles in Goshen, Indiana. This was a fun conversation.

Contact Mitch, Charlie and the crew at Janus Motorcycles at:
(574) 538-1350
https://janusmotorcycles.com/

Doug Logston: Part 2: The Motorcycle Sport Touring Association and More!

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 22:00:00 -0600

Do you know what I love about riding motorcycles with friends? Everything! As the old Christmas carol goes, “Oh what fun it is to ride” and so it was just this morning, riding with two great friends through the twisty mountain roads here in Colorado, reaching our destination which was the Howling Cow Cafe at the Morning Fresh Dairy in Bellview, Colorado.

Today we continue with Part 2 of my conversation with Doug Logston of the Motorcycle Sport Touring Association. And yes, Doug was one of the two guys I rode with this morning. If you’re wondering “Is Doug a good motorcycle rider”. Yes, yes he is. Doug is very good!

Meet Doug Logston: Part 1: The Motorcycle Sport Touring Association and More!

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0600

As I have described in previous episodes, a large credit for the idea for this podcast, Peace Love Moto, is due to the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, an international fundraiser for men’s health issues focused on prostate cancer research and suicide prevention.

I described how this event is attended by men and women, all dressed up in dapper outfits, all with the common heart for raising money and awareness for these important issues that impact thousands of men throughout the world.

I also mentioned that this past year, I was honored to be the host of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride event in Fort Collins, Colorado. I met people with hearts the size of our Colorado Mountains. One such person, is our guest today.

Not only was Doug Logston the first place fund raiser for our Fort Collins event, I also learned that Doug is one fascinating guy, including being the State Director for the Motorcycle Sport Touring Association! It’s such a joy to present to you my interview with my new friend, Doug Logston.

Views from the Saddle Part 2: An interview with Brett and Melissa Wilson. Comparing horseback riding with motorcycling.

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Melissa and Brett Wilson described how it’s about gratitude, it’s about appreciation for our ability to ride because of how much you love it! Today, we continue with Part 2 of our conversation with Brett and Melissa as we find ourselves amazed by the parallels between motorcycling and horseback riding. Both transport us physically, yes, but also emotionally and even Spiritually. We’re calling it, Views from the Saddle. Thank you for joining me today!

So now, let’s get back to Views from the Saddle, our conversation and the conclusion of our visit with Brett and Melissa Wilson.

Well, I’m so grateful for that visit with Brett and Melissa. Ya know, when I’ve been asked what the Peace Love Moto Podcast is all about, sometimes I say it’s just about joy. The joy we feel doing what we love to do, just being out riding, and sharing a smile with a stranger along the way. Yeah, as simple as that.

As always, thank you for spreading the news about this podcast. You can simply Google the words Peace Love Moto Podcast and you can find it, or go to peacelovemoto.com.

Until we meet again, I wish you peace. I wish you love.

Music by:

Brett Wilson: https://www.mountainzenden.com/

Alexi Action from Pixabay

PineAppleMusic from Pixabay

Yoav Alyagon from Pixabay

Olexy from Pixabay

Views from the Saddle Part 1: An interview with Brett and Melissa Wilson. Comparing horseback riding with motorcycling.

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 21:00:00 -0600

Ya know, when someone asks me to describe what the Peace Love Moto podcast is all about, I simply say that it’s about the peace of mind that all of us seek, and some of us find, from the saddle of a motorcycle. Well today, you’ll hear a slightly different approach for reaching that same goal, peace of mind.

Brett and Melissa Wilson are extraordinary people. Yes, they too, seek that peace of mind that we all seek from the saddle. But their saddles are attached to horses and its simply amazing to learn what motorcyclists and horseback riders have in common.

I know that you’re going to enjoy this part 1 of a two part conversation with the hosts of the Mountain Zen Den Podcast, Brett and Melissa Wilson. Stay tuned!

