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.

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

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.

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?

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

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.

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/

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?