It's a 2006

I ride a 2006 Honda VFR Interceptor. That means my bike is almost 6 years old. But...
- the oil,filter and tires have only 2400 miles on them;
- the chain, sprockets and brake pads have about 600;
- I clean and lube the chain ever other week or so;
- I clean and polish it a couple times per month;
- I check the air pressure in each tire every time I fill it up with gas;
- Before every ride I check the brakes, lights and turn signals;
- Annually I have all the fluids checked.

I also...
- Study to be a better rider;
- Know what I'm good at and enjoy it!
- Know what I'm not good at and practice to get better;
- I only ride 100% sober, 100% of the time;
- I know the risks and take steps to mitigate them.

So what's your hobby or passion. Do you have a whole list of things you do to keep your "2006" running well and safe? to keep your 2006 running like new?

And what about yourself? And your relationships? What are you putting into your body and your mind?

I am making a resolution, here and now, to apply the passion I have for motorcycling to what is really important in my life.

Now, I know that even with everything I do to maintain my 2006, and to mitigate the risks of riding, I may crash. But I also know my 2006 will only get old if I let it get old.

Decisiveness

I took a nice long ride two weekends ago. Headed south on great Rock County roads, crossed the cheddar curtain into the realm of Northern Illinois. Took a right and passed through Galena, then Dubuque, then back home. I reckoned my direction by the position of the sun as I had the whole day to just ride and not knowing where I was was not an issue. I checked maps when I stopped for refreshments.

On the other hand - it was hot and dry and I stopped frequently for water. I wore all my gear. I practiced my good habits and practiced some things that I hope become good habits. I had fun but I rode my ride.

The path can be taken as it reveals itself. Which fork in the road can be chosen on a whim. But we need to have something to reckon our positions against so, while we enjoy not knowing where we are, we do not get lost.

Values.
Morals.
Belief.
Faith.

We need to keep our balance and know how to swim to the surface. We need to engage in adventure and enjoy the thrills of risk. But the ride cannot take ownership of us.

I agree with "it's the journey, not the destination". But each time we conduct ourselves in a manner inconsistent with our principles we have stopped the journey and arrived at our destination.