Find amazing stories from Brett and Melissa at: https://www.mountainzenden.com/

Music by:

Brett Wilson (https://www.mountainzenden.com/)

Gary Schmidt (https://www.garyschmidtmusic.com/)

Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay

Lesfm from Pixabay

Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay

Motorcycling with Your Eyes Closed. I didn't know she was asking for help.

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 18:00:00 -0600

I call this episode “Motorcycling with Your Eyes Closed - Don’t let this happen to you”. Of course we ride with our eyes open! What a silly thought. We motorcycle riders are hyper aware of everything going on around us. We make sure that the car we’re approaching sees us. We watch for wildlife crossing the road. We’ve got to be careful because our health depends on it.

But this past week, my eyes were not as open as they should have been and I regret what I didn’t do. Maybe it’s a lesson for all of us.

Think like your dog. Motorcycling in North Park, Colorado with no distractions.

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 18:00:00 -0600

My dog, Sally, doesn’t know that it’s Wednesday. She has no plans for tomorrow. She doesn’t even have plans for today. She’s just in the moment.

Right here beside me, right now, life is good. And to her, that’s what matters. Living in the moment. It’s not that she doesn’t care about what’s going on in the world, she’s just unaware, and maybe that’s normal. Maybe you and I should learn something from that when we take our next motorcycle ride.

How To Be a More Kind Motorcyclist.

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0600

I think I know you. Yep, I'm pretty sure that I know you. You’ll talk to a stranger. You’ll ask someone parked on the side of a lonely road if they need help. When you see a little kid looking through the car window at you on your motorcycle, you’ll wave and you love to see that kid’s smile as they wave back and tell mom and dad about you.

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about why being kind to strangers is so important to the entire motorcycling community. We’ll describe forms of kindness, different ways of showing that motorcycle riders are really good people, and then we’ll talk about why your actions as a rider, really impact all of us all. Hum,... a lot to think about. Thank you for joining me today!

Moto-Camping - An Interview with Rob Hamilton - Part 2

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0600

Welcome to Part 2 and the conclusion of my interview with Rob Hamilton, the motorcyclist, musician and very popular Youtube content creator in Australia.

Rob Hamilton’s work is amazing. Rob takes us with him and his motorcycle for a visit with Mother Nature at the Speed of Life. No complexity here. No use of Artificial Intelligence. With more than 177 thousand Youtube subscribers with video view count currently of over 13 million views, Rob’s moto camping videos are like nothing you’ve ever seen. This is Art. It’s about enjoying our passion for motorcycling and embracing the wonders of Nature, all without saying a word.

Moto-Camping - An Interview with Rob Hamilton - Part 1

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 17:00:00 -0600

In this age of shock and awe films that bombard our senses with sights and sounds, how can these motorcycle camping themed Youtube videos be so successful? They’re not fast cuts between mind-blowing scenes. There’s no AI involved here. And this also isn’t what they term “Slow TV”, where we’re watching a lack of activity until we are put to sleep.

No. This is Art. This is real, and that’s why, with more than 177 thousand Youtube subscribers with watch counts currently over 13 million views, he’s still not out to fool us, or convince anyone of anything.

Rob Hamilton, the motorcyclist, musician and photographer in Australia, just takes you and I along with him through real journeys at the “Speed of LIFE”. As Rob describes his videos, he simply says it’s a “Complete audible camping experience. No talking, just you, me and the sounds of nature. And that’s what certainly grabbed my attention when I first stumbled upon his amazing work and became a fan.

I’m so excited to share with you today my interview with Rob Hamilton. Speaking from opposite sides of the globe, I knew instantly that this passion for motorcycling that so many of us share connects us all no matter where we are. And Rob most certainly knows how to connect us as a global community of those who love our bikes and the outdoors.

