I know this only relates to motorcycles in a roundabout way, but I’m just so excited and wanted to share my happiness with you. Yesterday, Kenny popped the question and asked me to marry him. Squeeeeeeee! I know, right? 

The very first time we ever met was on a group motorcycle ride. It took a couple of years before we finally moved forward but here we are a decade after that first meeting, heading off on another adventure together.

He’s been with me through thick and thin. The ups, downs, failures and triumphs. That man has saved me from myself, taught me about love and helps me to try to be my best self. I love him more than I am able to express here in words.

Luckiest girl in the world? Yea, that’s me!

What is it about boarding a ferry on your bike that makes you feel like you’re going somewhere even when that somewhere is less than a mile away?

On the eastern end of Long Island, to get from one fork to the other you can hop the ferry in either Greenport or Sag Harbor and use lovely Shelter Island as your cut through.

Of course while you’re there, it would be a shame to miss out on riding around the island’s quiet lanes.

I’ve heard it said that Shelter Island has a New England-y feel to it. It’s hard for me to tell because I have been there enough times for it to only feel like Shelter Island. I guess you’ll just have to go and decide for yourself.

Even though the ride on both boats is all of 5 minutes, you still get the sensation that you’re heading off on an adventure.

Perception is everything.

…you use a ROK Strap on your purse.

This particular bag doesn’t have a shoulder strap. While we were at the bike show, I wanted to be able carry my bag without it slipping off my shoulder or being generally annoying. Enter the ROK Strap! Worked out perfectly

During our visit to the bike show over the weekend, we saw a lot of beautiful spokesmodel types representing different manufacturers and vendors. Some just stood around looking sexy and others… well, they were apparently coached to speak to people.

I witnessed one particular exchange that was completely cringe-worthy. When asked questions about the bikes on display the young lady must have been recalling what she memorized on the cab ride over. It was apparent that she didn’t really know anything about the motorcycles she was standing amongst.

Oh, brother. Well, are you asking or telling? 

As a woman, I am more impressed by other women who kick some ass. Women who are out there doing something. Women who are out there adventuring, wrenching and you know… RIDING! Doing the thing that this show was about. Those are the types of broads who give me something to aspire to, give me courage and lead by example. That’s what I identify with.

My question is this: Wouldn’t you rather speak to someone who REALLY knows about the bikes and isn’t just there to look beautiful?

The snow has finally made an appearance here on Long Island. It was so pretty when it was freshly fallen. But, here it is only a day later and I’m already wishing for clear roads. I’d love to take a ride and snap some photos. Sadly the streets are still quite icy.

Today it looks like I’m going to have to use Twitter, blogs and Facebook to get my motorcycle fix.

If you’re attending any of the Progressive International Motorcycle Show dates as it travels around the country, make sure you check the Learning Curve schedule to see if Brittany Morrow is speaking. Her story is really moving.

If you’ve been a motorcycle rider who has used a forum or any other hangout on the web – I bet you know Brittany’s story even if you don’t realize it.

Founder of Rock the Gear, Brittany Morrow is a survivor. At the age of 20, she hopped on the back of a motorcycle as a passenger wearing an ill-fitting helmet, a sweatshirt, capri pants and sneakers. That day would change her life forever.

Brittany survived a 500+ foot slide along a hot New Mexico highway, when she came off the back of the bike which was traveling at about 120mph. From that day forward, she became The Roadrash Queen.

“No one plans on crashing.”

Listening to a person who lived through such an ordeal first hand, really adds a whole other level of “realness” to the story. Just hearing her mention how her kneecaps had to be reattached was gasp-worthy.

My hope is that someone who isn’t already practicing ATGATT hears her message and maybe changes their mind about not rocking the gear.

Even one changed person would be a success.

RocktheGear.org | Facebook | Brittany on Twitter