Peace Love Moto - The Podcast

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

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? 

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.

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?

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

Riding with a Local is just better.  Until we can ride together, I will share with you pro-tips for escaping the tourist crowds, finding traffic-free roads for the most spectacular experience riding the Colorado Rocky Mountains and where to find the best coffeeshops, burgers, and cherry pies!

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.

Learning to ride a motorcycle, especially as an adult, is a very bold move.  Some of us learned to ride small motorcycles as kids.  Slow bikes as low to the ground and underpowered as we were.  But learning to ride as an adult, well, that's a whole different motivation.  It begs the question, why are they choosing to learn to ride? 

What happens when the icy roads of winter threaten the freedom and joy that come with motorcycling? Join me as we explore the impact of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) on motorcycle riders and share solutions for getting through the Wintertime Blues.  Listen also for a heartfelt nod to the wisdom of the Beatles.  

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.

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.

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.

 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

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.

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.  

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.

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

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

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.

Have you ever felt the  need to just turn off the world for a while, get out of the house, get out on your motorcycle, to find yourself out on a lonely road and just ride?   I believe that sometimes a ride like that can transform itself into a chance encounter.  Like the stars were aligned for something special, something meaningful to happen.  It happened to me.  I'd like to tell you about it. Send me a message!

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?Send me a message!

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-vehicleSend me a message!

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. Send me a message!

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.Send me a message!

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.Send me a message!

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.Send me a message!

Go out there, ride, gain strength, be happy, and share that strength and your inner joy with someone else.  Be a Hero.  You ask "What are you talking about, Ron"???   Oh, have I got a story for you!

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!

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

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.Support the show

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.  Support the show

My brother-in-law and I got 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.Support the show

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

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!

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”.

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.

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?  

I would love to hear from you! Send a message!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.  

I would love to hear from you! Send a message!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.

I would love to hear from you! Send a message!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, WyomingMusic by: Gary Schmidt MusicWilliam_King and Olexy from Pixabay

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. 

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.com978.417.9930

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.

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.

“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/

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.  

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.  

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! 

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 tourBe 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 KenyaRide My Road - Using motorcycles and photography to support survivors of human traffickingMotorcycle Missions - Using motorcycle builds to help veterans and survivors of domestic abuse address PTSDTwende Solar - Partners for the Peru solar project

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.

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.