Connect with Rob at:

https://www.motofeelz.com/

https://youtube.com/@Rob_Hamilton

https://www.instagram.com/moto_feelz

Motorcycling as Play - What a Happy Place to Ride

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 21:00:00 -0600

When we were kids, we played. Remember? Going outside to play? My mother or dad would answer the phone, not a cell phone but the one built into our house, and a kid on the other end of the line would say “Can Ronnie come out to play?” Today, you and I sometimes get a call or more likely a text saying “Want to go for a ride?” In other words, sometimes my buddies Martin or Brian calls to ask, “Hey Ron, can you come out to play?”

That’s the beauty of this sport we love, isn’t it. Yes, it’s transportation and a cool means for travel, but if you’re like me, it’s the same play that I experienced in my childhood. When we go out for a ride, we go out to play, sometimes alone and sometimes with our friends, and that’s a beautiful thing. What a gift to be able to do that!

In today’s episode, we’ll remanence for a while on a mindset that maybe we don’t think about as often as we should, especially as the responsibilities of life add up. Going out to play with our motorcycles. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it! It is! Let’s talk about it. Thank you for joining me today!

How to Balance a Motorcycle - Riding on the Dirt and the Art of Balance

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 22:00:00 -0600

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about balance, both on the bike and in life. As any experienced motorcyclist will tell you, staying loose and relaxed on the bike makes you a better rider and it keeps you more safe than being all tensed up. Yeah I get that. But, what’s it mean to stay loose in life?

He knows why you need to ride. An interview with Dan Cardonne

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 21:00:00 -0600

It was a cold and rainy Saturday when I met him. Not a good day for motorcycling for most people, but as I walked around Fort Collins MotorSports, just looking at bikes, I met this genuinely friendly guy, Dan Cardonne, who as I learned, is a kindred spirit.

We got to talking about our love for riding motorcycles and walked me to the back of the shop where he showed me the motorcycle that he rode to work, in the rain! Yep, I knew that this was a guy I wanted to get to know.

You are in for a treat. The following is a record of my conversation with Dan about this sport that we love, riding motorcycles. I know that you’ll enjoy it.

Rocky Mountain National Park by Motorcycle: Part 3 - When, Where and How to ride a motorcycle through Rocky Mountain National Park and beyond.

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 17:00:00 -0600

Here we are for Part 3 and our final Episode about Planning a ride to Estes Park, Colorado and the Rocky Mountain National Park region.

Now today’s Episode is what you may consider your Bonus Material, or Extra Features like what we used to get when we would purchase a DVD. If you’re a rider who really enjoys putting in the miles in order to see as much of the Rocky Mountains as possible, well this is the Episode for you!

In this episode, I will very quickly recap Parts 1 and 2, which are Episodes #21 and 22, then we will consider two full day options for returning back to Loveland Colorado from the Western side of Rocky Mountain National Park, where we left off, which is the Village of Grand Lake.

Rocky Mountain National Park by Motorcycle Part 2: When, Where and How to ride a motorcycle through Rocky Mountain National Park and beyond.

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 16:00:00 -0600

Here we are for Part 2 of Planning a ride to Estes Park, Colorado and the Rocky Mountain National Park region. In this episode, we will explore the more traffic-free backroads and I will share my favorite stops along the way. If you haven't already listened to Part 1 in Episode 21, I highly recommend listening to it first. There is some very important information there about timing your trip for the best experience.

Here in Part 2, we’ll take a lesser known route from Loveland Colorado to Estes Park, up a the very twisty backroad that take us up sharp switchbacks, which open up to an amazing vista of Long's Peak, the Continental Divide, and the village of Estes Park. In addition to the history, wildlife, and geology of the area we’ll talk about how to ascend Fall River road, then join the world famous Trail Ridge road onto the Continental Divide then down the other side to Grand Lake.

Rocky Mountain National Park by Motorcycle: Part 1 - When, Where and How to ride a motorcycle through Rocky Mountain National Park and beyond.

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 21:00:00 -0600

Planning a ride to the Estes Park, Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park region? Ready to reach the Continental Divide? Well, this is the episode for you!

Here in Part 1, we’ll discuss When to go, Where to go, and How to reach those exceptionally amazing locations. In Part 2 next time, you’ll get even more details on the history, wildlife, and geology of the area, as well as coffeeshop and restaurant recommendations.

I’ve motorcycled in and around this area for 25 years. I’m also a Tour Guide in the National Park so I have some secrets to share with you that will make yours a trip of a lifetime!. It’s a fantastic place to see, especially from the seat of a motorcycle. After literally hundreds of journeys through both Estes and Rocky, as we locals call them, I think that I’ve learned the best times to ride there, where the best destinations are and best routes to reach them by motorcycle.

After these two podcasts, you should be well equipped to have a fantastic trip. Also, I’m planning to offer a free live Zoom meeting where you can ask your questions about traveling by motorcycle out here, and we can have a nice chat. More news coming on that!

Looking back and forward - The Road Ahead. Motorcycling stories and interviews.

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0600

As we've reached episode 20 of the Peace Love Moto podcast, well, I’m having a ball, I’m really enjoying this because folks who ride motorcycles and even those who don’t, tell me they like it. Thank you for the positive feedback. I especially hope that you enjoy this 20th attempt to shed a positive and meaningful light on the sport that you and I love, riding motorcycles, spending time outside, and meeting strangers along the way..

Now with the podcast being streamed on several outlets including Apple podcasts, Google podcast, Audible, iHeart Radio and several others now, I want to first say thank you, then I thought it would be a good time to reflect back on those first 19 Episodes.

2023 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride - The Good News

Sun, 28 May 2023 07:00:00 -0600

On May 21st, in 107 countries, 104,000 motorcycle riders raised over 7 million dollars through the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride with the sole purpose of supporting men's health, focused on Suicide Prevention programs and prostate cancer research. It was a blast and that is very good news if you needed to hear some today. That’s a glimpse of Global Peace. That’s a peek into what Love looks like. And in this case, all from the seat of a motorcycle.

Motorcycle Maintenance - What does Shop Class have to do with it? An examination of Shop Class as SoulCraft.

Sat, 20 May 2023 16:00:00 -0600

It was the cover of the book that caught my attention. This beautiful old BMW motorcycle in front of a barn. It’s title almost scared me away though. “Shop class as Soulcraft. An inquiry into the value of work.” Yikes! That sounds deep. And indeed it was, but it reminded me of many truths. Could that be related to this Mindfulness thing, that everyone keeps talking about?

Maybe now more than ever, we should consider the importance of working with our hands, maintaining our own motorcycles, then going out for a ride in the real world that’s all around us. Hum…. Thank you for joining me today!

The Gift in the Garage - A reflection on why we ride. Appreciation for your motorcycle and your ability to ride.

Sat, 13 May 2023 21:00:00 -0600

Lawrence of Arabia, the movie from 1963 starring Peter O’Toole, won 7 Academy Awards. TE Lawrence was the real “Lawrence of Arabia”. Yeah that was a real person. An amazing man who had an adventurous life. He was an avid motorcyclist and he said this: “When my mood gets too hot and I find myself wandering beyond control, I pull out my motor-bike and hurl it top-speed through these unfit roads for hour after hour”. This was a man who understood that riding a motorcycle made him happy.

Today, in the short, but reflective time together, we will consider what our motorcycles mean to us. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just getting started, I hope that this episode will give you a new appreciation for gift of riding. Thank you for listening!

Mark Hawwa - A Distinguished Gentlemen - Part 2. A global motorcycle charity event.

Sat, 06 May 2023 11:00:00 -0600

Today we continue with Part 2 of my interview with my hero, Mark Hawwa, the founder of the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride. Be sure to first listen to Episode 15 for Part 1 of this fascinating interview. My goal is to someday shake Mark's hand, give him a hug and just thank him for all the great things that he and his organization have done for men just like myself.

Mark Hawwa - A Distinguished Gentleman - Part 1. A global motorcycling charity event.

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 20:00:00 -0600

A lot of people in this world have a very good heart. Other people come up with great ideas. One man was gifted with both, a good heart and a great idea, and a global social movement began.

Beginning in 2012, held only one day a year, The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride boosts participation from over 100,000 motorcyclists in more than 100 countries around the world, collectively raising over 37 million dollars for men’s health issues including suicide prevention and prostate cancer research.

I can honestly say that the idea for this podcast, Peace Love Moto, and its purpose, came from the values set forth by the one man. It’s my joy today to share with you Part 1 of a two part interview with my hero, Mark Hawwa. Founder of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

Martin Bates - Motorcycle rider, activist, and one wonderful friend.

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 17:00:00 -0600

Over and over in this podcast I repeat the same message. We ride motorcycles because it makes us happy. It just does. Many of us also are thrilled by the opportunity to meet strangers along the way. Our hope maybe is that we can say something that has a positive impact on their life. Sometimes, if we're really lucky, we'll meet a stranger who quickly becomes a dear friend and touches our lives.

In our episode today I'd like to invite you to listen in on a conversation between two motorcycle riders who became friends. Martin Bates is not only an excellent rider but he and his wife Janie are also activists who have touched the lives of so many people. Martin is a veteran and a very positive light in a sometimes dark world. Stay tuned for our full conversation.

The Unexpected - Lessons from Ted Simon. Motorcycling into the unknown.

Sat, 15 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0600

In an earlier episode I spoke about the adventures of Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman. I described how they rode their motorcycles on three epic Journeys around the world. Often referred to as the “Long Way”. What I didn't share with you was what their inspiration was. His name is Ted Simon.

Ted Simon is a British journalist and writer who is best known for his motorcycle journey around the world, which he documented in his book "Jupiter's Travels", then many years later he repeated that journey perhaps in a quest to relive those earlier memories. To go back in time.

Music:
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Cambo/
Brett Wilson https://www.mountainzenden.com/

Close Calls: What riders want to say, but shouldn't. Motorcycling and kindness.

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0600

Episode 12: In today's episode, let's share together one short story from two sides of the windshield. From our side and from their side. Let's learn a little bit about love, let's learn a little bit about compassion. Let's explore a little further what a Heart full of kindness might look like. And where all of this can be applied from the seat of a motorcycle.

RoadRunner Motorcycle Touring and Travel: The National Geographic of motorcycling publishing.

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0600

Today I had the privilege of talking with the Editor and Chief of RoadRunner Motorcycle Touring and Travel.

Florian Neuhauser is indeed a gentleman and such a pleasure to talk with. He literally grew up in a family with a passion for motorcycling, for travel and for photography. He, his family and his organization continue to have a great deal of pride in attention to detail, the quality of their work. You know that the publication has high standards when it becomes known as the National Geographic of motorcycling publications.

RoadRunner Motorcycle Touring and Travel is not only about motorcycle information and destinations, but as Florian describes, it's all about the story. Stories about connecting with people, with nature and as I mentioned, beautiful photography. I know you will enjoy this full length interview.

Learn more about Florian and RoadRunner here:
https://www.roadrunner.travel/

Music Credits:

Linux_Music by Pixabay

Brett Wilson https://www.mountainzenden.com/

Motorcycle Risk Management: Ewan and Charley's “Long Way Round” adventures explored.

Sat, 25 Mar 2023 17:00:00 -0600

If you have not followed the "Long Way..." series of motorcycle documentaries by actors Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman, you should. They are fascinating! Today, we’ll take a deeper dive into concepts and practices of risk management while preparing for your next motorcycle adventure.

Compassionate Motorcycling: Glen Campbell and The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Sat, 18 Mar 2023 17:00:00 -0600

Episode 9: What do people think of us when we’re out on our bikes, or if we are recognized as motorcycle riders when we’re off the bike? That impression hasn't always been good in the eyes of the General Public, but I firmly believe that there are people changing that image. That's you and me.

Glen Campbell sang "You've got to try a little kindness, just shine your light for everyone to see". How can we show others our light through kindness from the saddle?

In today's episode, we will explore how the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is just one example of making the world a better place through motorcycling. We will hear an opinion about how NOT to be popular, and finally, how to make someone's day. Your day!

George Harrison and Hope for Becoming a Better Rider: Just look up. A positive mindset for motorcycling.

Sat, 11 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -0700

George Harrison of the Beatles wrote "Give me Peace" and "Give me Love". With a Podcast called Peace Love Moto, you do pay attention to such lyrics. We'll also look at the career of MotoGP racer Valentino Rossi and learn the secret to his winning record. It's about both the left and the right, and we're not talking politics. Finally, we examine physical and emotional challenges, and how motorcycling just might be part of the solution we're looking for.

The Accident and Love Thy Neighbor. How an injury kept me from riding my motorcycle.

Sat, 04 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0700

My original intent was to go for a motorcycle ride just before recording each podcast. Due to a hand injury, the plan had to change. Today, our focus turns to gratitude, love for others and perhaps what Peace Love Moto really means.

Your "Peak to Perk" Tour: A Virtual ride through the mountains of Colorado to fabulous coffee stops

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0700

Riding a motorcycle through the mountains on the way to a favorite cool little coffee shop here in Colorado, well it just doesn't get much better than that. In today's episode we'll take a virtual tour over the Peaks and through the valleys of the Rocky Mountains to reach the coolest coffee shops I personally visited in the past many years.

Moto Coffee Stops
https://www.motocoffeestops.com/

How to Disappear: Motorcycling to your new reality. Mindfulness and motorcycling.

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Peace Love Moto, we explore the power of the mind and how riding motorcycles can take us on a journey far beyond the roads we travel. Inspired by my father’s stories of plowing fields while lost in his music, we dive into the connection between deep focus, mindfulness, and the freedom we feel on two wheels.

I share a story of a gifted pianist who overcame her fear of performing by embracing the joy of playing for herself. Her journey mirrors the experience many riders have—where the world around us fades away, and we become fully immersed in the ride. Sometimes, the sound of the engine disappears, the wind fades, and even the motorcycle itself seems to vanish, leaving only a pure sense of peace.

Through personal reflections and conversations with fellow riders, we uncover why motorcycling is more than just a hobby—it’s a form of meditation, an escape, and a way to connect with something greater than ourselves.

Join me as we take a ride without ever leaving our minds.

nsported to our Happy Place and that's a might fine place to be.

Music credits:

Brett Wilson https://www.mountainzenden.com/

Gary Schmidt https://www.garyschmidtmusic.com/

Jason Shaw https://freemusicarchive.org/music

What Can Happen to a Kid: The lasting impact of “On Any Sunday”. An introduction to motorcycling.

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 17:00:00 -0700

After seeing the movie "On Any Sunday" as an 11 year old, I was transformed. I fell in love with motorcycling. Little did I know what impact that riding would have on my outlook on life. In this week's Episode, we discuss the movie that many say inspired them to ride. We also read the lyrics to the movie's theme song that so graciously captures our passion for riding.

In this episode of Peace Love Moto, we explore the undeniable risks, expenses, and challenges of riding motorcycles—only to reaffirm why we do it anyway. Despite the dangers and costs, the thrill, freedom, and sheer joy of riding make it all worthwhile.

I share a personal journey that began at age 11, watching the legendary film On Any Sunday. The film’s final scene, featuring Steve McQueen, Mert Lawwill, and Malcolm Smith riding together, captured the essence of why we ride—not just for the adventure but for the camaraderie and pure happiness it brings.

From the first pull of the rope-start on my red mini-bike to the countless miles I've traveled since, riding has been a constant source of joy and personal reflection. It’s a way to escape, to reconnect with our past, and to find peace on the open road.

And maybe, just maybe, we are a little crazy. But if happiness is the measure, then it’s a craziness worth embracing.

Tune in for a heartfelt reflection on the ride of a lifetime.

Music credits:

Brett Wilson https://www.mountainzenden.com/
Gary Schmidt https://www.garyschmidtmusic.com/

Resources:
https://www.damfinoroads.com/sally-stevens

Falling for Horses and James Taylor's "Gaia" in The Park. A very slow motorcycle fall.

Sat, 04 Feb 2023 18:00:00 -0700

How is your relationship with Mother Nature? "Mother Nature”. Do you feel surrounded by her right now, or far from her? In today's Episode, we ride to a remote road and unexpectedly fall. No harm, but certainly interesting. Then we ride into Rocky Mountain National Park following the guidance of James Taylor as we gaze upon one of Mother Nature's masterpieces.

In this episode of Peace Love Moto, we explore the profound connection between motorcycling and Mother Nature. From an unforgettable encounter with wild mustangs to the breathtaking heights of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, I share moments when the beauty of the natural world left me utterly speechless.

Along the way, I reflect on James Taylor’s song Gaia and how its lyrics capture the awe-inspiring grandeur of the mountains. I even recount a surprising connection with James Taylor himself—one that made this journey even more special.

Join me for a ride into solitude, wonder, and the humbling power of the open road. Just be sure to keep your bike upright!

Music credits:
Brett Wilson https://www.mountainzenden.com/
Jason Shaw https://freemusicarchive.org/music
Scott Holmes https://freemusicarchive.org/music

Forrest Gump and Our Little Baby Soul. Motorcycling Monument Valley.

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -0700

Forrest Gump Point is a real place in Monument Valley. In the movie, it's where Forrest Gump stopped running. In this episode, we will take a virtual ride to that spot in the road. While Forrest needed to run, Neal Peart of the Canadian band Rush, needed to ride. Neil's true life challenges required movement to sooth them. In his book "Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road", Neil states "My little baby Soul was not a happy infant…, with much to complain about. But as every parent learns, a restless baby often calms down if you take it for a ride".

In this deeply personal episode of Peace Love Moto, we embark on a journey—both on the road and within ourselves. From the breathtaking landscapes of Monument Valley to the reflective pages of Neil Peart’s Ghost Rider, we explore how motion can be a source of healing, clarity, and peace.

Join me as I ride through the iconic Forrest Gump Point and reflect on how both Peart and Forrest Gump used movement to navigate life’s greatest challenges. Whether running, riding, or simply moving forward, we all have moments when we need to take our “Little Baby Soul” for a ride.

Tune in for a story of resilience, solitude, and the freedom found on two wheels.

Music credits:
Brett Wilson https://www.mountainzenden.com/
Jason Shaw https://freemusicarchive.org/music
Scott Holmes https://freemusicarchive.org/music

Motorcycling Route 66 - The Poor Man said "Nice Bike"

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0700

Motorcycling solo on Route 66, I met a poor man in Gallup, New Mexico. I thought I could help him by inviting him to share breakfast with me. Instead, he had priceless wisdom to share with me. He taught me about Peace of Mind and how we should all be happy with what we already have. I will never be the same.

Today, we share a powerful encounter that took place on a solo ride along Route 66. What began as a simple compliment from a stranger—“Nice bike!”—became an unexpected lesson in gratitude, resilience, and the true meaning of peace.

Join me as I reflect on a morning in Gallup, New Mexico, where I met a Navajo man with a past of struggle and a present filled with hope. Over breakfast, he shared his story of transformation, faith, and contentment—reminding me that peace of mind isn’t about material wealth, but about the spirit within us.

This episode is a reminder that the road isn’t just about the miles we travel; it’s about the connections we make along the way.

Music credits:
Brett Wilson https://www.mountainzenden.com/
Jason Shaw https://freemusicarchive.org/music
Scott Holmes https://freemusicarchive.org/music